The 2026 Grammy Awards turned the red carpet into a daring display of near-n*de fashion, shocking fans and sparking online debate. Unlike the elegant gowns and tailored suits of 2016, this year’s stars pushed the limits with sheer fabrics, cutouts, and provocative designs.
Chappell Roan stunned in a sheer Mugler gown with chest exposed, drawing comparisons to Bianca Censori. Heidi Klum wore a custom Marina Hoermanseder latex dress sculpted to her body, joking it forced her to take “baby steps” all night. Critics weren’t kind, calling it “liquid wax” or “cheese fondue.” Other stars, including Teyana Taylor, Zara Larsson, Julia Fox, Florence Pugh, Kristen Stewart, and Dakota Johnson, embraced revealing looks. Even men joined in—Justin Bieber performed in silver boxer shorts.
Behavioral psychologist Dr. Carolyn Mair noted the trend reflects empowerment: “With translucent or revealing looks, the wearer communicates control over their own body.”
Looking back at the 2016 Grammys highlights the shift. Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, and Ed Sheeran dominated, while Ariana Grande, Adele, Lady Gaga, and Selena Gomez wore elegant, polished gowns. Ariana wore a red floor-length Romona Keveza dress, Adele dazzled in Givenchy, and Gaga honored David Bowie in Marc Jacobs. Selena Gomez embraced side cutouts in Calvin Klein, styled with disco-inspired flair.
From 2016’s formal, floor-length looks to 2026’s sheer, daring ensembles, red carpet fashion has dramatically evolved, reflecting changing attitudes toward nudity, empowerment, and spectacle.
