Chappell Roan on Her Grammys Outfit: 'Wasn't That Outrageous'

Pop sensation Chappell Roan has recently addressed the whirlwind of reactions to her daring ensemble at the Grammy Awards. While her red carpet look sparked considerable online conversation, the artist herself maintains that her revealing outfit 'wasn't that outrageous.'

On Sunday, Roan captivated photographers by shedding her red chiffon cape to reveal a matching draped dress, strategically hung from nipple rings. This avant-garde Mugler creation left much of her upper body exposed and quickly became one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the ceremony.

Chappell Roan Says Revealing Grammys Outfit Wasn't 'That Outrageous'

Taking to Instagram to share her perspective, Roan expressed amusement at the widespread reaction. "Giggling because I don't even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit," she posted. "The look's actually so awesome and weird. I recommend just exercising your free will it's really fun and silly :D." She also extended gratitude to the Grammys organizers and voters.

Her bold statement resonated with many fans, who quickly hailed her as a "goddess" and "an icon" in the comments section. One commenter drew a parallel to Justin Bieber's recent performance in boxer shorts, noting, "If Justin can perform in his underwear without anyone batting an eyelid, you can rock pierced pasties diva. Misogyny." Nipple pasties, for clarity, are adhesive covers designed for both protection and discreet coverage.

Decoding the Mugler Moment and Public Reception

While celebrated by some, Roan's outfit also garnered criticism. Comments on a Billboard video of her red carpet appearance included sentiments like, "I love her but this is too much. Is she gonna get banned?" and "I don't know what people have against wearing clothes."

Fashion writer and stylist Alex Fullerton weighed in on the design, telling BBC Radio 5 Live, "What this label (Mugler) has done consistently since the 80s has worked a lot with transparency, bare breasts, so she's honouring the legacy of the designer." Fullerton concluded with a candid observation: "But at the end of the day... she's got them out!"

Despite her standout fashion moment, Roan, who was nominated for two Grammys – Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "The Subway" – did not take home any awards.

The Chappell Roan Persona: Rebellion and Artistry

Chappell Roan, known for her distinctive style and hits such as "Pink Pony Club" and "Good Luck, Babe!," is the vibrant alter-ego of Kayleigh Amstutz. Amstutz described Chappell in a 2024 BBC interview as a "larger-than-life, drag queen version of myself," a persona that empowers her to embrace rebellion and risqué expressions.

However, Amstutz admits the intensity of maintaining the character: "I couldn't be Chappell all the time. I'd be absolutely exhausted." This glimpse into her creative process highlights the intentionality behind her choices, including her red carpet appearances.

The Evolving Landscape of Celebrity Fashion

Roan's Grammys attire is not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend of celebrities opting for sheer and revealing looks at high-profile events. Charli XCX, for instance, wore a transparent black dress at last year's Brit Awards, openly challenging the controversy by stating, "I heard that ITV were complaining about my nipples. I feel like we're in the era of 'free the nipple' though, right?"

Similarly, Bianca Censori, Kanye West's wife, made headlines at a previous Grammys ceremony in a sheer body stocking that left little to the imagination. These instances underscore a broader cultural conversation about body autonomy, artistic expression, and the boundaries of celebrity fashion on the global stage.