MTV Video Music Awards
Worn On: 9/27/26 // los angeles, ca
the commentary
Her 12th VMA appearance to honour her 12th album.
Taylor had two major firsts for the evening: the premiere of the music video for “Patient Zero”, her latest single, and becoming the inaugural recipient of the newly created “Artist Director Honors” award. Both moments dovetailed neatly to recognize her work behind the camera as director.
The VMAs unofficial red carpet “dress code” is notoriously unruly. It is pretty standard fare for attendees to wear garments engineered to be provocative, bold, and unexpected. Hence why Taylor’s previous appearances have often pushed the envelope of her fashion boundaries. While I may not love every single one of those, I’ll always be first in line to applaud experimentation. That’s the fun of fashion, after all! However, I feel confident in saying this year is - by a landslide - my favourite of Taylor’s dozen red carpet looks at this particular show. The fit and styling are both impeccable. And what a great official showing for her post-wedding chop! I thought the blunt cut suited the sharp silhouette of the dress.
In taking a beat to contextualize the look against “Zero” and her newly released quartet of songs for The Life of a Showgirl’s one year anniversary rerelease The Encore, I thought this Tamara Ralph gown met Taylor’s fashion at precisely this moment. “Zero” is a notably more austere visual world than the vivid kaleidoscope of Showgirl. I felt the top (confirmed to be navy velvet by the designer) tied into the video’s minimalist architectural costuming — as well as its dark and restrained palette. The skirt, on the other hand, serves some of that requisite Showgirl red carpet sparkle and sensual draping. A look worthy of a round of applause and an Encore, wouldn’t you say?
Upon first glance I thought Taylor’s suspended drop diamond earrings were her De Beers pair, first seen at the 2024 Golden Globes (a personal favourite of mine) and then many times since as they moved into her personal jewelry collection. These, however, are a slightly different take on the style by Leviev. They were the perfect complement to the shimmering silver metallic skirt of her Tamara Ralph couture dress.
As a strappy sandal lover, seeing this pair appear from under Taylor’s glittering hem made me squeal. A great finisher for an otherwise sleek outfit that centers on that silhouette. The select of both Etho Maria and Le Silla for an appearance underscoring The Life of a Showgirl feels appropriate given they are both new-to-her brands that she most prominently wore in - or in relation to - two of Showgirl’s music videos: “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Opalite.” Given the night’s events center on the music video format, two references to two Showgirl videos as she is set to debut the latest in the era and receive an inaugural award for her work directing her own videos all feels very apt. Details matter!
the clothes
Feature Photo by David Eulitt via Getty Images