See All the Stars Arriving on the Red Carpet at the 2026 MTV VMAs
The 2026 MTV VMAs red carpet brought an impressive mix of music icons, current chart-toppers, and emerging artists to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27. Taylor Swift, Madonna, Lisa of BLACKPINK, Chloe Bailey, Charli XCX, Raye, and Troye Sivan were among the stars who arrived for the ceremony, which was hosted by Snoop Dogg.
This year’s red carpet reflected the VMAs’ long tradition of bold, theatrical fashion. From dramatic silhouettes to sheer embellished gowns and statement accessories, attendees embraced the event’s reputation as one of music’s most fashion-forward nights.
The ceremony itself carried additional significance. Madonna returned to open the show for the first time in more than two decades, while Taylor Swift entered the night tied with Beyoncé for the most VMA wins in history before ultimately surpassing that record.
Taylor Swift made a highly anticipated arrival at the 2026 MTV VMAs, walking the carpet shortly before the broadcast began. It marked her first major red carpet appearance since her marriage to Travis Kelce in July.
Swift wore a Tamara Ralph Couture gown featuring a black mock-neck bodice and a sparkling silver skirt. The look included sheer cut-outs and corset-like detailing, elements that appeared to echo imagery from her forthcoming “Patient Zero” music video.
She accessorized with Leviev earrings and an Etho Maria diamond ring, completing an elegant ensemble that balanced classic glamour with subtle edge.
Swift entered the ceremony with nine nominations and was set to receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors. She also planned to premiere the music video for “Patient Zero” during the broadcast.
Madonna drew significant attention on the 2026 VMAs red carpet ahead of her return to the show’s stage. The pop icon, who led all artists with 13 nominations, opened the ceremony for the first time in 23 years.
Fellow attendees named Madonna as the artist they were most excited to see. Normani described her simply as “the icon,” while Lucky Daye expressed his admiration on the carpet.
Madonna’s red carpet presence underscored the evening’s retro-influenced fashion mood. Many of the night’s looks incorporated corsets, bustiers, and lingerie-inspired details, a trend that seemed to nod to her legendary “Like a Virgin” performance at the inaugural VMAs in 1984.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa made a striking entrance in a form-fitting red ensemble. She wore a sheer red dress by The Attico layered beneath a faux-fur coat by Quine Li. The crimson look featured corset boning and a dramatic silhouette.
Lisa styled her hair in a high ponytail with bangs and wore sharp, defined makeup. She accessorized with Rainbow K’s Tribal earring in 18-karat white gold and diamonds.
The K-pop star was nominated for four awards and performed during the ceremony. She won Best Pop Video for her solo work, accepting the award in a different outfit by Russian designer Daniil Antsiferov.
Chloe Bailey made an early statement on the VMAs carpet in a semi-sheer, heavily embellished gown. The look featured shimmering details, dramatic cut-outs, and silver beading that covered nearly every inch of the garment.
The gown’s sleeves were particularly ornate, bejeweled in a way that gave them an almost armor-like appearance. Bailey completed the look with champagne-colored platform sandals featuring satin uppers, a thick platform sole, and ankle straps secured with buckles.
Her glam included bleached eyebrows, adding an unexpected edge to the glamorous ensemble.
Raye brought sheer and shimmer together in a Georges Hobeika couture design from the Lebanese designer’s fall 2027 collection. The halter dress featured a sheer material base completely encrusted with glittering gems and teardrop pearls.
The silhouette included a scoop neckline with a draped bust, a cinched waist, and a back vent for movement. Raye accessorized with Angara jewels, including bezel-set pear aquamarine drop earrings and an Art Deco-inspired diamond anniversary band.
Her glam leaned into 1960s inspiration, with voluminous curls and ringlets, a bold brow, and a deep red lip. Stylist Eniola Dare curated the look.
Raye was nominated for Song of the Year for “Where Is My Husband” and made her VMA performance debut during the ceremony.
Charli XCX wore a custom black velvet Saint Laurent look by creative director Anthony Vaccarello. The ensemble drew inspiration from a 2017 collection, featuring a floor-length skirt and a cropped top with sheer paneling and dramatic bow sleeves.
She styled her hair in a smooth black blowout and wore a smokey eye with a deep red manicure, completing a look that Vogue described as part of the night’s “spooky scary” fashion theme.
Troye Sivan arrived in a look from Erdem’s spring/summer 2027 collection, originally shown as a dress on the runway. The design featured a tailored suit top, drapery, and feathered trim, paired with black pants. He completed the look with Spinelli Kilcollin jewels.
The ensemble, styled by Marc Forne, carried layered meaning. Erdem’s collection was inspired by 1920s and 1930s American aerialist Barbette, who performed in drag and explored gender fluidity through fashion and performance.
Adam Lambert turned heads in a gothic ensemble featuring a dramatic black satin robe and a black headpiece spelling out his name. He added bold makeup with smoky black eye shadow, small black earrings, and black nail polish.
Teyana Taylor wore a sheer black coat with feathered collar, cuffs, and hem from Zuhair Murad’s fall 2026 haute-couture collection. She was the night’s first presenter.
Other notable arrivals included Nirvana’s surviving members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear, who were on hand to accept the Video Vanguard Award. Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav, Bebe Rexha, JoJo, Tyla, Normani, PinkPantheress, and Orville Peck were also among the attendees.
Several visual themes emerged across the 2026 VMAs red carpet.
Corsets and lingerie details. Bebe Rexha cited Madonna’s 1984 “Like a Virgin” performance as inspiration for her black lace corset with train by Dreaming Elie. The influence was visible across multiple looks.
Sheer embellishment. Chloe Bailey and Raye both wore gowns constructed from sheer materials covered in beading, sequins, and gemstones, creating a shimmering, barely-there effect.
Gender-fluid tailoring. Troye Sivan’s Erdem look blended masculine and feminine elements, with a tailored suit top paired with a feathered pannier and tulle drape.
Bra-as-top styling. Tyla wore faux snakeskin underwire pieces from Mowalola’s SS27 collection, while Ciara Miller opted for a suede bra and matching lace-up pants. JoJo and Rei Ami also embraced embellished bras paired with maxi skirts.
Bold color statements. Lisa’s all-red ensemble stood out as one of the night’s most dramatic looks.
The MTV VMAs have long occupied a distinct space in awards-show fashion. Unlike more formal ceremonies, the VMAs encourage experimentation and theatricality, resulting in a red carpet that embraces risk-taking over tradition.
This year’s event reflected that spirit through its wide range of styles, from overtly sexy to fashion-forward to tailored elegance. Stars name-checked Madonna as an inspiration, and the evening’s fashion choices often felt like a tribute to the event’s history of memorable visual moments.
The result was a carpet that felt both nostalgic and contemporary, drawing on music video history while reflecting current runway trends.
Date: September 27, 2026
Venue: Peacock Theater
Location: Los Angeles, California
Host: Snoop Dogg
The ceremony aired live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
The red carpet set the stage for a night of major moments inside the Peacock Theater. Taylor Swift’s three wins moved her past Beyoncé in the all-time VMA record books. Madonna’s opening performance marked a significant return to the VMA stage. And the inaugural Artist Director Honors recognized Swift’s growing body of work behind the camera.
The 2026 MTV VMAs will continue to generate conversation around both its fashion and its musical achievements.