The 66th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 5th, was not just another star-studded event; it was a celebration of the evolving landscape of the music industry and the undeniable influence of women (especially black women) within it. And if music’s biggest night always brings debates over who was “rightfully” honored and who was “robbed,” one truth stood clear: black women seized the spotlight, reaffirming their pivotal role in shaping the sound of today’s music. And as the night unfolded, it also became clear that the statements made on the red carpet were more than just couture, but declarations of identity, pride, and artistic vision. Testifying to the unwavering spirit of black artists, they reminded us of the power of music and fashion to inspire. Thus, reviewing the defining fashion moments of the ceremony calls for honoring the brilliance of black women, both in music and fashion, and recognizing their enduring contributions.
Tyla made waves as the first-ever Grammy winner in the newly-created category “Best African Music Performance.” Awarded for her song “Water,” she wore a custom Versace gown with finely-pulled, waterfall-like drapes in seafoam green. Its daring asymmetrical cut-outs, adorned with Swarovski crystals and sheer fabric details, helped her show off a sleek belly piercing, all of which speak directly to today’s Y2K fashion resurgence — the dress inevitably recalls J. Lo’s legendary appearance at the 2000 Grammys, where she wore her Internet-breaking Versace jungle-print dress.
Channeling the legacy of R&B’s iconic divas, Coco Jones, recipient of the Grammy for “Best R&B Performance,” paid tribute to her predecessors with her outfit. Drawing inspiration from Destiny’s Child and the women who have left an indelible mark on the genre, she graced the event in a shimmering pale blue gown by Celia Kritharioti. The dress featured a plunging V-neckline, revealing a dainty Swarovski x SKIMS body chain that brought a touch of contemporary flair to the homage.
Continuing these referential trends, Ice Spice took the red carpet by storm with a two-piece outfit by streetwear brand Baby Phat. Wearing a floor-length skirt in dark denim and a matching fur-lined jacket, the four-time nominated rapper served up Bronx couture for her debut Grammy appearance; a nod to early hip-hop icons like Missy Elliott and Lil Kim, but also her upcoming album, aptly titled Y2K. Her statement golden belt, spelling out the word “Smoochie,” paired with a Loree Rodkin necklace and coordinating golden heels, added the final touch of swagger to the ensemble.
As for Doja Cat, she opted for the “office siren” trend with Prada secretary-style glasses. And no need to ask her who she was wearing; it was tattooed in gothic font across her forehead. Besides a handful of temporary tattoos, Doja sported a nipple-baring, fully transparent gown by Dilara Findikoglu, open-toe heels in red snakeskin, and diamond jewelry. The detail-rich look was completed by a laced-back corset with exposed boning, giving her a unique goth-glam character that perfectly matched the vibe of her latest album, Scarlet.
Janelle Monáe, whose fourth studio album, The Age of Please, was nominated for both “Album of the Year” and “Best Progressive R&B Album,” used their red carpet appearance to make a statement about black pride. Dressed in a custom-made creation by Armani Privé, Monáe radiated elegance in a perfectly tailored bustier gown, embellished with black sequins and silver crystals. The rich, oil-colored gown was not only a nod to Black History Month, but also a celebration of the community for which they wrote their album: “I’m standing in Black pride and it’s the liquid blackness and in a state of joy,” they told E! News, emphasizing the importance of spreading positivity through fashion.
Coi Leray, nominated for “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Pop Dance Recording,” also acknowledged the significance of the event: “This is such a moment. It’s [the] Grammys. It’s Black History Month,” she told E! News. Leray opted for a black long-sleeved bodysuit by Yves Saint Laurent SS19, elegantly paired with tights for a chic, pants-free ensemble. And for added drama, she finished her look with a vibrant neon-green feathered coat.
Dawn Richard made another bold statement on the red carpet, wearing a remarkable tree-shaped gown from Khosrov Melkonyan’s SS24 collection. With silk-wrapped branches towering over the singer’s head, the “Arboreal” dress served as a symbolic representation of her artistic journey and deep-rooted connections to New Orleans. Reflecting on her inspiration, Richard expressed her desire to embody the vibrant culture of her hometown and celebrate her own growth as an artist.
Another highlight was Summer Walker’s dress; a corset gown in white ostrich feathers created by Usama Ishtay. Complementing the ensemble was an equally dramatic headpiece, adorned with matching feathers, designed by it-girl fashion brand Boiscamp. Nominated for “Best R&B Album,” Summer Walker infused her signature style into classic Hollywood glamour, resulting in a timeless silhouette reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady.
Presenting the award for “Best Song for Social Change,” actress and activist Kat Graham opted for one of Stephane Rolland’s avant-garde silhouettes; a white silk dress from his FW23 Couture show, featuring a crystal-embroidered train, a beaded neck scarf, and matching elbow-length gloves. Still, it was the rectangular cut-out collar that truly set the look apart, lending it a unique edge and making it perhaps one of the most memorable looks of the evening.
Nominated in the “Best R&B Song” category for her track “Angel,” Halle Bailey wore a form-fitting Gucci gown, adopting the seemingly prevailing trend of see-through fabrics. Adorned with sparkling crystals, the ensemble was completed by delicate custom jewelry pieces from Pandora in a collaboration with Grete Henriette.
Meanwhile, her sister Chloe Bailey stunned in a one-shoulder dress by celebrity designer Gaurav Gupta. She paired the copper-toned gown with minimal accessories, allowing its standout features — a large cut-out front and intricate gold beadwork — to take center stage, creating a cohesive metallic look that complimented her new auburn hair.
Nominated in seven categories, Victoria Monet took home three awards, including “Best New Artist,” “Best R&B Album,” and “Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.” Accepting these awards, she wore a silky bronze corseted gown by Atelier Versace, the bodice here once again exposed, with a train gracefully draped over the hip. Diamond accessories by Bulgari, including a wrap-around snake necklace, added a touch of opulence to her look. Monet’s 2-year-old daughter, Hazel, also made her own mark as the youngest person ever nominated for a Grammy — a touching red carpet moment, with Hazel donning a similar bronze dress.
Despite skipping the red carpet, SZA still managed to make an impression during the ceremony. As the most nominated artist of the year, she secured three Grammy wins, including “Best R&B Song,” “Best Progressive R&B Album,” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” To kick off the evening, she stepped out in a sheer bodycon dress by Do Long, whose fabric prints were inspired by the iconic Venus de Milo. Later, she made a wardrobe change into a hand-painted tangerine gown by Francesco Risso; a voluminous ball gown with bright streaks of yellow and orange.
It would be impossible not to mention Beyonce, also absent from the red carpet, who commanded attention in an ensemble from Pharrell Williams’ FW24 Louis Vuitton show. Her outfit featured an oversized white cowboy hat, a pristine white shirt, a Texan bolo tie, a black jacket adorned with the house’s signature checkerboard pattern, and belted shorts — a country look that served as a teaser for her upcoming album, the long-awaited act ii.
In retrospect, the 66th Annual Grammy Awards emerged not just as a celebration of exceptional talents, but as a platform where music and fashion converged, highlighting the profound cultural impact of both industries. And the undeniable prominence of black women in music underscored the imperative for diversity and representation within the fashion world. With reverence for the past and excitement for the future, these red carpet looks should offer a glimpse into the promising trajectory of fashion.
.png){kind=logo}