The 14 Most Jaw-Dropping Looks from the 2026 VMAs

From Troye Sivan to Taylor Swift

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The MTV Video Music Awards are one of my favorite red carpet events of the year. The Oscars may bring old-Hollywood elegance and Cannes is packed with gorgeous couture but no event packs as much fabulous fun as the VMAs.

This year's awards show took place at the Peacock Theatre in L.A. on Sunday, September 27. Among the notable moments were Taylor Swift's inaugural Artist Director Honors win.

“I’ve got to tell you though the main reason why I love writing and directing music videos so much is because you, the fans, make it so much fun,” she said during her acceptance speech.

Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter also shared a moment on stage when the duo won an award for the best collaboration for their song “Bring Your Love," which appeared on the former's new album, Confessions II. Madonna lightly roasted Carpenter, sharing an anecdote about how it took her five days to hear back from Carpenter's team about the collaboration, after which Madonna took matters into her own hands and sent the "Espresso" singer a DM.

But before these moments even took place, stars were dazzling on the red carpet. From Troye Sivan in an Edwardian peacock ensemble to Stella Lefty channeling Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, below are the best looks of the night.

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1. Troye Sivan in Erdem

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2. Taylor Swift in Tamara Ralph

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Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Shutterstock

3. Raye in Georges Hobeika

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4. Stella Lefty in Claire Pettibone

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Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

5. Magnus Ferrell in Viviano

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6. Lisa in Quine Li and Attico

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7. Normani in Robert Wun

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8. Sombr in ERL

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Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Shutterstock

9. Shaboozey in Chrome Hearts

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Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

10. Bob The Drag Queen in Christian Siriano

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11. Aniya Harvey in Maria Harper Designs

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Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Shutterstock

12. Alyssa Smith in Bob Mackie

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13. Sienna Spiro in Valentino

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14. Lisa Rinna in SEKS


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Danielle Long

Contributing Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes breaking news and entertainment content
  • Covers award show red carpets and movie premieres
  • Has earned two Edward R. Murrow Awards

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Marissa Wu

Editor, SEO and Audience Development

  • Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
  • Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
  • Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University

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