Taylor Swift‘s surprise appearance at the 2022 VMAs was complete with a stellar red carpet fashion moment and the announcement of her tenth studio album— an evening straight out of every Swiftie’s “Wildest Dreams!” The “mirrorball” singer, 32, certainly glistened like one in a crystal-embellished mini dress with a sultry, sheer lining and draping, sparkling details. The retro-inspired, stunning piece is by Oscar De La Renta, and from the luxury label’s Resort 2023 collection.
Swift showed off her killer figure and bold, (dare we say Reputation era-esque) style in the frock, pairing it with sky-high Christian Louboutin ‘Bombina Metallic’ sandal heels. The Grammy winner completed her shimmering look to the Newark, New Jersey red carpet with dangly, diamond drop earrings and shiny rings by Lorraine Schwartz.
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She also rocked her signature red lipstick, black winged eyeliner, and added sparkly silver eyeshadow for more emphasis. Swift tied her trademark long, blonde tresses up into an elegant updo, with her curtain bangs parted and hair styled straight.
The “cardigan” crooner snagged three Video Music Awards for “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version),” including video of the year, best long-form video and best direction. Swift made history with her third video of the year win ever, as she previously garnered the award for “Bad Blood” in 2015, and “You Need To Calm Down” in 2019. Additionally, Swift broke the record for the most VMAs for video of the year.
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During her video of the year acceptance speech, Swift shared big news with a beaming smile. The songwriter announced that her “brand new album” will come out on October 21st (mark your calendars!), and she later revealed via Instagram that its title is Midnights and features “the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout [her] life”; and that the album is now for sale on her website.
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Eagle-eyed fans pointed out hours later on Twitter that the 13-track album will arrive “on Kim Kardashian’s birthday” (which might be Swift’s last laugh after their memorable feud). Swift’s breathtaking, crystalline outfit choice might be symbolic as well, as some fans note that it is “very similar” to the dress she wore 13 years ago to the 2009 VMAs, when Kanye West stole her spotlight and sparked controversy.
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This dress also resembles her ensemble from the 2017 “Look What You Made Me Do” video, other users noticed, which was also believed to be about Swift reclaiming her image, karma, and the idea that those who wronged her don’t know what they’re in for. “She’s truly unstoppable, just look at her re-recordings, she IS the music industry,” one fan recently wrote, and we couldn’t have said it better.
Later that night, Swift stepped out in an equally beautiful Republic Records after-party outfit— a low-cut, sweetheart neckline, sapphire-blue romper by Moschino with star embellishments in its center and a flirty, thigh-skimming hemline. The pop star added a furry white coat to her glamorous pieces, and graced the event in Alexander McQueen ‘Butterfly Glitter Ankle Strap’ platform sandals. To top it all off, the stunner wore her long, blonde hair down, as well as her wispy bangs, and excited fans with more news surrounding her upcoming music release.
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“I already love the Midnights era!!” wrote one fan on Twitter as another added, “two gorgeous looks from Taylor in one night and an album announcement, I’m going to pass out.” In a post for her 222 million IG followers, Swift shared the cover art for her forthcoming record, a photo of her with cat-eye liner, blue eyeshadow, red lipstick, and opening a lighter. She playfully added in her caption to “meet” her “at midnight,” and gave us the following details about the new tracks in the following statement:
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“We lie awake in love and in fear, in turmoil and in tears. We stare at walls and drink until they speak back,” Swift wrote, “We twist in our self-made cages and pray that we aren’t—right this minute—about to make some fateful life-altering mistake.” She continued, “This is a collection of music written in the middle of the night, a journey through terrors and sweet dreams. The floors we pace and the demons we face.” She concluded her note, “For all of us who have tossed and turned and decided to keep the lanterns lit and go searching—hoping that just maybe, when the clock strikes twelve…we’ll meet ourselves.”
(Who else can’t wait to stay up till midnight on October 21st?!)
