Dakota Johnson Stuns in Sparkling VMAs Look After ‘Verity’ Press Tour

Avatar photoRobert Milaković
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Dakota Johnson has been making waves on red carpets lately. With a busy press tour and a series of bold fashion choices, her style has garnered as much attention as the film she is promoting. Her appearance at the VMAs marked a striking departure from her recent fashion statements.

The lead-up to the event set the stage. During the ‘Verity’ press tour, she wowed attendees at the film’s London premiere in an ivory lace naked dress paired with Fleur du Mal lingerie, followed by a colorful sheer ensemble. She also donned a sheer gown by Colleen Allen that certainly turned heads.

‘Verity’ is a psychological romance-thriller featuring Anne Hathaway, set to hit theaters on October 2. Following her sheer fashion moments, few anticipated the look she would unveil next.

Although not initially announced as a presenter, Johnson made a surprise appearance at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony aired live on CBS and was available for streaming on Paramount+. This marked her first attendance at the VMAs.

She presented her friend Taylor Swift with the inaugural Artist Director Honors award. Johnson also stars alongside Colin Farrell in Swift’s ‘Patient Zero’ music video, which premiered right after Swift’s speech. In her introduction, she lauded Swift as a visionary with an unwavering pursuit of perfection.

The outfit was a major talking point. Johnson wore a custom Calvin Klein Collection blush iridescent sequin-embroidered gown, showcasing a shimmering column silhouette in the photos. It featured beige sequins and full-coverage lining, offering a more modest take on naked dressing, as noted by Marie Claire.

The styling was intentionally understated. She complemented the gown with her signature bangs and a red manicure, wearing her hair down in a sleek, straight style. A Messika collar necklace adorned with tiny diamonds, featuring a single emerald-cut stone, completed her look.

Reactions have been generally positive, though with some reservations. One fashion outlet suggested the dress deserved a proper red carpet moment and speculated on how it might have looked at the ‘Verity’ premiere. Others simply praised it as beautiful and elegant.

Fans had mixed feelings in a friendly way. Some described it as glamorous and a refreshing change from her sheer looks, while others expressed a preference for her bolder premiere outfits. A third group focused more on her heartfelt moment with Swift than on the dress itself.

Johnson’s presence carried additional significance. She is known to be Swift’s close friend, having attended Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding in July. She was also seen dining with Swift in late August, making her presenting role feel more personal than promotional.

The timing was also advantageous. With ‘Verity’ set to premiere in theaters just days later, her appearance kept her in the spotlight during one of the year’s most significant music events, all without the shock factor that has characterized many of her recent outfits.

Not every star can transition so smoothly from sheer to sparkle, but Johnson made it look effortless. While the blush gown may not have been the boldest choice she made this month, its subtlety is precisely what made it shine.

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