Kendrick Lamar's presence at the 2026 Grammy Awards was a dual triumph, marking both a significant fashion moment and a historic achievement in his music career. He appeared in a bespoke Chanel tuxedo, an unprecedented custom creation for a male artist from the renowned French luxury brand. This sartorial choice underscored a deepening relationship between Lamar and Chanel, which began with his notable appearance at the Met Gala in a quilted leather ensemble and continued with his collaboration on a short film for the brand's spring 2024 couture collection. Beyond the red carpet, Lamar solidified his legendary status by becoming the most awarded rapper in Grammy history, accumulating a total of 27 awards and surpassing Jay-Z's previous record.
Kendrick Lamar's Unforgettable Night at the 2026 Grammy Awards
On a memorable Sunday evening at the 2026 Grammy Awards, music icon Kendrick Lamar made a grand entrance that resonated deeply within both the music and fashion worlds. He arrived attired in a custom-made tuxedo meticulously crafted by the prestigious French fashion house, Chanel. This particular garment, which required an astounding 207 hours of dedicated handiwork, represented a pioneering moment: it was the first time Chanel had created a bespoke tuxedo for a male artist for such a high-profile event. This landmark collaboration was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of a growing synergy between Lamar and the luxury brand.
Their intertwined journey began in 2023, when Lamar attended the Met Gala, an event honoring Karl Lagerfeld, showcasing a distinct Chanel ensemble. His attire included a black quilted leather jacket, matching trousers, and a crisp white T-shirt, complemented by a silk foulard styled as a belt and a baseball cap adorned with the iconic double-C logo. The following year, his collaboration with then-creative director Virginie Viard extended to a short film titled "The Button," created for Chanel's spring 2024 couture collection. Lamar further cemented his ties with the brand by attending the runway show in a tweed bomber jacket paired with light-wash jeans, and most recently, he was officially appointed as an ambassador for the house.
For the 2026 Grammys, Lamar's stylist, Karizza Sanchez of pgLang, revealed that the artist's vision for his attire was rooted in classic elegance, aiming for a "non-fashion" yet impeccably stylish look. Lamar's specific request was for "the nicest tux ever made." His stylist, Carlos Nazario, a contributing style director at Vogue, explained the philosophy behind the choice: "The starting point was restraint and intention. It was about letting his presence precede him, rather than making a big fashion statement. Confidence without excess." The final selection was a sophisticated black grain de poudre tuxedo jacket featuring a satin lapel, paired with a white poplin pleated plastron shirt, a bejeweled chain, and elegant Chanel sunglasses. Sanchez emphasized that Chanel was the sole brand considered for this pivotal moment.
Beyond his impeccable style, Lamar's night was crowned with extraordinary musical achievements. He entered the awards ceremony as the most nominated artist and concluded the evening by winning for Best Rap Album for "GNX," Best Rap Song for "TV Off," and securing a second consecutive Record of the Year for "Luther" alongside SZA. These victories propelled his career total to an astounding 27 Grammy Awards, officially surpassing Jay-Z’s record of 25 and establishing him as the most awarded rapper of all time. During his acceptance speech for Best Rap Album, Lamar concisely expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the significance of his attire and his cultural impact: "We are going to be in these suits looking good, having our folks with us. We are going to be having the culture with us. So I appreciate y'all. God is the glory. Love y'all."
Carlos Nazario reflected on Lamar's enduring legacy, stating, "If there is one thing we can all learn from Kendrick, it is the art of letting the work speak for itself." He suggested that Lamar's future sartorial evolution would mirror his artistic depth, becoming "even more personal and more refined," much like the intricate visual narratives and complex storytelling that define his musical endeavors.
Kendrick Lamar's historic night at the Grammys serves as a powerful testament to the convergence of artistic excellence and authentic personal style. His decision to collaborate with Chanel on a custom tuxedo not only broke new ground in fashion but also perfectly complemented his monumental achievements in music. It highlights how a meticulously chosen ensemble can amplify an artist's message and presence, allowing their intrinsic confidence and artistry to shine through without needing overt extravagance. This event underscores that true impact often stems from a harmonious blend of talent, intention, and a discerning eye for presentation.