2026 Grammys: Chappell Roan, Heidi Klum and the night fashion lost its mind

The 68th Grammy Awards didn’t just feature a red carpet, they unleashed a full-blown fashion spectacle. What should have been a glamorous showcase of style instead became a wild mix of sheer gowns, dramatic costumes and designs that seemed determined to shock. Inside the Crypto.com Arena, music reigned. Outside, fashion ran amok.

If you found yourself missing the old-style glamour of Grammys past, you were most certainly not alone. 

The arrivals quickly became less about “Who are you wearing?” and more about “Is that even legal?” Commentators scrambled to describe the looks, comparing them to a collision of couture and carnival. Some called it a celebration of near nudity, while others joked it had a clownish energy. One thing was clear: this was not a red carpet you could glance at casually. It demanded attention.

Chappell Roan was the evening’s biggest conversation starter. Her custom Mugler dress was so sheer it seemed to float rather than cling. The most talked-about detail was that it was held in place by faux nipple rings. An elaborate cape and tattoo-inspired designs pushed the look further into performance-art territory, drawing reactions that ranged from stunned admiration to outright confusion. Roan later addressed the buzz with humor, showing that if you are going to turn heads, you might as well enjoy it.

Heidi Klum took red carpet theatrics to another level. Her custom nude-tone latex dress by Marina Hoermanseder was almost indistinguishable from her own skin. Molded and treated to look like a second skin, it left photographers squinting and audiences doing double takes. She could barely walk in it and looked completely ridiculous. Klum admitted sitting was impossible, so she spent the evening standing perfectly still- say what?!

Other stars followed suit with sheer fabrics, glittering embellishments and exaggerated silhouettes. Some outfits were wearable, others purely theatrical, but the dominant trend of nude illusions kept cameras flashing all night, nothing like the ceremonies of old.

I much prefer seeing Cary Grant in a classic tux and Elizabeth Taylor in a flowing lavender gown wearing her own jewels. Those were the days. 

Here are some celebs who chose style over shock:

Lady Gaga stepped out in a dramatic black feathered gown that drew attention for its sculptural shape and striking presence. Her look was one of the most talked-about and showed how bold design can still be polished and memorable.

Sabrina Carpenter wore a fitted gown with cascading layers that balanced sparkle with elegant tailoring. Her outfit had a classic glamour feel while still fitting the Grammys’ reputation for risk-taking fashion.

Olivia Dean impressed in a custom two-tone gown featuring contrasting elements and feathered detail at the waist, creating a visually interesting silhouette that was both refined and eye-catching.

Addison Rae chose a white ensemble with a plunging neckline and voluminous skirt that referenced old Hollywood glamour in a modern context, making her one of the more striking red-carpet appearances.

Laufey appeared in a lilac fringe dress that combined a soft color palette with movement-focused design, giving her a look that felt graceful yet lively.

Bad Bunny brought a fresh twist to traditional formalwear with a tailored velvet tuxedo featuring unconventional details, offering a standout example of how menswear can still be fashion-forward at major awards shows.

Teyana Taylor made a strong style statement in a custom gown with strategic cutouts and bold accessories, underlining her flair for high-impact fashion choices.

Kelsea Ballerini was highlighted for her sequined gown with a long train, a look that blended classic red-carpet poise with a bit of shimmer that fit the night’s celebratory mood.

Paris Hilton mixed old-school glamour with contemporary styling in her beaded black gown and accessories, reinforcing her reputation for polished, attention-grabbing looks. One of my favorites. 

Billie Eilish opted for a look that leaned into her signature aesthetic while still fitting the grammy stage, balancing traditional formal elements with her own unique style sensibility.

Sources: British Vogue, vanityfair.com, Red Carpet Fashion Awards, HELLO!, Marie Claire, Hypebeast

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