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Pop star shrugs off criticism of daring Grammy look
Chappell Roan has dismissed the controversy surrounding her revealing Mugler ensemble at Sunday's Grammy Awards, calling the outfit "awesome and weird" in a playful Instagram post.
The outfit that sparked debate
On the red carpet, the U.S. singer removed a red chiffon cape to unveil a draped dress suspended from nipple rings, leaving most of her upper body exposed. The design, created by Mugler, became one of the night's most discussed fashion moments.
In her Instagram response, Roan wrote, "Giggling because I don't even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look's actually so awesome and weird. I recommend just exercising your free will-it's really fun and silly."
She also thanked Grammy organizers and her supporters, adding, "Thank you for having me @grammys and those who voted for me!!"
Fans and critics clash over the look
Reactions to Roan's ensemble were sharply divided. Some admirers hailed her as "a goddess" and "an icon," with one fan drawing a parallel to Justin Bieber's near-nude Grammy performance: "If Justin can perform in his underwear without anyone batting an eyelid, you can rock pierced pasties, diva. Misogyny."
Others, however, criticized the outfit as excessive. One Billboard commenter wrote, "I love her but this is too much. Is she gonna get banned?" while another questioned, "I don't know what people have against wearing clothes."
Fashion writer Alex Fullerton told BBC Radio 5 Live that Roan's choice honored Mugler's legacy of bold, transparent designs but acknowledged the shock value: "At the end of the day... she's got them out!"
Award night disappointment
Despite the fashion buzz, Roan left the ceremony without a win. She was nominated for two Grammys-Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for The Subway-but lost in both categories.
The persona behind the boldness
Roan's daring style is tied to her alter-ego, Chappell-a flamboyant, drag-inspired version of herself. In a 2024 interview with the BBC's Mark Savage, she described Chappell as a "larger-than-life" persona that lets her embrace rebellion and risqué expression.
"I couldn't be Chappell all the time. I'd be absolutely exhausted."
Chappell Roan
Her latest look continues a trend of celebrities pushing boundaries with sheer and revealing outfits at high-profile events. Last year, Charli XCX wore a transparent black dress to the Brit Awards, later addressing the controversy by quipping, "I feel like we're in the era of 'free the nipple,' right?" Meanwhile, Bianca Censori, wife of Kanye West, made headlines at the 2024 Grammys in a sheer bodysuit that left little to the imagination.
