Chappell Roan Defends Her Grammy Outfit, Calling It 'Not That Outrageous'
Chappell Roan, the US pop star, has sparked debate with her bold fashion choice at the Grammy Awards. On Sunday, she walked the red carpet in a Mugler ensemble that featured a red chiffon cape, which she removed to reveal a matching draped dress hung from nipple rings, exposing her entire upper body. This daring look quickly became a topic of discussion and controversy.
In response to the online reaction, Roan took to Instagram, stating, '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 :D.' She also expressed gratitude for being invited to the Grammys and for the votes she received.
While some fans praised Roan's unique style, describing her as a 'goddess' and 'icon', others were less impressed. One commenter drew a comparison to Justin Bieber's performance in boxer shorts, suggesting that Roan's outfit was a form of misogyny. However, it's important to note that nipple pasties, which Roan wore, are prosthetic nipple covers that provide both protection and coverage.
Fashion writer and stylist Alex Fullerton offered insight into the design, explaining that Mugler has a history of working with transparency and bare breasts, and that Roan's outfit was a nod to the designer's legacy. Despite the attention, Roan did not win any awards, as she was nominated for two Grammys, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, for her song 'The Subway'.
Roan, who is known for her distinctive style and hits like 'Pink Pony Club', 'Hot to Go', and 'Good Luck, Babe!', is the alter ego of the more reserved Kayleigh Amstutz. In an interview, she described Chappell as a 'larger-than-life, drag queen version of myself', allowing her to embrace rebellion and risqué behavior. However, she admitted that she couldn't embody Chappell's boldness all the time, as it would be exhausting.
The trend of celebrities wearing sheer and revealing outfits on red carpets and at award ceremonies continues to be a controversial topic. Last year, Charli XCX wore a see-through black dress at the Brit Awards and addressed the controversy during her speech, 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, Kanye West's wife, Bianca Censori, made headlines at the Grammys with a sheer body stocking that left little to the imagination.