Honestly, the 2024 Grammys felt like a fever dream, but nothing stuck in the collective brain quite like the Miley Cyrus safety pin dress. It wasn't just a dress. It was a literal architectural feat that looked like it might fall apart if she breathed too hard, yet it held together through a whirlwind of red carpet flashes.
You’ve probably seen the photos. She looked like a golden, punk-rock Cleopatra. But if you look closer at the "fabric," you realize there isn't any. It’s all metal. Every single inch of that shimmering, netted gold was actually thousands of tiny safety pins linked together.
The Wild Numbers Behind the Maison Margiela Masterpiece
Let’s get into the weeds of how this thing was actually made because the math is honestly exhausting. Maison Margiela, under the creative direction of the legendary (and often controversial) John Galliano, was the house behind the magic.
They didn't just throw this together in a weekend. It took 675 hours of manual labor. Think about that. That’s nearly 28 days of someone—or a whole team of someones—meticulously hooking metal to metal.
- 14,000 gold safety pins were used.
- French antique beads were woven into the pins to give it that "lived-in" vintage glow.
- It featured a sculptural high neck and a thong-style waistline that left very little to the imagination.
The weight must have been intense. Most "naked dresses" are made of sheer tulle or mesh. This was a literal suit of armor. Miley walked in it like it was weightless, which is probably the most "Miley" thing about the whole situation.
Why This Look Was a Massive Nod to Fashion History
Galliano didn't just pull the idea for the Miley Cyrus safety pin dress out of thin air. He was actually referencing his own archives from the late 90s. Specifically, his Fall 1997 "Susy Sphinx" collection.
Back then, fashion was obsessed with this "junk-shop chic" vibe—taking everyday, utilitarian objects and turning them into high-end couture. By bringing it back for Miley in 2024, Galliano wasn't just recycling an idea; he was cementing Miley’s status as a high-fashion muse.
There’s a direct line between the 1997 runway and the 2024 Grammys. People often forget that Galliano has used safety pins as a recurring motif for decades, both at his own label and during his stint at Dior. It’s a punk rock staple. But on Miley, it felt less like "London squat" and more like "Ancient Egyptian Goddess."
The "Naked Dress" Evolution
We’ve seen the naked dress a million times. Rihanna did the Swarovski crystals. Kim Kardashian did the Marilyn Monroe archival piece. But the Miley Cyrus safety pin dress did something different. It used "hard" materials to create a "soft" silhouette.
That Hair, Those Shoes, and the Total Vibe
You can’t talk about the dress without talking about the hair. It was big. We’re talking 1970s Barbarella meets Dolly Parton energy. Her hairstylist, Bob Recine, basically defied gravity to create that voluminous, blown-out look.
And the shoes? They were a collaboration between Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin. Yellow velvet Tabi heels. The Tabi—that split-toe shoe that people either love or absolutely loathe—added that extra layer of "if you get it, you get it" fashion credibility.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Look
Some critics called it "too much" or said it looked "messy" with the big hair. But they’re missing the point. The Grammys aren't the Oscars. It’s not about being "pretty" or "classy" in a boring way. It’s about being a rock star.
Miley was there to claim her first-ever Grammy (finally!). She needed a look that signaled a total transformation from the Bangerz era or even the Plastic Hearts era. This was her "Final Boss" form.
The Functional Reality
How do you sit down in 14,000 safety pins?
The short answer: You don't.
Miley actually had five different outfit changes throughout the night. The Miley Cyrus safety pin dress was strictly for the red carpet entrance. She swapped into a black Tom Ford jumpsuit to accept her first award and a vintage Bob Mackie fringe dress for her performance of "Flowers."
Why We’re Still Talking About It
Fashion moves fast. Usually, a red carpet look is forgotten by the time the after-parties start. But this one stuck. It's because it felt authentic to where Miley is right now—unapologetic, slightly dangerous, and incredibly hardworking.
It takes a specific kind of confidence to wear a dress that is essentially a giant piece of jewelry. No lining. No safety net. Just 14,000 pins and a prayer.
If you’re looking to channel this vibe without spending 600 hours pinning things to yourself, start with the texture. Metallic mesh, chainmail, and heavy gold accessories are the "civilian" version of this couture moment.
Practical Next Steps for Fashion History Buffs:
- Research the "Susy Sphinx" Fall 1997 collection by John Galliano to see the original inspiration for the safety pin motif.
- Check out the craftsmanship videos often released by Maison Margiela (on their YouTube or Instagram) which sometimes showcase the "Petites Mains" (the artisans) working on these complex metal garments.
- Compare the safety pin dress to Miley's other 2024 Grammy looks, particularly the Bob Mackie performance dress, to see how she balances archival vintage with custom modern couture.