Madonna was the star everyone wanted to see at the 2026 MTV VMAs, and the clothes on the blue carpet proved it. Stars walked past reporters asking about her influence, and the corset trend traced back to her 1984 “Like a Virgin” performance at the inaugural MTV VMAs.
The Carpet’s Madonna Fixation
Normani explained why Madonna mattered to the evening: “She’s the icon.” Lucky Daye, wearing a suit from Campillo’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection, launched into “Like a Virgin” with two CBS Los Angeles reporters and said, “I love Madonna! She’s my girl.”
Bebe Rexha went further. She admitted that Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” performance inspired her own look: a black lace corset with train by Dreaming Elie. Corsets, bustiers and lingerie details were key to many red-carpet looks, a nod to that famous moment.
Taylor Swift arrived five minutes before the broadcast started, causing a funny moment among the photographers. One cried, “Miss Swift?” Another asked, “Wait, should we call you Mrs. Kelce now?” Swift did not answer, but the shots were taken anyway.
Ten Looks That Lit Up Social Media
The VMAs have always been a place for theatricality and whimsy, where stars break the rules and dress as they please. This year’s styles ran from overtly sexy to tailored elegance. Here is what stood out:
| Look | Star | Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Teyana Taylor | Zuhair Murad | Fall 2026 haute couture |
| Taylor Swift | Tamara Ralph Couture | Fall 2026 gown |
| Lisa | Quine Li / The Attico | Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini |
| Troye Sivan | Erdem | Spring/Summer 2027 debut |
| Chloe Bailey | House of Idan | Fall 2025 collection |
| Normani | Robert Wun | Fall 2025 haute couture |
| Sombr | custom ERL | Eli Russell Linnetz |
| Paris Hilton | The Blonds | Fall 2025 collection |
| Adam Lambert | custom Charles De Vilmorin Couture |
A Theme of Change
Gender fluidity appeared on the carpet in Troye Sivan’s look, which debuted last week in London during the Spring/Summer 2027 collections. His tuxedo mixed masculine and feminine elements, accented with a pannier of ostrich feathers and a train in satin and tulle.
Fur was everywhere despite the heat. It was 86 degrees in Los Angeles, and people complained about the temperature upon arriving at the Peacock Theater. Sombr wore a custom take on a Fall/Winter 2026 look by ERL, a faux fur skunk coat paired with flared leather trousers cut from deadstock fabric.
Lisa changed into a second outfit onstage after accepting her fourth Moon Person trophy for best pop video. She wore an ensemble by Russian designer Daniil Antsiferov.
What This Means for the Show
The VMAs are not about perfection. They are about spectacle, personality and the willingness to wear something outrageous. This year’s carpet delivered all three, and the looks themselves lit up social media.
Source material: “2026 VMAS: The Night’s Most Talked-About Style,” The Hollywood Reporter.
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