On February 1, at the 2026 Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Addison Rae captivated attendees with what many recognized as her “Addison Rae Marilyn Monroe moment.” The singer appeared on the red carpet sporting a striking white dress that echoed Marilyn Monroe’s legendary subway grate scene from the 1954 film The Seven Year Itch.
Addison’s ensemble featured a plunging neckline paired with a mini bustle skirt, designed shorter at the back than the front. While the details differed from Monroe’s halterneck and pleated skirt, the visual homage was unmistakable when Rae confidently posed, holding down the front of her dress as it billowed in the breeze, smiling for photographers.
Details of Addison Rae’s Red Carpet Appearance and Tribute
Red carpet events like the Grammys offer celebrities a chance to showcase fashion statements, and Addison Rae took full advantage with her daring choice. Her white dress immediately captured attention, but it was her gesture—mimicking Monroe’s iconic pose above a New York City subway grate—that solidified the tribute.
Marilyn Monroe’s 1954 scene remains one of cinema’s most memorable fashion moments, and Addison’s reinterpretation added contemporary flair. The “Nothing On” singer embraced this timeless moment with modern styling, making her red carpet debut both nostalgic and fresh for fans and fashion critics alike.
Additional Fashion Highlights from Grammy Week
Addison Rae has become a familiar figure on the red carpet, having also attended Spotify’s Best New Artist party just days before the Grammys. At that event, she donned another white outfit that pushed boundaries: a micro bustle skirt, complemented by a matching hat, embellished boots, and bright accessories including a pink feather boa. Her commanding stage presence at this star-studded gathering reinforced her rising profile in celebrity fashion circles.
Other notable figures spotted during the Grammy festivities included Paris Jackson, who wore a sleek black cut-out mini dress, and Olivia Dean, appearing in a softly structured gown shaded in purple tones. Meanwhile, Heidi Klum garnered attention with her bold fashion choice, further highlighting the night’s diversity in style.
The Complexity Behind Crafting Red Carpet Looks
While red carpet appearances may appear spontaneous, they are the result of extensive preparation. Ilaria Urbinati, a stylist who has worked with A-listers including Chris Evans, Ryan Reynolds, and Rami Malek, shared insights about the effort involved in creating memorable fashion moments.
“I think people think my job is just putting clothes on people. I don’t think they realise the amount of work that goes into getting your hands on clothes, for loan, for all these red carpets,”
Urbinati explained.
It’s not like I snap my fingers and clothes appear, or I can just run to a department store and grab the look I have in mind. I also don’t think people realise the amount of ‘shlepping’ that’s involved; the running around, the prep, the unpacking, the steaming and the tailoring,
she said. Ilaria Urbinati, Stylist
Urbinati emphasized her preference for enduring style over fleeting trends.
“I don’t care much for trends. I look for a more timeless style.”
Sometimes it feels like everyone’s just throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks – so lately I find myself craving a little bit of traditional style, as long as it’s done really impeccably.
Ilaria Urbinati, Stylist
Why Addison Rae’s Marilyn Monroe Tribute Matters
Addison Rae’s choice to channel Marilyn Monroe at the Grammys highlights the ongoing influence of classic Hollywood glamour within modern celebrity fashion. This moment not only bridges past and present style icons but also demonstrates how contemporary stars engage with cultural history through their appearance.
The homage signals Rae’s growing confidence and maturity on red carpets, suggesting that she is embracing more sophisticated and symbolic fashion statements as her career evolves. This link to Monroe’s legacy, combined with Rae’s own rising status, could inspire other artists to incorporate meaningful references in their public appearances.
Looking ahead, Addison Rae’s bold approach at the Grammys sets a precedent for creative fashion choices in future awards seasons, reinforcing the power of iconic imagery in defining celebrity style.
