Fashion week often feels like the heartbeat of style, but some weeks belong less to the catwalk and more to the women shaping the wider cultural moment. Last week’s performances and last night’s Grammy Awards did just that. From couture shows in Paris to the gathering of the stars in Los Angeles, each offering delivered a series of intentional, expressive fashion moments that blurred the lines between performance, story and presence.
Indeed, black women stepped out in full regalia, determined to convey mood, personality and purpose. Each look felt deliberate, rooted in meaning, and undeniably connected to the evolving music and fashion zeitgeist of 2026. Together, they were a reminder that the most compelling style moments don’t chase the spotlight; they command it.
The looks
At the 2026 Grammy Awards, SZA delivered one of the most memorable fashion impressions of the evening. Although she skipped the first red carpet walk, she stole hearts in a striking red balloon dress with a plunging neckline, adorned with intricate floral embroidery. The dress, with a corset-style bodice, balanced boldness and softness, resulting in a look that felt both commanding and quietly romantic. It was a fitting number to receive the Record of the Year award Kendrick Lamar for their cooperation, “Luther.”
Before the Grammys dominated the global conversation last night, Paris Haute Couture Week produced more than its share of fashion queens, like Olandria Carthen. The Love Island USA alum, now firmly on the fashion radar, made her couture debut with a series of performances that cemented her rising status as a style figure to watch. She opened the week at the Rahul Mishra show wearing a textured gold mini dress, defined by three-dimensional structure and sculptural details. The look caught and refracted the light with every movement, signaling not only an entry into couture but also an increasing mastery of the high-fashion language.
In the meantime, Taraji P. Henson brought a sense of classic Hollywood glamor to the modern couture conversation. Henson attended Paris Haute Couture Week in a beaded Zuhair Murad gown and brought drama with restraint. The semi-transparent silhouette, densely embroidered with intricate embellishments, struck a balance between spectacle and poise. The result was a stately, commanding look that reaffirmed her ability to embody timeless elegance while remaining firmly present in today’s fashion moment.
See the best-dressed stars at the 2026 Grammy Awards and other events…
SZA
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Tyla
Shop editor’s picks
Teyana Taylor
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Olandria Carthen
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Taraji P. Henson
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Jodie Smith
Shop editor’s picks
Coco Jones
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Chloe Bailey
Finds from the store editor
Michelle Williams
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Olivia Dean
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Last week’s best-dressed stars commanded quiet authority
