At the 68th Grammy Awards, artists embrace high contrast, texture and a platform to speak out.
The Grammy Awards red carpet is frequently cited as a platform for loud expression and bold looks.
Think Grace Jones in leather by Issey Miyake, Lady Gaga arriving in an egg and
the J Lo dress that led to the creation of Google Images.
Artists, understanding the value of attention, often utilise their ensembles to extend the aesthetics of their albums, to commit a major marketing stunt or simply affirm a personal brand.
Sometimes their choices have greater resonance. Last year, The New York Times’ Vanessa Friedman argued wackiness on the carpet was an expression of belief in hope and dreams amidst an LA devastated by wildfires.
For 2026, some artists chose colourful hues and tones reflective of their respective albums and eras. But for many, the carpet was a parade of black and white. Many attendees, including Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale, also donned black and white badges reading ‘ICE Out’ in support of nationwide protests against detainments and violence from immigration and customs enforcement agents.
Here’s who wore what on the Grammys 2026 Red Carpet
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Laneway headliner and double nominee Chappell Roan wore a custom Mugler cape and dress, styled by Genesis Webb.
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The British singer-songwriter and upcoming Laneway performer wears a gown from Vivienne Westwood’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee collection, drawing on the colour palette of her album Fancy That.
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Cyrus returns to a familiar silhouette in Celine.
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Gaga wears feathers from frequent collaborator Matières Fécales.
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For a much-anticipated return to the Grammys, Justin Bieber wears Balenciaga, while Hailey Bieber wears Alaïa.
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New Zealand-South Korean singer Roseanne Park, nominated for three Grammys, wears custom Giambattista Valli Couture.
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Rapper and singer Doechii wears custom Roberto Cavalli, inspired by designs from the late 90s. The artist says this gown foreshadows her next album (she cites beauty, womanhood and the home).
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Bad Bunny, who is also set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show on Monday February 9 (NZ time), wears the first-ever custom Schiaparelli menswear. It features an hourglass shape and lace-up back.
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Eilish dons custom Hodakova.
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The Best New Artist nominee wears Chanel.
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Laufey wears a purple gown by Miu Miu.
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The Best New Artist nominee goes big on glam rock in custom Valentino.
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The Best New Artists nominee wears a white Alaïa dress.
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The ‘Manchild’ singer wears custom Valentino, styled by Jared Ellner.
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The British indie rock band, also set to perform at Laneway this week, carry a fluffy animal split in half.
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Wet Leg’s Grammy nominated art director dons an assertive T-shirt that reads ‘This Isn’t Normal’.
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The Best New Artist nominee wears a Vivienne Westwood set.
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Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami, Huntrix stars from K Pop Demon Hunters, wear Thom Browne, Dior and Guvanch.
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The British singer-songwriter took home the award for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the premiere ceremony. She wears Welsh designer Paolo Carzana, who frequently works with plant-based dyes and recycled materials, and carries a book involved in the making of Eusexua and an orchid, crucial to imagery from her early career.
More on the red carpet
From politically-informed dress to beauty choices not to be ignored.