Teyana Taylor Turns Heads at the 2026 VMAs in Gothic Feather Couture from Zuhair Murad

Laura Bais
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Teyana Taylor has been showcasing her ability to transform the red carpet into a runway throughout this awards season. From the Golden Globes to the Oscars, each of her appearances has sparked conversations about fashion. Her look at the VMAs was no exception, making a bold statement.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This marked the first West Coast edition of the ceremony since 2017, hosted by Snoop Dogg. It was a night where daring fashion was highly anticipated.

Taylor made a striking entrance in a sheer black coat-gown from Zuhair Murad’s fall 2026 couture collection. The gown was fully embroidered and featured a dramatic feather collar, cuffs, and hem. With long sleeves and a plunging neckline, the skirt flared slightly, enhanced by the abundance of feathers. Shimmering elements throughout the sheer design added an ornate touch, as noted by WWD.

Murad unveiled this collection in July during Paris Couture Week, drawing inspiration from the idea of a heroine for troubled times. Other reports highlighted the use of black lace, a broad waistband, and vertical embellishments running through the sheer skirt. The overall effect was one of gothic glamour with a couture finish.

Her beauty look complemented the dramatic gown. Taylor styled her braids into two sculptural high buns, with curled tendrils framing her face, smoky eyes, and a neutral lip. One outlet described her hairstyle as a blend of boho braids with a hint of sexy goth fantasy.

The styling choices did not overshadow the gown. The dark eye makeup mirrored the black lace and feathers, allowing the couture piece to take center stage.

Taylor’s presence at the event was not solely for fashion. She was nominated for Best Collaboration for her single “Hard Part,” featuring Lucky Daye, from her 2025 album ‘Escape Room’. Additionally, she served as a presenter during the show.

Taylor has a history with the VMAs, having won a Moon Person trophy in 2017 for Best Choreography for her work in Kanye West’s “Fade” music video. Her return as a nominee adds a sense of full-circle to her journey.

This appearance is just the latest in a series of standout outfits. At the Golden Globes, she donned a custom black Schiaparelli gown with cutouts and won Best Supporting Actress for ‘One Battle After Another’. She later received an Oscar nomination for the same role, showcasing a Chanel gown adorned with layers of black and white feathers.

Her awards-season wardrobe has also included a Thom Browne gown at the Actor Awards and a Tom Ford cutout gown at the Grammys, where she was nominated for Best R&B Album for ‘Escape Room’. Against this backdrop, her VMAs outfit feels like a continuation of her evolving fashion identity. Feathers, sheer layers, and couture drama are becoming her signature style.

Reactions to her look were overwhelmingly positive. Many publications named her among the best-dressed attendees, with one outlet declaring her the top pick of the night. Meanwhile, Paris Hilton dazzled in a silver mini dress with crystal-studded opera gloves, and Taylor Swift wore a halter dress featuring a sparkling silver skirt.

However, not everyone was completely sold. One fashion site praised the gown but expressed a desire for a bit more drama, suggesting that a stunning couture piece can feel somewhat restrained by Taylor’s own high standards. This speaks volumes about the expectations she has set for herself this year.

Whether viewed as restrained or a showstopper, her look achieved what a great VMAs outfit should: it kept the conversation going long after the carpet was cleared.

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