When Taylor Swift arrived to the 2022 VMAs red carpet in a crystal-draped Oscar De La Renta mini-dress, fans were quick to point out its striking resemblance to a scene from her “Look What You Made Me Do” music video. Sure, it could have just been a coincidence — but Swifties know that there’s usually more than meets the eye when it comes to the music industry’s queen of Easter eggs.
So what could be the story behind the look? Ahead of the awards, the Internet was abuzz that this was Swift’s subtle way of sharing that reputation (Taylor’s Version) would be the next album in her lineup of re-recordings. But an announcement of her third re-record was nowhere to be found that night. Instead, the pop star threw a *swift* curveball, revealing that her next project would actually be her 10th studio album, Midnights.
With the arrival of the 13-track set (or 20 tracks on the 3am Edition) on Oct. 21, fans will now agree that the dazzling drip was almost certainly a tribute to “Bejeweled,” her second song from the album to be given the music video treatment. Covered in gems and rhinestones — and including cameos from Laura Dern, the HAIM sisters and Dita Von Teese — the video does exactly what Swift declares: “I can make the whole world shimmer.”
In honor of her newest visual triumph, which she self-wrote and directed, Billboard went back through her catalog of music videos to find the moments where she shimmers brightest (including “Look What You Made Me Do,” of course). Check them out below.
-
Taylor Swift, “Blank Space”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Tay was the ultimate “nightmare dressed like a daydream” in the “Blank Space” video, wearing a shimmering silver gown to match her sleek earrings.
-
Taylor Swift, “You Need To Calm Down”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Swift was trailer park chic in the “You Need To Calm Down” music video, completing her furry pink jacket look with blinged-out sunglasses and heart-shaped earrings.
-
Taylor Swift, “Wildest Dreams”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Swift is a vision in emerald in the “Wildest Dreams” clip, wearing a chandelier necklace with the green-toned gem and matching earrings.
-
Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo OK, maybe she’s not the best twerker. But Swift still rocked some serious bling in the “Shake It Off” music video to match the pro dancers.
-
Taylor Swift, “Picture to Burn”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Swift tore a man to shreds in the “Picture to Burn” video, all while looking fabulous in a pair of dangling earrings.
-
Taylor Swift, “Love Story”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo While pining for Romeo in the romantic “Love Story” music video, Swift wears a dangling gold necklace to capture the elegance of Juliet.
-
Taylor Swift, “Look What You Made Me Do”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Swift introduced her reputation era with the “Look What You Made Me Do” video, in which she’s seen bathing in a tub of jewels.
-
Taylor Swift, “Bejeweled”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo As the title might suggest, Swift is an absolute gem in the “Bejeweled” music video, donning a number of glimmering looks, including this 1920s-inspired bodysuit.
-
Taylor Swift, “Our Song”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Even in her country era, Swift was a glittery queen. In the “Our Song” video, her shimmer on her guitar can basically be seen from space.
-
Taylor Swift, “Begin Again”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo In Swift’s “Begin Again” music video in 2012, she’s seen starting over while rocking her iconic red lip and a pair of dangling, sparkling earrings.
