
Teyana Taylor Turns Heads in Face-Concealing Ensemble at 'The Rip' Premiere
A sheer black silhouette, bold eye makeup, and a face covering that left only the "A Thousand and One" actress's eyes visible set social media abuzz Tuesday night as cameras flashed at Alice Tully Hall in New York City.
Teyana Taylor ensured all eyes were on her Tuesday night as she stepped onto the red carpet at the New York premiere of Netflix's "The Rip," delivering a fashion moment that quickly set social media alight. From praise for high-fashion daring to sharp criticism over timing and symbolism, the ensemble became one of the night's most talked-about moments.

A fan comment dated January 14, 2026. | Source: Instagram/enews
An Avant-Garde Ensemble Steals Focus
Taylor arrived at the event alongside Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, who star in the upcoming Netflix film. The trio was photographed together on the red carpet at Lincoln Center, drawing attention not only for the film's star power but also for Taylor's avant-garde styling.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon at the Netflix's "The Rip" premiere, from a post dated January 14, 2026. | Source: Instagram/justjared
In solo shots from the premiere, Taylor posed against an unfinished, industrial-style backdrop, wearing a sheer, form-fitting black outfit draped diagonally across her body and paired with a matching black face covering that concealed her nose and mouth.
Only her sharply defined eyes were visible, accentuated by dramatic makeup, while her sculpted short hairstyle and stacked rings added to the high-fashion effect.

Teyana Taylor attends Netflix's "The Rip" Premiere at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center in New York City on January 13, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
Praise, Jokes, and Sharp Criticism Online
Online reactions were swift and polarized. One Instagrammer praised the dramatic styling, writing, "The cat eyes are saying everything 💯🔥," in a comment that focused squarely on her eye makeup. Another commenter framed the outfit as a statement look, "This look like one of them break up revenge looks [sic] 😂," suggesting the ensemble carried an unspoken narrative.
Not all responses were positive. One Instagrammer criticized the face covering, "Teyanna must not be watching the news because that outfit is tone deaf. There are hundreds of ICE officers dragging people out of homes and cars all over Minneapolis who have face masks just like her. Not a good look."

Ben Affleck, Teyana Taylor, and Matt Damon attend Netflix's "The Rip" New York Premiere at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on January 13, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
Another comment took a harsher tone, "Love handles and a Covid mask in a dress. Great." Supporters, however, rushed to her defense.
One fan declared, "Tbh. She is today's fashion icon and it girl. No one is seeing her right now," positioning Taylor as a trendsetter rather than a provocateur. Another admirer echoed that sentiment with a simpler endorsement, "Tey always best dressed [sic] 😍."

Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Joe Carnahan, Lina Esco, Steven Yeun and Kyle Chandler attend "The Rip" World Premiere at Alice Tully Hall in New York City on January 13, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
On Facebook, reactions were similarly mixed. Some likened the face covering to a "ski mask," while another commenter offered a more measured take, "Very Futuristic. This is showing her 'really creative' side. Catwalks would walk this so… Idk, I like seeing her in her style of fashion forward. This is too forward, lol!"

Teyana Taylor poses for photos at "The Rip" premiere, from a video post dated January 14, 2026. | Source: Instagram/enews
The fashion moment arrives as Taylor continues to dominate headlines beyond style. In recent weeks, she has also sparked speculation about her personal life after fueling rumors of a possible romance with former NFL star Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, following a widely shared social media post.

Teyana Taylor at "The Rip" New York Premiere, from a video post dated January 14, 2026. | Source: Instagram/enews
In the end, the look did exactly what Taylor's red carpet moments so often do: it demanded attention and sparked conversation. Whether viewed as daring artistry or a misstep in timing, the face-concealing ensemble ensured that Taylor, once again, left a premiere with as many people talking about her presence as the project she came to support.
That headline-making appearance was just the latest example of how Taylor has turned nearly every major public outing into a talking point, a pattern that continued across award-season carpets where her presence alone seemed to shift the atmosphere before a single flash went off.
The red carpet at the Beverly Hilton was full of memorable moments on a night known for movies and standout fashion. Cameras flashed, photographers called out, and one arrival seemed to pause the usual Golden Globes excitement.
Taylor arrived at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 11, 2026, in Beverly Hills, California. She stepped onto the red carpet with a calm and confident presence. Right from the start, she drew attention without any drama, standing tall as photographers captured every angle of her look.

A netizen comment dated January 12, 2026. | Source: Instagram/justjared
Taylor's Sculpted Silhouette
From the front, her black gown balanced drama and simplicity. The dress twisted and gathered to shape her figure, with cutouts adding interest to the sleek design.
A long halter detail trailed behind her, looking like some movement. Her short, wavy hair framed her face and highlighted her glowing makeup as she stood calm and confident under the lights.

Teyana Taylor descends the stairs as she attends the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in California on January 11, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
When Taylor turned, the back of her dress made an even bigger impression. Photos showed a low open back that revealed her tattoos and ended with a sparkling whale-tail detail, which quickly became a highlight of the night. The small cutouts and sharp tailoring mixed boldness with style, showing her fearless approach to red carpet fashion.

Teyana Taylor at the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 11, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
Social Media Reacts
The moment quickly spread across social media. On Facebook, a commenter wrote, "Now that's defying gravity!" in response to Taylor's gravity-resistant silhouette and confident pose.
On another post, another viewer reflected on her evolution, "You could have never gotten me to believe this was the same kid from My Super Sweet 16." A separate reaction on the same post crowned her outright, "Queen of the Red carpet."

Teyana Taylor poses for photos at the Golden Globes in California, from a post dated January 12, 2026. | Source: Instagram/justjared
Not all reactions were unanimous praise. In an Instagram post featuring the look, one Instagrammer criticized the design, writing, "This looks extremely uncomfortable."
Another commenter offered a more measured take, "She's gorgeous and her body is amazing but I feel like the dress doesn't do anything for her. That bow thing is distracting." Still, the accolades continued to roll in, with a fan summing up their verdict, "Best Dressed 👗 🔥🔥🔥🔥."

Teyana Taylor, from a post dated January 12, 2026. | Source: Instagram/justjared
Beyond the dress itself, attention also turned to Taylor's personal moment on the carpet. In a comment on an Instagram Reel capturing her and her mother, Nikki Taylor, one viewer observed, "Teyana Taylor's mom behind her - like sisters. ❤️.”
Another echoed the sentiment, "Her mom looks like she could be her sister!"

Teyana Taylor converses with another woman in silver outfit as her mother, Nikki Taylor is behind her smiling, from a post dated January 12, 2026. | Source: Instagram/enews
By the end of the night, the Golden Globes had crowned its winners and delivered its usual share of viral moments, but Taylor's appearance stood apart. Through calculated design, poised movement, and an unapologetic embrace of risk, she ensured that her red carpet walk would be remembered long after the final award was handed out.
That fearless confidence was hardly a one-off, as Taylor has spent the past year repeatedly turning high-profile appearances into conversation starters, often long before she ever steps onto a major awards-stage carpet.
A bold red carpet moment by the actress left fans doing double takes, as a uniquely constructed outfit set off a firestorm of debate and more than a few confused comments.
At the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards on December 1, 2025, Teyana Taylor arrived in a look that quickly became one of the most talked-about of the night. With her film "One Battle After Another" winning Best Feature, all eyes were already on her, but the unexpected design of her ensemble made sure no one could look away.

A netizen's comment about Teyana Taylor's outfit, from a post dated December 1, 2025 | Source: Instagram/fashionbombdaily
A Statement in Red: Taylor's Quirky Couture Steals the Spotlight
Her look was signature Taylor: bold, unconventional, and impossible to ignore, which is why she went minimalist in other aspects.
She kept her black short hair in soft curls, pairing it with nude-toned but heavy makeup, a glossy lip, and bold eyebrows. Additionally, she opted for barely any accessories, choosing small earrings and a single bracelet.

Teyana Taylor attends the Gotham Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on December 1, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
But let's discuss her clothes: the base of her Chanel outfit was a short-sleeve blouse with a slight sheen, relatively classic in comparison to what came next.

Teyana Taylor attends the Gotham Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on December 1, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The blouse was tucked into a thick red-and-black belt that served as the anchor for the showstopping piece: her high-waisted, flared red skirt.

Teyana Taylor attends the Gotham Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on December 1, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Covered in vibrant red plumage, the skirt created a dramatic, sculptural silhouette that gave the illusion of Teyana Taylor sitting down or her being shorter, even as she stood tall in her white and black-toed heels.
Naturally, this skirt's odd shape set the internet on fire.

Teyana Taylor attends the Gotham Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on December 1, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Netizens React to the Illusion
"I thought she was sitting down 😂😭," one person commented. Another wrote, "Is she sitting down or standing up😂?" The confusion sparked laughter, but not everyone was amused.

Teyana Taylor attends the Gotham Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on December 1, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
"Lmao she looks 3 ft tall. this is not it [sic]," one critic said bluntly. One person dismissed it entirely, "Big pass." Another added, "Unfortunately. Wrong outfit for her." Still, not everyone was harsh. One fan pointed out, "This is the most conservative I've ever seen herm [sic]. It's adorable but plain in Teyana terms." And some couldn't care less about the outfit, simply writing, "I love her. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹"
Whether sparking debate in a face-concealing ensemble, commanding attention at the Golden Globes, or confusing and delighting fans with daring couture at the Gotham Awards, Teyana Taylor has made one thing clear: her red carpet appearances are never accidental.
Through fearless fashion choices and an unshakable sense of self, she continues to turn each public moment into a conversation, one that lingers long after the cameras stop flashing.