The Grammy Awards are often a dazzling display of fashion, where artists and celebrities push the boundaries of style. However, the 2025 edition, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, took on a more somber and restrained tone, reflecting the recent wildfires that had devastated the region. Despite the subdued color palette, the red carpet was still a showcase of bold and innovative looks, with many guests using their fashion choices to pay tribute to the victims and first responders.

A Night of Tribute and Restraint

The wildfires in Los Angeles had a profound impact on the mood of the event. Many guests chose to wear all-black outfits as a mark of respect, a trend seen at recent award ceremonies. Miley Cyrus, known for her bold fashion choices, opted for a cut-out leather Saint Laurent dress, while Olivia Rodrigo wore a slinky halter neck Versace number. Lady Gaga set a somber tone in a dramatic long-sleeved ball gown by Vivienne Westwood, her presence commanding even in the subdued color.

Supporting LA and MusiCares

In a show of solidarity with the city that has hosted the Grammys more times than any other, guests wore blue heart pins. Brittany Howard, Jaden Smith, and Jacob Collier were among those seen sporting the pins in support of MusiCares, a charity raising money for music industry professionals impacted by the fires. This gesture added a layer of meaning to the evening, turning the red carpet into a platform for advocacy and support.

Feathers, Ruffles, and Cascading Tulle

While many chose to honor the somber mood, others added a touch of glamour with feathers and ruffles. Sabrina Carpenter wowed in a custom JW Anderson gown with elegant accents, while Cardi B’s Roberto Cavalli Couture mermaid gown featured beads and sequins that turned into an autumnal plume as it trailed to the floor. Charli XCX and Chappell Roan, both highly nominated artists, achieved similarly eye-catching effects with their outfits. Charli XCX wore a custom Jean Paul Gaultier look from the Spring-Summer 2025 runway, while Roan opted for an archive piece from Gaultier’s Spring 2003 couture collection.

The Illusion of Skin and Bold Choices

The Grammys would not be complete without a bit of skin—or the illusion of it. The various takes on nude ranged from the subtle to the not-so-subtle. Madison Beer’s divine strapless gown and the sheer detailing of Shakira’s Etro dress added a touch of elegance. However, the most daring look came from Ye’s wife, Bianca Censori, who shocked onlookers by dropping her coat to reveal a see-through slip dress that was barely there.

Unique and Meaningful Statements

Some of the most memorable looks were not just about fashion but also about making a statement. Charli XCX performed in denim undergarments, a belt, and a jacket from Dior, with underwear raining from the ceiling as a form of confetti. This stunt was not just for show; all the unworn undergarments were donated to survivors of domestic violence through I Support the Girls. Taylor Swift, on the other hand, wore a cherry-red Vivienne Westwood minidress that matched the signature color of her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s team, the Kansas City Chiefs, possibly manifesting their third straight Super Bowl win.

A Night to Remember

The 2025 Grammy Awards were a night of contrasts—a somber tribute to the victims of the wildfires, yet also a celebration of music and fashion. The red carpet was a mix of restrained elegance and bold statements, with guests using their outfits to honor, support, and entertain. From the dramatic gowns to the innovative use of feathers and ruffles, the evening was a testament to the creativity and resilience of the music industry.

As the night came to a close, the Grammys had once again proven that fashion is not just about looking good but also about making a statement. Whether it was through the all-black trend, the blue heart pins, or the daring choices on the red carpet, the 2025 Grammy Awards will be remembered as a night where fashion and compassion walked hand in hand.