Manchester Hosts Brit Awards 2026 with Spectacular Red Carpet Fashion
The 2026 Brit Awards made a historic move to Manchester's Co-Op Live arena, marking its first ceremony outside London, and the red carpet did not disappoint. Music's elite descended in a dazzling array of styles, with cobalt blue, feathers, and monochrome tailoring emerging as the dominant trends of the night. From sculpted corsetry to fluid chiffon, the fashion stakes soared as high as the chart battles, with nominees and presenters alike dressing to impress in bold and expressive ensembles.
Leading Nominees Showcase Signature Styles
Artist of the Year nominee Lola Young, aged 25, embraced her signature grunge aesthetic with a sculpted strapless corset top featuring striking red spray-paint detailing. She paired this structured bodice with loose metallic jeans and pointed pumps, opting for minimal jewellery and long, side-parted waves to soften the industrial edge of her look.
Fellow Artist of the Year contender Olivia Dean, 26, who also received two Song of the Year nominations, chose a springtime-inspired strapless yellow Loewe column gown adorned with delicate blue florals. The clean silhouette and understated jewellery allowed the vibrant texture and colour to take centre stage, complemented by her natural curls framing the feminine design.
Drama and Glamour on Display
International Solo Artist nominee Rosalia, 33, delivered high drama in a reworked Chanel two-piece ensemble, featuring a plume-like feathered bandeau sash and matching skirt layered over a black underlay. The open-back detail, adapted from the runway version, gave this couture look a contemporary red-carpet edge that captivated onlookers.
Presenter Maya Jama, 31, brought Old Hollywood glamour to the event in a slinky white V-neck gown draped with a matching fur stole, complete with a vintage-inspired bob that perfected the silver-screen silhouette. Meanwhile, Mabel, 30, embraced bohemian romance in a teal tulle Chloe gown, elevated by a dramatic gold snake necklace coiled around her neckline.
Recurring Themes and Standout Shades
Sunshine hues were a recurring theme throughout the evening. Vogue Williams, 40, wore a vibrant yellow silk backless polka-dot dress, accessorised with chunky gold hoops and a metallic clutch. American singer-songwriter Alex Warren, 25, tapped into warm tonal dressing with a butter-yellow double-breasted jacket and caramel-brown trousers from Amiri's spring/summer 2026 collection.
Cobalt blue emerged as the standout statement shade of the night. Ashley Roberts, 44, opted for an asymmetric sheer gown in this electric hue, while Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo, 41, chose a high-necked, long-sleeved mini dress with ruched detailing and a flowing train in the same punchy tone, making a bold fashion statement.
Monochrome and Theatrical Flair
Monochrome tailoring also had a strong showing on the red carpet. Harry Styles, 32, reworked classic suiting in a baggy, double-breasted ensemble etched with deconstructed pinstripes, styled with a striped tie and black ballet pumps for a modern twist. Robbie Williams, 52, made an even bolder statement in a black-and-white floral suit worn shirtless, showcasing his iconic flair.
Feather trims added theatrical flair to several looks. Kelly Osbourne, 41, layered a black feathered shawl over a bodycon velvet dress, attending alongside her mother Sharon Osbourne, 73, who opted for sharp, all-black tailoring finished with a diamond-encrusted bat brooch for a touch of elegance.
Eclectic Style Reflects Musical Diversity
Happy Mondays duo Bez, 61, and Shaun Ryder, 63, injected personality into the carpet with red monochrome suiting and relaxed indigo double denim respectively, proving that Brit style remains as eclectic and vibrant as the music it celebrates. With nominations reflecting a year dominated by women in pop and a globally diverse shortlist, the red carpet mirrored that creative energy with an array of bold and expressive looks that set a new standard for awards show fashion.
