Emily Ratajkowski’s VMAs Look and Personal Touches

Emily Ratajkowski caught attention at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with her striking outfit and personal tributes. The 35-year-old model showcased her night on Instagram, starting with a photo in her red-and-black dress with daring open sides.

However, it wasn’t just her dress that turned heads. A more intimate detail lay in her nails and credentials, linking her to her boyfriend, Romain Gavras. One of her nails had the initials “RG,” corresponding to Gavras, a celebrated French filmmaker. Her event pass reinforced this connection, naming her as “Romain Plus One.”

She captioned her Instagram post, expressing her excitement of attending the VMAs with Gavras, among other artists. Another image captured her in the outfit with sunglasses and a black bag by production trailers.

Fans responded rapidly to her fashion statement. Comments showcased admiration for the dress and curiosity about her associations with the artists she tagged.

Romain Gavras’ Achievements

While Ratajkowski garnered attention, Gavras was acknowledged for his creative direction in music videos. He directed GENER8ION’s “STORM starring Yung Lean,” which earned nominations for Video of the Year and Best Direction. The piece received a Best Choreography nod too.

Inside the Peacock Theater, Ratajkowski was seen supporting Gavras as he celebrated his achievements, further highlighting their connection. Her manicure, featuring another design tied to Gavras’ work, underscored their bond.

The event marked another public appearance by the couple, following their recent outing in Rome. They were seen enjoying each other’s company, shopping and relaxing in the city.

Romantic Beginnings

Their romance became public in November 2025, and by February, Ratajkowski publicly embraced it on Instagram. Despite not disclosing much about the relationship, she has discussed her changed approach to dating post-divorce. She emphasized the importance of her satisfaction over external perceptions in relationships.

Gavras is an accomplished director known for his works in music and film. He gained significant recognition for directing M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls,” Jamie xx’s “Gosh,” and Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “No Church in the Wild.” The latter garnered him a Grammy nomination. He has also ventured into film with projects like “Athena” and “Sacrifice.” Film directing runs in his family, as his father, Costa-Gavras, is an established filmmaker.

Before his relationship with Ratajkowski, Gavras dated singer Dua Lipa in 2023, adding to his profile in the entertainment industry.