Fashion North’s Favourite Looks From The Mercury Prize Awards 2026
The Mercury Prize Awards was hosted at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle for the second year running this October and celebrated twelve outstanding albums nominated for album of the year.
While all of the nominees’ performances were impressive, it was their looks that solidified the sheer emotion, meaning and individuality behind their performances. Here are our favourite looks from the evening!
JADE – The True Angel of the North.
Jade captivated the audience with a stunning performance of her debut single “Angel Of My Dreams” which explores her bittersweet relationship with life in the spotlight, recently going viral following its feature on the Victoria’s Secret runway. She wore a custom Dreaming Eli gown in a rusty brown colour, which subtly referenced the Angel of the North. Jade received a one minute standing ovation from the crowd, showing huge support for the South Shields born singer.
Styled by: Jamie McFarland and Zack Tate.
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RAYE – The Evening’s Leading Lady.
Raye shone on stage during both performances of her song “I Hate The Way I Look Today” and during her acceptance speech for the Mercury Prize Award, where she expressed how she wanted her latest album “This Music May Contain Hope” to feel free and individual. She wore a Taller Marmo 1920 Gown from their Fall 2026 collection, with a stunning feather shawl to match. Of course, the singer had no shoes on, as she prefers to perform bare foot, however, she kept her signature, perfectly styled bob hairstyle for the event, channeling the individuality that her music has.
Styled by: Eniola Dare
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Florence and the Machine – A Force to be Reckoned With.
In her most recent album ‘Everybody Scream’, Florence Welch delves into the pressures put on women in the music industry as well as reproductive rights and personal trauma. Florence took centre stage in a bespoke Banshee of Saville Row red velvet suit as she put on a powerful rendition of her song “One of the Greats” (featuring Mark Bowen), delivering a great sense of empowerment and liberation which mirrored her album’s meaning to the audience.
Styled by: Aldene Johnson
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Olivia Dean – The Artist of Sentiment.
Olivia Dean gave a heartfelt, emotional performance of “Let Alone The One You Love” from her second album ‘The Art Of Loving’ in a sleek Maison Alaia black dress from their Winter/Spring 2027 collection. It featured a gorgeous leg slit detail, giving the dress graceful movement as she danced across the stage. Dean styled a slicked back bun with the dress, perfectly reflecting the simple elegance that she exudes in her performances and her music.
Styled by: Simone Beyene
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Let us know which Mercury Awards look was your favourite!!! You can leave a comment below or on our Instagram @Fashion_North
