Celebrity style at the Mercury Prize 2026
The 2026 Mercury Prize took place at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday, 22 October, welcoming elite British music icons and other stars. The red carpet brought out an array of incredible fashion, defined by dramatic textures, sheer elements, and custom couture. Let's take a look at some of the night's standout outfits.
Raye
Raye was the night's big winner, taking home the Album of the Year award for her record This Music May Contain Hope. For her turn on the red carpet, she chose a 1920s opera-glamour look, donning a simple bronze satin slip dress by Taller Marmo, which balanced the volume of her matching-coloured sheer silk chiffon fil coupé cocoon coat woven with a Baroque damask motif and trimmed with fluffy ostrich feathers. She completed the look with a voluminous old Hollywood-style waved bob.
Kojey Radical
British rap artist Kojey Radical was nominated for his album Don't Look Down. He arrived at the event in a sleek, minimalist khaki wide-legged suit with a long mandarin-collar jacket featuring a covered button placket, sloped shoulders, and seams that added shape and interest to the coat. The wide-legged trousers created a relaxed, contemporary silhouette, while the mandarin collar and covered closure added a streamlined effect. The jacket's sloped shoulders softened the overall shape, and carefully placed seams added structure and visual interest, preventing the outfit from appearing too plain. He accessorised with fistfuls of diamond rings, which contrasted dramatically with his otherwise minimalist aesthetic.
Olivia Dean
Man I Need singer Olivia Dean strolled the awards carpet in an ethereal goddess look from Alaïa's Spring 2027 collection. She wore a soft, flowing ivory chiffon gown, characterised by a delicate, sculptural neckline and an asymmetrical, sheer ruffled hem. She paired the dress with silver strappy heels, enhancing the Greek goddess vibe.
Dove Ellis
Dove Ellis performed his single To The Sandals at the awards show. For his arrival, he opted for a look that matched his classic indie-folk aesthetic, pairing a maroon shirt with slim-fitting black trousers, a tan suede jacket, and dark brown ankle boots. The shirt added rich, earthy colour to the ensemble, while the trousers offered a modern contrast, keeping the look sharp and understated. The standout suede jacket added warmth and texture, nodding to 70s influences. The combination was effortlessly cool but polished.
Florence Welch
Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine stayed true to her dark, romantic, witchy aesthetic in an avant-garde ensemble by Viktor Gichev. She wore a custom sage-green column dress with a sheer black overlay decorated with intricate floral beadwork, paired with a matching scarf and reticule. She completed the look with a statement theatrical floral-patterned silk opera coat trimmed with reddish-brown faux fur, which complemented her signature long, messily styled red hair.
And a Few More …
Jade Thirlwall
Knats
Pulp
Nia Archives
Suede
Red Carpet Trends and Your Favourite Look?
The red carpet was a showcase for bold, expressive, and highly individual fashion. Many attendees wore outfits featuring rich fabrics and tactile embellishments, from Raye's ostrich feather-trimmed coat to Dove Ellis's suede jacket. Sheer fabric was also prominent, including Olivia Dean's gown and Florence Welch's beaded overlay, which combined opulence with ethereal delicacy. Trends included minimalist-with-a-twist, modern bohemian, retro-inspired, ethereal-and-romantic, and maximalist accessories. Which was your favourite look? Did we miss any?
If you have an event, wedding, big birthday bash, or office gathering to attend, we can create a custom masterpiece just for you – from overcoats to suits, custom shirts, and more. Contact our talented tailoring team today.
🎸 The Final Note… 🎤
The Mercury Prize might celebrate the best in British music, but let’s face it — some outfits deserve a standing ovation of their own! From headline-worthy tailoring to a few fashion notes that fell flat, the red carpet was certainly dressed for the occasion. 🎶✂️
After all, great music deserves great style — and a perfectly cut suit never goes out of tune. 😉
Until the next red carpet encore, stay sharp and stay Off The Cuff! 🕴️✨
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