Miley Cyrus doesn't just walk a red carpet; she consumes it. If you’ve been scrolling through the recent images of Miley Cyrus from the early 2026 awards circuit, you already know the vibe has shifted. It’s not the "Bangerz" chaos of ten years ago. It’s something much more expensive, architectural, and—honestly—a little bit intimidating.
The internet basically went into a meltdown last week when she showed up at the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. She wasn't just there to pose; she was there as a heavy-hitting nominee for Best Original Song for "Dream As One" from the Avatar: Fire and Ash soundtrack.
She looked like a high-fashion eclipse.
The Saint Laurent Moment That Defined 2026
Most people expected a "naked dress." Instead, Miley gave us a masterclass in dark glamour. The recent images of Miley Cyrus at the Beverly Hilton show her in a custom, floor-length Saint Laurent gown designed by Anthony Vaccarello. It was black. It was sequined. But the real talk was about the shoulders.
The dress featured these insane fanned-out, sculptural pleated accents that jutted out from her shoulders. Some fashion critics compared it to a peacock; others saw it as a nod to the "Showgirl" aesthetic she’s been playing with since her work on The Last Showgirl film.
👉 See also: Pat Lalama Journalist Age: Why Experience Still Rules the Newsroom
- The Gown: Custom Saint Laurent, black sequins, plunging neckline.
- The Shade: She wore oversized YSL sunglasses on the red carpet. Very "don't look at me, but actually look at me."
- The Bling: A 15-carat emerald pendant from Tiffany & Co. that probably costs more than a literal house.
She didn't take the glasses off, even when photographers yelled. In fact, she reportedly told one photographer, "If you tell me not to wear the glasses, I'll wear them anyway." That’s the Miley we know.
That Massive Engagement Ring
Let’s talk about the hand. You've probably seen the zoom-ins. In December 2025, news broke that Miley got engaged to Maxx Morando, her drummer boyfriend of four years. The 2026 Golden Globes served as the official "hard launch" for the ring in front of the world's cameras.
It’s not your typical "influencer" pear-cut diamond. It’s a bespoke Jacquie Aiche creation. Think cushion-cut stone on a thick, 14-karat yellow gold "bombe" style band. Experts at Elle Australia and People are estimating the value anywhere between $150,000 and $450,000. It has this "boho-rock" energy that feels way more authentic to her than anything traditional.
Why Recent Images of Miley Cyrus Look Different
If you feel like she looks "unrecognizable," you're not alone. But it isn't surgery; it's a total color and texture pivot. Her hair colorist, Jacob Schwartz, has moved her away from that stark, bleach-blonde "Hannah Montana" look toward a "dark honey-blonde" or "bronde."
✨ Don't miss: Why Sexy Pictures of Mariah Carey Are Actually a Masterclass in Branding
It’s warmer. It’s richer.
The makeup, done by Janice Daoud for the Globes, used Maybelline Sky High Mascara in two different shades (Blackest Black and True Brown) to create depth without looking like a heavy "Instagram face." It’s an "undone" smoky eye that feels lived-in.
The Palm Springs "Girl Boss" Pivot
Before the Globes, she hit the Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 3, 2026. If the Globes were about the gown, Palm Springs was about the suit. She wore head-to-toe Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann.
- The Fit: High-waisted flared trousers and a structured blazer with serious power shoulders.
- The Twist: A plunging polka-dot top and python-print pumps.
This "Girl Boss" era is a sharp contrast to the sheer, tattered "Showgirl" looks we saw in her Perfect Magazine and CR Fashion Book shoots late last year. It seems she’s oscillating between "High Fashion Executive" and "Gothic Showgirl."
🔗 Read more: Lindsay Lohan Leak: What Really Happened with the List and the Scams
The "Something Beautiful" Visual Era
Everything we are seeing in the recent images of Miley Cyrus is leading up to her new album, Something Beautiful, which is slated for release on May 30, 2026.
She’s been working with legendary photographer Glen Luchford for the album art, which features her in archival 1997 Thierry Mugler. This isn't just a music release; it's a visual campaign. She told Consequence that the album is inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall, which explains the more structured, almost cinematic clothing choices she’s making lately.
What to Watch For Next
The 2026 Grammys are right around the corner. Given her current trajectory with Saint Laurent and Mugler, expect something archival. She’s leaning heavily into fashion history right now—specifically the late 90s and early 2000s "power woman" silhouettes.
If you’re trying to replicate the look, start with the hair. The move toward "lived-in" color and voluminous, brushed-out waves is the biggest trend she’s spearheading this year. Also, keep an eye on the "bombe" ring style; jewelry designers are already reporting a massive spike in requests for thick gold bands over thin, pavé ones.
The evolution from child star to "Bangerz" rebel to the current "Architectural Icon" is basically complete. Miley isn't chasing trends anymore; she's just wearing whatever makes her feel powerful, whether that's a suit, a sequined gown, or absolutely nothing at all for a high-fashion zine.
Next Steps for Following the Era:
- Watch the Avatar: Fire and Ash music video for "Dream As One" to see the visual language she’s using.
- Track her Instagram for the anniversary "Flowers" posts, where she’s been sharing "behind-the-scenes" shots in that viral one-shoulder LBD with the hip-high slit.
- Look for the 80-page Perfect Magazine zine photographed by Paolo Roversi if you want to see the more experimental, "no fashion" side of her current aesthetic.