Grammys 2026 Red Carpet: A Night of Sheer Elegance and Political Statements
The 2026 Grammy Awards, celebrated as the music industry's most prestigious night, transformed into a daring showcase of fashion where sheer, nude and neutral trends dominated the red carpet. While artists like Sabrina Carpenter, FKA Twigs and Chappell Roan embraced barely-there couture, political protesting also made headlines as celebrities including Justin and Hailey Bieber wore symbolic pins to voice dissent.
Sheer Statements Steal the Spotlight
Chappell Roan, aged 27, made a bold fashion statement by leaning into the sheer trend with a look that referenced Thierry Mugler's spring/summer 1998 collection. The Pink Pony Club singer wore a burgundy sheer draped gown over a nude bodysuit, featuring temporary ink designs down her chest and back. After removing a matching cape, Roan revealed a low-cut dress fastened to nipple piercings on the bodysuit, creating a dramatic and barely-there aesthetic.
Sabrina Carpenter, 26, opted for a more refined approach to the sheer trend in a bridalesque tiered Valentino gown. The dress, which took three months to create over four fittings, featured intricate beading along the bodice. Carpenter, who is nominated for six awards, has already been declared a winner in the fashion stakes with this elegant creation. The tribute to Valentino's founder, Valentino Garavani, who died in January, added emotional depth to her appearance, with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni praising him as an "undisputed master of style."
FKA Twigs, 38, sported the neutral nude trend in a custom Paolo Carzana dress. She accessorised with metallic vine embellishments, sky-high platform heels wrapped in tights, a book and a red peace lily. The peace lily may reference the current "Ice Out" protest movement, highlighting how fashion and activism intertwined on the red carpet.
Political Protesting Turns Heads
Amid the fashion spectacle, political statements also captured attention. Justin and Hailey Bieber stepped out in all-black sombre attire with "Ice Out" pins fixed to their chests, protesting immigration crackdowns. Justin, 31, wore an oversized double-breasted black tuxedo by Balenciaga, while Hailey chose a strapless black gown with sheer panelling by Alaia. The couple returned to the event after a four-year absence, with Justin scheduled to perform, making their protest even more poignant.
Other stars joined the movement, with singers like Joni Mitchell and Kehlani also spotted wearing "Ice Out" and "Be Good" pins at the ceremony. This trend of activism on the red carpet has been growing throughout the awards season, showing celebrities using their platform for social causes.
Diverse Fashion Choices Across the Red Carpet
Tyla, the 24-year-old South African singer, stepped out in a plunging sheer dress by Dsquared2 and Paris Texas, embroidered with gold beads and accessorised with Pandora jewellery. Her song Push 2 Start is nominated for Best African Music Performance, and she won her first Grammy in 2024, adding to the night's celebratory atmosphere.
Coco Jones, 28, wore a sheer nude corset minidress, telling the Associated Press, "I wanted to channel my inner love girl. Give something flirty, a little romantic, that's just the space I'm in right now." Her look embodied the playful and romantic side of the sheer trend.
Olivia Dean, 26, a Best New Artist nominee, wore a black and white feathered Chanel gown with a sequin bodice and full embellished skirt. The Chanel atelier reportedly took 323 hours to create this masterpiece. Dean's second album, The Art of Loving, was released last year, and her breakout hit Man I Need dominated social media in 2025, making her one of two British artists nominated in her category.
Zara Larsson, 28, who performed at the awards, stepped out in a bright yellow custom beaded gown by Germanier. The Midnight Sun singer is nominated for best dance pop recording, showcasing how performers balanced stage presence with red carpet glamour.
Casual Attire Provides Contrast
While many embraced dramatic couture, others opted for more casual attire. Lola Young, 25, wore a Vivienne Westwood khaki tracksuit paired with retro Old-Hollywood waves, offering a relaxed counterpoint to the evening's opulent fashion. This diversity in style highlighted the Grammy Awards as a celebration of individuality and artistic expression beyond just music.
The 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet proved to be a multifaceted event where fashion trends like sheer, nude and neutral designs shone brightly, while political statements added depth and relevance to the glamorous proceedings. From intricate beading to symbolic accessories, celebrities used their outfits to make both aesthetic and social impacts, ensuring the night was memorable for more than just the musical accolades.
