We don’t see much of Lauryn Hill these days, but when we do, her style is usually eclectic and expressive, often leaning into colour and symbolism.
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But for the 2026 Grammys, the singer stepped onto the stage in a black Carolina Herrera Spring 2026 ball gown, a look that, at first glance, felt starkly out of character. But context matters here, and once you understand the purpose of her appearance, the look makes far more sense.
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Lauryn’s performance was part of the ceremony’s tribute honouring artists who passed away, including Roberta Flack and D’Angelo. She performed songs connected to those artists, including Nothing Even Matters, alongside John Legend, Jon Batiste, Chaka Khan, and Wyclef Jean. This was about musical legacy, not spectacle.
Seen through that lens, the black gown feels entirely appropriate. The volume carried a sense of ceremony, while the absence of colour allowed the focus to remain on the moment and the music. It was a deliberate departure from her usual visual language.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The statement necklace added gravitas rather than glamour, reinforcing that this was not a fashion flex but a respectful presence. This look was about showing up, standing still, and letting the tribute speak for itself, which it did.
Carolina Herrera Spring 2026
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