When it comes to high-octane red carpet events in the entertainment industry, few ceremonies capture the electric energy and daring sartorial experimentation of the MTV Video Music Awards. While other major celebrations of the calendar year lean heavily into traditional, old-Hollywood elegance, or prioritize high-concept, exclusive couture in scenic European locales, the VMAs have consistently carved out a unique space for pop culture fashion that is unabashedly bold, theatrical, and deeply memorable.
As excitement builds for the upcoming ceremony, attention naturally turns to the evolution of style that has defined the event over recent years. The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are officially scheduled to take place at the iconic Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, kicking off live at 7:30 PM. Music fans and fashion enthusiasts alike will have a multitude of ways to tune into the spectacle from the comfort of their homes, with the broadcast airing across CBS, MTV, and streaming live via Paramount+.
In anticipation of what the stars will bring to the Los Angeles red carpet this year, style analysts and pop culture historians are taking a nostalgic look backward at the dazzling sartorial moments that defined the previous year’s event. The 2025 VMAs, hosted at the UBS Stadium in New York, delivered a masterclass in modern pop fashion, featuring a diverse roster of musicians, reality stars, and actors who pushed boundaries with sheer fabrics, vintage revivals, avant-garde tailoring, and bold statements.
Among the most talked-about trends from the New York outing were high-impact sheer moments, exemplified by artists like Tate McRae and comedian Nikki Glaser, alongside major style statements like Ariana Grande embracing the season’s trendiest prints, and Love Island breakout star Olandria Carthen turning heads in a striking red-hot ensemble. The collective showcase proved once again that the VMAs remain a premier playground for high-fashion risks.
The roll call of standout style moments from the evening began with powerhouse performances and equally striking arrivals. Lady Gaga captured the room’s attention immediately upon arrival, stepping onto the carpet in a dramatic architectural creation by Marc Jacobs that married theatrical flair with high-fashion tailoring. Hot off a massive year in pop music, Sabrina Carpenter continued her reign as a modern style icon by arriving in a breathtaking Valentino gown that played up romantic yet contemporary silhouettes.
The menswear on display proved equally adventurous. Pop artist Conan Gray delivered one of the evening’s most talked-about silhouettes, donning a custom creation by Erik Charlotte that challenged traditional red carpet boundaries. Meanwhile, Megan Stalter brought her signature wit and charm to the step-and-repeat in a distinctive design by Lael Osness, proving that personality and high fashion make an ideal pairing.
Reality television crossover appeal was on full display as Olandria made a memorable splash in a monumental creation by Cheney Chan, commanding attention in the rich crimson number. FKA Twigs leaned into her ethereal, avant-garde aesthetic with a stunning textural piece from Matières Fécales, an outfit that merged artistic expression with wearable art.
Tate McRae fully embraced the sheer trend that dominated the 2025 ceremony, stepping out in a daring, expertly crafted design by Ludovic de Saint Sernin. The look solidified her status as a fixture on best-dressed lists. Not far behind in the high-impact fashion category was Doja Cat, who once again proved her fearlessness on the red carpet by wearing a striking architectural piece designed by Balmain, cementing her reputation as a true chameleon of modern style.
Vintage and archival pieces also played a major role in the evening’s narrative. YUNGBLUD opted to bypass contemporary runway collections entirely, choosing instead to curate a look from his personal vintage collection that channeled a distinctly rebellious, rock-and-roll ethos. Paris Hilton, true to her pop-culture royalty status, sparkled under the New York lights in a custom, high-glam creation by The Blonds, delivering the quintessential dose of nostalgic glamour that fans have come to expect.
On the menswear front, music legend Ricky Martin added a touch of classic sophistication to the evening, accented by high-end sparkle courtesy of Rahaminov Diamonds. Pop superstar Ariana Grande embraced graphic boldness, stepping out in a covetable Fendi look that leaned heavily into the season’s obsession with statement prints.
Comedian Nikki Glaser made a rare and triumphant crossover onto the fashion-forward end of the carpet, joining the evening’s sheer dress movement in another standout piece by Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Rising global music star Tyla continued her streak of impeccable red carpet appearances by unearthing a rare vintage Chanel look, proving an astute eye for fashion history.
The younger generation of music stars also made their mark. The Kid LAROI kept things cool and effortlessly modern in an edgy ensemble by an unnamed designer, while country-pop breakout Megan Moroney brought a touch of Southern charm and elegance to the venue in a chic creation by Sau Lee. Swedish pop star Zara Larsson brought high drama to the proceedings in an intricate, sculptural design by Sorcha O’Raghallaigh.
Rock royalty was duly represented when Lenny Kravitz arrived draped in timeless Saint Laurent, effortlessly owning the carpet with his signature rock-star cool. Hip-hop sensation Ice Spice nodded to American heritage style while giving it a modern streetwear twist in a vintage Ralph Lauren look. Finally, R&B artist Summer Walker rounded out the top tier of fashion moments by selecting an avant-garde piece by Howie B, ensuring the 2025 VMAs red carpet concluded on a high, unpredictable note.
As the entertainment world prepares for the upcoming 2026 ceremony at the Peacock Theatre, the bar has undoubtedly been set high. If the fashion history of the VMAs is any indication, the upcoming Sunday evening in Los Angeles will offer a fresh slate of unforgettable style moments, bold designer collaborations, and pop culture statements that will define the cultural conversation for months to come.
