Taylor Swift and Charli XCX arrived at a star-studded 2026 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where a host of top recording artists showcased bold designer looks ahead of the main ceremony.
Music Stars and Nominees Arrive at the Peacock Theater
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards drew an array of chart-topping talent to Los Angeles, with Taylor Swift arriving as a nominee across multiple categories. Swift stepped onto the carpet in a slinky Tamara Ralph gown that paired a sparkly silver skirt with a form-fitting black bodice, a mesh back, and her newly chopped collarbone-length hair accented by cascading earrings. Beyond her nominations, Swift debuted her Patient Zero
music video, while MTV honored the pop sensation with the inaugural Artist Director Honors award.
Madonna led all contenders coming into the night with 13 nominations, tying Lady Gaga’s 2010 benchmark for the most nods earned in a single year. Swift followed closely with 11 nominations, while Sabrina Carpenter secured nine and Ariana Grande pulled in eight. Snoop Dogg hosted the evening’s proceedings, which featured live performances from Madonna, Kacey Musgraves, Lisa, and Sombr.
Bold Fashion Statements and Thematic Ensembles
Presenter Charli XCX arrived in an all-black velvet Saint Laurent ensemble featuring billowing sleeves, a low-rise column skirt, and a mesh chest insert that embraced a distinctly vampy aesthetic. Lisa of Blackpink turned heads in a floor-length red gown paired with a dramatic furry red cape, offering modern interpretations of classic Hollywood glamour before her scheduled live performance.
Other artists leaned into dramatic textures and metallic finishes. Teyana Taylor wore a plunging feathered gown from Zuhair Murad, and Bebe Rexha opted for all-black lace paired with over-the-knee boots. Normani chose a golden metallic Robert Wun gown adorned with a large floral embellishment, while Tyla brought a blue snakeskin two-piece bra and skirt set from Mowalola.
Breakout Stars and Television Personalities on the Carpet
Television and streaming stars joined the music industry heavyweights on the arrivals line. Ella Bright, celebrating a breakout career year following her role in the Prime Video series Off Campus
, wore a black corseted gown that matched her dark hair. She was joined on the carpet by castmate Belmont Cameli.
Ciara Miller, competing on Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, brought a Western-inspired aesthetic to the evening in a cocoa-colored, lace-up set. Meanwhile, reality star Olandria Carthen, recognized from Love Island USA Season 7, showcased her signature style in an attention-grabbing ensemble, cementing her presence among the night’s notable fashion figures.
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