Arrivals: 26th Annual BET Awards Red Carpet Highlights
From Left to Right: Bow Wow, Rocsi Diaz, Judith Riley and Robert Christopher - Gilbert Flores
The 2026 BET Awards were held on June 28th at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The awards celebrate the biggest triumphs in Black culture, with accolades ranging across music, film, television, sports, philanthropy, and now fashion.
For the first time in the ceremony’s history, BET introduced a Fashion Vanguard Award, which was won by Teyana Taylor. The BET red carpet has long been a stage to flaunt talented Black designers, stylists, and fashion icons, but by creating an individual award dedicated to fashion, the Black Entertainment Television network is further emphasizing the stunning artistry, revolutionary design, and historic breakthroughs Black artists have contributed to the fashion industry and culture.
Comedian and first-time host Drewski made a lasting impression with his offbeat humor during the show’s 25th anniversary. Other stars BET predicted to ‘own’ the carpet ahead of the event included Cardi B, Keke Palmer, Colman Domingo, Bad Bunny and Chlöe Bailey, with the help of stylists such as Kollin Carter, Wayman Bannerman + Micah McDonald, Law Roach, Jason Bolden and Zerina Akers.
The Ambony’s fashion journalists have highlighted the standout style moments from the night.
MEN
Many men in the US use their attire to convey identity, status, and self-growth. The BET Awards displayed just that. Artists showcased fine personal grooming, reminiscent of Swahili philosophical concepts like “urembo,” portraying a harmonious presentation, and “utulivu,” which suggests that a person of dignity moves gently, as they are in control of their emotions. Converging at the nexus of minority history in the US, African philosophy rises to fill the gaps in European dress, thereby precluding uninteresting fits from appearing on the scene. Zoot suits met hip-hop style at the gala, with many Dapper Dans walking the red carpet with striking and balanced aesthetics. Here are the very best-dressed guests.
Jaafar Jackson
Jackson’s look was exquisite. The perfect balance between masculine silhouette and sartorial elegance conveyed an air of respect and sensitivity that stood out from the rest, despite the quiet preponderance of navy blue. A subtle jacquard jacket expressing rich confidence and slightly wide-leg trousers for fluid movement came together at a defined waist, cinched by a fabric belt tied in a loose knot. Elegant, subtle, and quietly divine.
Malcom Barrett
Malcolm came crushing it, looking vibrant, attractive, and fun. His powerful red, bespoke suit was a testament to years of African American influence in fashion. The '70s-style trousers mirrored the jacket’s design -both adorned with white cowrie shells- giving the provocative look an air of buoyancy. The shells are reminiscent of a Mukyeem crown from the Kuba Kingdom in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the beret is an accessory that hints at the Black Panther movement. The glasses are an exceptional attribute of the fit, obscuring the face so that the attire is what truly catches the observer's eye. A superb choice for the event.
Johnny Geter
Johnny Geter’s avant-garde take on classic evening wear was striking. The sharp geometry and daring silhouette, with an open-chested V-neckline, emphasized a bold, sensual, red-carpet aesthetic. The white pagoda shoulders are the most arresting feature of the look, which comes together at a single white statement button that anchors the jacket. Rounded out with pointed, high-heeled leather boots that elongate the silhouette, the minimalist styling is enhanced by his choice of subtle jewelry. The concept itself was the accessory; he needed nothing else to shine.
Da’Vinchi
With a focus on optical patterns and relaxed, exaggerated proportions, this look drew heavily from 1950s minimalistic design. Carrying the serenity of a Mies van der Rohe structure and the playfulness of the curves in a Frank Stella painting, the fit was a triumph from head to toe. The self-assured posture of the contemporary silhouette and the clean monochromatic color scheme showcased sophistication in dress and a masterful understanding of one of the most important aspects of dressing well: dressing for the occasion. Phenomenal.
Durand Bernarr
Bernarr embraced a sleek, minimalist luxury aesthetic, relying on rich textures and precise tailoring within a muted, versatile chocolate palette. The beautifully structured, double-breasted blazer contrasted perfectly with an asymmetrical inner shawl lapel made of a lush, lustrous satin. This pairing elegantly created a V-neckline that elongated his slim figure. The interplay between matte and satin textures is a masterclass in quiet luxury, proving both tasteful and stylish -a pleasing look for all who laid eyes on.
WOMEN
The dress code of the BET Awards is always black tie with a focus on Black Excellence and highlighting Black and POC designers. The women of this year’s BET Awards ceremony understood the assignment, showcasing their own legacy, nodding to the impact of others, and overall embracing beautiful design for the night. The following standouts were eye-catching on the carpet and wonderfully unique.
Dess Dior
Wearing a custom DesignerVisionz piece, Dior says she wanted to go with something futuristic and highlight her hair, which was worn in a waved pixie. The goal of this look seemed to be to showcase a very interesting design, which was absolutely evident through the webbed silver breastplate and matching silver gladiator sandals. The hang and silhouette of the main piece accentuated Dior rather than detracting from her, which is what made this look so successful.
Janet Jackson
Jackson is a style icon we can all look forward to seeing on the carpet. This look was no different, with absolutely massive trousers, a white button-up with a popped collar, and a 2Pac t-shirt layered on top (paying homage to her late Poetic Justice co-star) Jackson brought a visually enticing street style to the carpet. But she didn’t stop there; Jackson wore silver bangles up her arms and a studded statement belt over her T-shirt and paired the look with an off-kilter fedora. The look was exciting and cool and exactly what we wanted to see from Miss Jackson.
Muni Long
Muni Long’s ensemble was the most exquisite execution of a “simple” red carpet look. Wearing one of this year’s hottest colors, Tiffany blue, in a Sergio Hudson gown, Long looked like a modern classic beauty. The sequined look was form-fitting and sleek with spaghetti straps and a simple rounded neckline. Complete with bright yellow stiletto nails and a dramatic bun with a side bang, Long showed the perfect balance of current fashion and old Hollywood glamor.
Madisin Rian
Covered in feathers in this Le Thanh Hoa gown from the Fall 2025 collection, Rian came to the carpet boldly. Bright red, blue, and yellow feathers cascaded down the bodice of the dress and descended into white, falling into bell sleeves and a dramatic train. From the shaved head to the statement drop earrings to the red lip that perfectly matched the red of the dress, Rian’s look was beautifully striking.
Teyana Taylor
Truly an MVP of the night, Teyana Taylor wore this Spring 2026 Stéphane Rolland gown to accept the prestigious Icon of the Year award in addition to the Video Director of the Year, Best Actress, and The Fashion Vanguard Award. The gown was billowing yet structural with huge gathers around the waist, and a fitted bodice adorned with a geometric crystal. The puffed headpiece and long straight hair brought this regal look together for the honorary royalty of the night.
