Mariah Carey Winks to Two of Her Album Covers in a Bronze Naked Dress

While we’d expect Mariah Carey to be resting on her laurels from another successful Christmas season, the R&B crooner seemingly never takes a break—and neither does her fashion sense.

At a pre-Grammys event hosted by the Black Music Collective and the Recording Academy, Mariah Carey was given the Global Impact Award, which she accepted in caramel-colored couture from Schiaparelli. (Lenny Kravitz received the award as well.)

As seen on the red carpet, the dress included a champagne corset bodysuit, which featured panel detailing and pronounced cups at the heart-shaped neckline. The lingerie-style undergarment was layered under a large strip of sheer copper fabric, which was wrapped around Carey’s torso and then tied in a knot on her side, where it gracefully draped to the ground like an ethereal skirt. To keep the warm, earthy glamour going, Carey added a pair of chocolate heels adorned with sparkly rhinestones. She also accessorized with silver diamond bracelets, ear cuffs, and necklaces that looked like vines wrapped around her body.

Whether intentional or not, Carey’s Schiaparelli design seemed to be a wink to two of her album covers. The colors and skin-baring elements recalled the art from 1997’s Butterfly, while the asymmetrical design and delicate material nodded to 2005’s The Emancipation of Mimi. She was accepting an award for her musical accomplishments, after all, so why not nod to them?

In her speech, Carey noted how she has fought against conformity in the industry. “When I first started in the music business, I was often told to conform to certain expectations,” she said. “I was not encouraged to focus on my love for Black music. It took countless arguments, endless tantrums—I’ll call them tantrums—and mostly unwavering determination, but eventually, I was able to reveal my authentic self, as they say, and create music that came from my heart. In doing so, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom and fulfillment.”

She closed by adding, “I accept this award on behalf of every person who has ever felt silenced or marginalized, who has ever been told their voice doesn’t matter. Your truth matters. We will continue to pave the way together for a future where authenticity is celebrated, diversity is embraced, and music has the power to change the world.”

Joel Calfee

Editorial and Social Media Assistant

Joel is the editorial and social media assistant for HarpersBAZAAR.com, where he covers all things celebrity news. When he steps away from the keyboard, you can likely find him singing off-key at concerts, scavenging thrift stores for loud wardrobe staples, or perusing bookstores for the next great gay romance novel.