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When Taylor Swift arrived at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards wearing a tartan look from Dior’s Mary Queen of Scots-inspired Resort 2025 collection, netizens had only one question on their minds: Was she soft-launching the release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version)?
The 2017 studio album is one of the remaining few in her discography that hasn’t been re-recorded. With Swift only ever wearing one outfit during the record’s ‘era’ on her billion-dollar grossing tour, the anticipation has never been higher.
As we know by now, Swift’s calculated approach to style is just one form of communication with her fans. Silhouettes hide Easter Eggs, motifs signal sonic themes and her ensemble’s aesthetic provides context for the universes surrounding her songs.
So, what did it mean then when Swift switched out of this high-fashion warrior aesthetic and into a custom alien gown from New York-based label Monse?
Some have predicted this sequin mini dress is a homage to a single of The Tortured Poets Department while others speculate it’s referencing the silver moon men handed out during the ceremony.
Nevertheless, her outfit changes left much to be discussed. Is Taylor Swift hinting at new music with her 2024 MTV VMA looks? Below, we enter into evidence all the theories that surround her appearance at the awards show.
Taylor Swift Will Announce The Release Reputation (Taylor’s Version) Imminently
…Ready for it? That’s the question Taylor Swift is seemingly asking fans as many have predicted the new season Dior dress to be a major clue that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) is next on her release roster. The look featured a yellow-and-black corset bodice, a skirt made of the same material, black mini shorts and matching accessories, including punk-style gloves and thigh-high boots. The look harks back to the black battle outfits she wears in the music video for “Bad Blood”. Watch it below if you haven’t already.
Tartan is also a print historically synonymous with war, with some Scottish clans using the material as part of their uniform in combat. Given the album deals with subjects of revenge and seeking retribution, we’d contend that there’s no better look to indicate the imminent announcement of the record.
Taylor Swift Was Referencing A Single From The Tortured Poets Department
As Taylor Swift arrived at Sabrina Carpenter’s after party, the singer changed into an intergalactic corset, mini skirt and matching jacket designed by her long-term friends and fashion collaborators Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia. As the former Eras Tour opener performed in front of an extra-terrestrial set, it was also speculated that Swift’s outfit was to support the “Espresso” singer.
However, the general consensus seemed to be that Swift was referencing the single “Down Bad” from her most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department. Speculated to be written about her relationship with The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy, the lyrics contain references to a “cosmic love” and being “beamed up”. As the dress literally depicts two figures being abducted by a UFO, is Swift simply wearing an outfit that alludes to her chart-topping body of work?
Taylor Swift Is In A New Era Altogether, Hinting That She Is Currently Working On New Music
Another theory fans have suggested is that Taylor Swift is already working on new original music, with her recent outings hinting that she’s already entering another era entirely. As you may remember, Swift adopted a more collegiate look with tailored button-down shirts, loafers and pleated mini skirts in August 2023 around the time she was recording The Tortured Poets Department.
She was often seen in this mode of dress when frequenting Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village. These styles were immortalised in her album cover shoot and in the look she wore to the 2024 Grammy Awards where she announced the albums. Swift has certainly been evolving her off-duty style, as seen during her recent appearances at the 2024 NFL season opener in denim Versace and the gingham Reformation dress she wore to the 2024 US Open.
But given Swift has been on the road for the past year and just came out with her eleventh studio album, it’s unlikely that she’s planning on releasing anything new just yet. In summation, Swift will continue keeping up on her toes regardless of what she wears. Like chess mastermind Bobby Fischer, she’s always two steps ahead.
