The 66th annual Grammy Awards, hosted by The Recording Academy, took place recently, adding to the already exciting calendar of events for global creative talent. This year, the Academy introduced three new categories, namely best pop dance recording, best African music performance, and best alternative jazz album, in an effort to expand the recognition given to a diverse range of artists. In another noteworthy change, the Academy announced prior to the show that only human creators would be eligible for awards, effectively ruling out the possibility of music developed using artificial intelligence (AI) winning any accolades. This decision served to alleviate concerns surrounding the potential for computers to take opportunities away from human talent. The issue had gained attention, with SAG-AFTRA strikes taking place last year due to demands from screenwriters and actors for increased protection from film studios against the use of AI. These strikes had caused scheduling conflicts among highly sought-after talent in Hollywood, leading to rescheduling of productions and award shows, including the Emmys, and thereby creating demand for gowns during this awards season.
Despite the shortage of red carpet attire caused by these challenges, attendees at the Grammys seemed unaffected, as they embraced the event's tradition of theatrical and flamboyant fashion choices. One prominent trend of the evening revolved around extravagant skirts. Superstar Taylor Swift surprised with a custom Schiaparelli design that deviated from her usual understated aesthetic, while Alessandra Ambrosio wowed in a mermaid-inspired, figure-hugging dress. However, it was Caroline Polacheck's striking Olivier Theyskens creation that stole the show with its thunderbolt design, featuring a thigh-high slit, a contrasting lace neckline, and an exaggerated train. In terms of color, baby blue appeared to dominate the red carpet. Celebrities like Paris Hilton and R&B Performance winner Coco Jones sported highly embellished and sparkling fitted pieces in this pastel hue. Christina Aguilera continued the trend with her sleek Maluma look, which featured asymmetrical draping. Departing from the pastel theme, some attendees opted for a gothic aesthetic, showcased through sheer structured gowns and polished accessories. Lana Del Rey incorporated a 50s-inspired twist, pairing a dark theme with puffed-up sleeves and an A-line skirt, while Ella Balinksa's Dolce&Gabbana look incorporated vintage-inspired shapes, accentuated by corset-like boning.
Moving away from darker themes, an alternative take on suiting graced the red carpet, focusing on downsized proportions. BoyGenius, winners of Best Rock Song, exemplified this trend by appearing in matching white Thom Browne tuxedos, unified by pink carnations. On the other end of the spectrum, alluring skin-colored bustier gowns also made a splash. Doja Cat wore a barely-there corset adorned with numerous tattoos, contrasting with Halle Bailey's crystal-adorned Gucci piece, which featured a deep-V neckline. Miley Cyrus went even further, challenging the norm by wearing a golden Maison Margiela dress entirely made of safety pins, forming a netted textile that included a moulded bralette, a structured neckline, and delicate draping.
Shifting focus to those who opted for a more casual approach to the Grammy dress code, Billie Eilish, winner of Song of the Year, led the trend, sporting a Chrome Hearts bomber jacket with an oversized shirt and pants ensemble. In a similar vein, Kingsley Ben-Adir stood out in an olive green Gucci bomber jacket. Some stars embraced classic Hollywood glamour, such as Kelly Clarkson, who radiated elegance in an off-the-shoulder number. Gracie Abrams caught attention in her Chanel two-piece ensemble, while Olivia Rodrigo donned a vintage Versace gown adorned with red crystals. While some attendees preferred minimalist silhouettes, others played with proportions. Emily King's baby yellow two-piece made a statement with fringing that emphasized the shoulders, while Chrissy Teigen's Sophie Couture mini dress featured an oversized rose-shaped hemline. Summer Walker chose a fluffy hourglass gown that was paired with an eye-catching theatrical hat.
Men on the red carpet also embraced experimentation, often through androgynous tailoring that incorporated intricate detailing or gender-fluid additions. Jon Batiste, for example, embraced the men's skirt trend with his all-silver Atelier Versace look, combining a pleated skirt with a utility-like jacket. Peso Pluma drew inspiration from the 70s for his Louis Vuitton attire, featuring flared bottoms and an embellished fitted jacket. Lastly, red remained a prominent color on the red carpet, just as it had at previous events like the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. Artists like Dawn Richard and Kylie Minogue stunned in melodramatic and corset-heavy gowns, respectively, further solidifying red's place as a key color in 2024 red carpet trends.
In conclusion, the 66th Grammy Awards showcased an array of diverse and memorable fashion choices. From dramatic and ornate skirts to baby blue and gothic aesthetics, the red carpet was alive with creativity. The event also demonstrated a mix of daring and more casual approaches, as well as experimentation with proportions, androgynous tailoring, and the enduring presence of red. The Grammy Awards once again proved to be a platform for artists to express their individuality and push fashion boundaries.
