The 2026 American Music Awards red carpet felt oddly disconnected from the event itself. For a night supposedly celebrating music, there were more reality TV personalities than recording artists in attendance, which may explain why some major names appeared happy to sit this one out.
Still, amid the confusion, there were a handful of looks worth talking about.
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Purple Reign, Softer Mood
Starting with Teyana Taylor, who looked like she was still mentally clocked into awards season wearing a Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2026 gown in saturated purple chiffon. Knowing Teyana’s usual appetite for risk, I expected something sharper, more directional. Instead, this felt romantic, with the draped one-shoulder silhouette and trailing chiffon panels giving the look a softer mood than we usually get from her. But I do love this mood, and how the snakeskin pumps added an edge.
Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2026
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Rock-Star Royalty
Remember when rock stars used to wear leather jackets and torn jeans? Sombr continues to redefine rock-star style in this custom Valentino look. There is a lot to love about the sophistication of this outfit, from the floral embellishments to the plunging opening and those pleated trousers, and he sold every inch of it.
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Autumn Mood In A Spring Setting
Maybe this opinion is shaped by the current unbearable UK heatwave, but Ejae’s Mugler Fall 2026 olive-green draped dress paired with midnight-blue opera gloves felt visually heavy for late May, and for her in general. She is completely overwhelmed by the long scarf detail and strong shoulders, before we even get to the rich colour palette, which leaned more autumnal. That said, I appreciated that she resisted the predictable route. At least she didn’t turn up in yet another sheer dress, which has practically become the unofficial AMAs uniform. Lapis lazuli crystal silver earrings and a coordinating bracelet from Mugler completed her look, along with white Le Silla pumps.
Mugler Fall 2026
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A Welcome Change Of Pace
Karol G wore Natalia Fedner, giving us something moodier than we usually see from her, and I was into it. The gothic-leaning knitted top, cut to expose the torso, paired with the dramatic black skirt created a silhouette that felt raw and undone in an interesting way. It had attitude, edge, and, most importantly, felt like a genuine switch-up rather than repeating familiar territory.
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The Grey Suit I Didn’t Expect To Like
Maluma’s BOSS Fall 2026 suit was such a left-field choice for both him and this event that I almost didn’t recognise him at first glance. As someone who is usually opposed to grey tailoring, I have to admit the details pulled me in. The shirt, paisley-print tie, and dark accent at the lapel gave the look personality, while the ’80s inspired relaxed double-breasted cut softened the formality. He somehow managed to look like an entirely different person, and strangely, it worked.
BOSS Fall 2026
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I’m Sorry, But No
Queen Latifah arrived wearing a Christian Siriano Fall 2026 full-length shearling coat layered over a tonal look, and I simply cannot get there with this one. Maybe in December. Maybe at a snowy premiere. But for the American Music Awards in late spring? I just can’t.
Christian Siriano Fall 2026
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Disharmony
Lara Raj, Sophia, Megan, Daniela, and Yoonchae of KATSEYE all wore looks from McQueen’s Spring 2026 collection, yet somehow this reads like a jumble sale of competing ideas. You would think pulling from the same collection would naturally create some sense of cohesion, and that doesn’t mean I expect them to match. But between the romantic ruffles, sharp tailoring, distressed ivory textures, glossy leather, and saturated red print, there is no clear visual conversation happening here. Individually, some of the looks work, but together they feel disconnected, as if everyone arrived at a different event. TACORI jewelry completed their looks.
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American Music Awards, Balenciaga, Christian Siriano, EJAE, Karol G, Maluma, McQueen, Menswear, Mugler, Queen Latifah, Runway To Red Carpet, Sombr, Teyana Taylor, Valentino