Miley cyrus dumps sparkles for hermès, honors hannah montana
At last night’s iHeartRadio Music Awards, Miley Cyrus delivered a sartorial surprise, trading in the flamboyant, rhinestone-laden looks she’s been sporting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana for a strikingly sophisticated ensemble that signaled a distinct shift in her personal style.
A calculated departure from cosplay
For weeks, Cyrus has leaned into the nostalgia surrounding the anniversary, resurrecting signature Hannah Montana aesthetics—think blonde bangs, double denim, and a generous application of gold accessories. The premiere of the anniversary special saw her pairing a custom Rabanne silver chain gown with a vintage graphic tee featuring an old promo image, a clever and self-referential nod to her pop star past. But last night was different. The pop star eschewed the overt cosplay in favor of a sleek, head-to-toe Hermès look: a rich leather coat with sharply folded lapels, paired with impeccably tailored cigarette pants. The ensemble, completed with pointed black pumps, an anklet, and understated Marli rings, bracelets, and earrings (including her bespoke Jacquie Aiche engagement ring featuring a cushion-cut stone on a 14k yellow gold band), presented a decidedly more mature and refined image.
The change wasn’t merely aesthetic; it felt symbolic. Cyrus, accepting the Innovator Award—a prize previously bestowed upon icons like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift (who also made a surprise appearance, racking up nine nominations)—reflected on the impact of Hannah Montana on her career. “This week, celebrating 20 years of Hannah Montana has been a dream come true,” she began, referencing the show's defining looks with a playful wink. “My double denim and gold scarf thanks you because they’ve been waiting over a decade to leave the house.”
What Cyrus revealed in her acceptance speech, however, was truly insightful. She explained that the persona of Hannah Montana provided her with the confidence and courage to perform authentically, suggesting that the constructed identity ultimately allowed her to explore and reveal her true self. The Hermès coat, in its quiet elegance, seemed to embody that very sentiment: a carefully curated exterior revealing a grounded and assured interior.
Cyrus's stylistic evolution is no secret. The 33-year-old has consistently demonstrated a willingness to experiment, frequently drawing inspiration from designers like Margiela, Alaïa, and Alexander McQueen. Leather-on-leather has become a signature, and she’s unafraid of bold beauty choices—from peroxide blonde hair to bleached eyebrows. But the iHeartRadio look felt less like experimentation and more like a deliberate statement, a step away from the playful nostalgia and toward a more sophisticated and undeniably chic future.