The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) delivered a night of powerful performances, iconic reunions and unforgettable fashion.
Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, the event served as pop culture’s ultimate playground, bringing together music legends and rising stars under one roof.
When it came to red carpet attire, the 2026 VMAs reaffirmed that daring, boundary-pushing fashion remained the night's ultimate trademark.
Teyana Taylor
Singer and actress Teyana Taylor embraced dark romanticism in a captivating sheer gown adorned with intricate beadwork and floor-length feather accents.
Handcrafted by Zuhair Murad, the black lace masterpiece highlighted Taylor’s athletic frame while bringing an air of gothic luxury to the arrival carpet.
Tyla
South African export and Grammy winner Tyla brought late-1990s nostalgia to the forefront.
Dressed in a striking electric-blue python-print top and low-slung skirt designed by Mowalola, she finished her audacious outfit with a Chopard timepiece worn around her ankle, easily ranking among the evening's most talked-about looks.
Normani
Normani commanded the spotlight in a breathtaking Robert Wun design that fused futuristic armor with classic couture elegance.
The outfit paired a molten-gold sculptural bodice with a floor-sweeping black skirt complete with matching gloves, creating a seamless silhouette.
Framed by a striking, leaf-shaped shoulder piece, her look delivered a masterclass in high-fashion drama that made it an instant red carpet classic.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift fused timeless old-Hollywood elegance with a futuristic edge.
Dressed in a custom Tamara Ralph creation featuring a structured black mock neck and an eye-catching sculptural silver skirt, Swift commanded attention.
Swift debuted a freshly trimmed, straight, shoulder-length lob with extra-thick blunt bangs, channeling the iconic look from her "1989" era. Together with her signature deep-red lipstick, Swift completed one of her most refined red carpet appearances to date.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan redefined modern menswear with an avant-garde tailoring moment that perfectly balanced classic formalwear and theatrical drama.
Wearing a bespoke ensemble anchored by a sharply fitted black blazer with an oversized white popped collar, Sivan elevated the traditional suit with an intricate, draped satin waistband flowing into a layered tulle and feather skirt overlay over tailored trousers.
The gender-fluid creation showcased his effortless ability to blur traditional fashion boundaries, solidifying his reputation as one of pop music's most daring style innovators.
Olandria
Model and TV personality Olandria Carthen brought romance novel fantasy to life with a fearless, textured leather ensemble from ManMadeSkins’ Crimson Thorn collection.
Featuring a form-fitting, corseted leather bodice, delicate side cutouts and intricate eyelet lacing detailing throughout, the earth-toned gown flowed into a fitted mermaid skirt trimmed in rich crimson accents.
Paired with waist-length undone curls, warm neutral makeup and a deep-red manicure, her captivating look effortlessly balanced bohemian edge with high-fashion drama.
On the music front, Madonna stole the spotlight by sweeping seven categories, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for her track with Sabrina Carpenter.
Swift reached another milestone in her career, claiming Video of the Year for "The Fate of Ophelia" alongside the newly introduced Artist Director Honour.
Other standout accolades went to BTS for Song of the Year for "SWIM", Sienna Spiro, who was named Best New Artist and alternative pioneers Nirvana, who were presented with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award.
alyssia.birjalal@nationalmg.co.za