Grammys 2026: A Night of Sheer Fashion Statements and Political Protest Pins
The 2026 Grammy Awards proved to be a daring evening where high fashion met political activism on the red carpet. While the ceremony celebrated the year's most outstanding musical achievements, all eyes were on the bold style choices and symbolic accessories worn by some of music's biggest stars.
Sheer, Nude and Neutral Trends Dominate the Red Carpet
This year's awards season has been characterised by transparent fabrics and skin-toned palettes, and the Grammys were no exception. Multiple artists embraced the barely-there aesthetic that has been sweeping through fashion circles, creating memorable moments that blurred the lines between clothing and art.
Chappell Roan, the 27-year-old singer known for her work with The Pink Pony Club, made perhaps the most dramatic statement of the evening. She wore a burgundy sheer draped gown layered over a nude bodysuit that featured temporary ink designs cascading down her chest and back. After removing her matching cape, Roan revealed the true daring nature of her ensemble - a low-cut dress fastened directly to nipple piercings on the bodysuit beneath, creating a look that referenced Thierry Mugler's iconic spring/summer 1998 collection.
Sabrina Carpenter took a more refined approach to the sheer trend at age 26. She appeared in a bridalesque tiered Valentino gown with intricate beading adorning the bodice. The dress represented months of meticulous craftsmanship, requiring three months of development and four separate fittings to achieve perfection. Carpenter's fashion victory came as she celebrated six Grammy nominations, proving that her style choices were as noteworthy as her musical achievements.
FKA Twigs, at 38 years old, embraced the neutral nude trend in a custom Paolo Carzana creation. Her ensemble featured metallic vine embellishments, sky-high platform heels wrapped in tights, and she accessorised with both a book and a striking red peace lily. The floral accessory potentially referenced the current "Ice Out" protest movement that has gained traction among musicians concerned about immigration policies.
Political Statements Through Fashion Accessories
Beyond the sheer fabrics and nude tones, political messaging became an unexpected theme of the evening's fashion landscape. Several prominent celebrities used their red carpet appearances to make subtle yet powerful statements about social issues.
Justin and Hailey Bieber made a notable return to the Grammy Awards after a four-year absence, with Justin originally scheduled to perform at the ceremony. The couple arrived in sombre all-black attire - Justin in an oversized double-breasted Balenciaga tuxedo and Hailey in a strapless black Alaia gown with sheer panelling. Their most striking accessory were the "Ice Out" pins prominently displayed on their chests, joining a growing movement of artists protesting immigration crackdowns.
The Biebers weren't alone in their symbolic accessorising. Other artists including Joni Mitchell and Kehlani were also spotted wearing "Ice Out" and complementary "Be Good" pins throughout the awards ceremony, suggesting a coordinated effort among musicians to use fashion as a platform for political expression.
Additional Standout Fashion Moments
The diversity of style on display demonstrated that while sheer and neutral trends dominated, there was room for considerable variation in how artists expressed themselves through fashion.
Tyla, the 24-year-old South African singer nominated for Best African Music Performance for her song "Push 2 Start," chose a plunging sheer dress from Dsquared2 and Paris Texas, beautifully embroidered with gold beads and complemented by Pandora jewellery. The Grammy winner from 2024 proved her fashion credentials remain as strong as her musical talents.
Coco Jones explained her fashion philosophy to the Associated Press, stating about her sheer nude corset minidress: "I wanted to channel my inner love girl. Give something flirty, a little romantic, that's just the space I'm in right now." The 28-year-old artist successfully translated her personal emotional landscape into a compelling red carpet look.
Olivia Dean, the 26-year-old British Best New Artist nominee, ascended both charts and fashion rankings in a spectacular black and white feathered Chanel gown. The creation featured a sequin bodice and fully embellished skirt that reportedly required 323 hours of work from the Chanel atelier to complete. Dean's second album "The Art of Loving" and breakout hit "Man I Need" have established her as one of Britain's most promising musical exports.
Zara Larsson, nominated for best dance pop recording, performed at the ceremony in a bright yellow custom beaded gown by Germanier. The Swedish singer's vibrant choice provided a colourful counterpoint to the prevailing nude and neutral palette that dominated much of the red carpet.
Not all celebrities opted for dramatic couture. Lola Young made a statement of casual confidence at age 25, wearing a Vivienne Westwood khaki tracksuit paired with retro Old-Hollywood waves, proving that comfort and style can coexist even on music's most prestigious red carpet.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be remembered not only for its musical achievements but for how artists used fashion as both personal expression and political commentary, creating a multi-layered visual narrative that complemented the evening's audio celebrations.
