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Image Courtesy: X
At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Chappell Roan once again proved her willingness to push boundaries. Her audacious sheer, topless-style gown quickly became one of the night's most talked-about moments. The pop sensation seemed undeterred by the conflicting responses on social media, firmly dismissing criticism and demonstrating that her bold dress choices are all about self-expression, art, and having fun on her own terms.
The Grammys Look That Broke the Internet
Pop sensation Chappell Roan attracted attention at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles with an audacious red carpet ensemble that swiftly went viral. The custom Mugler gown—designed in collaboration with stylist Genesis Webb—featured a trompe l'oeil, skin-tone bodice held up by faux nipple piercings and intricate body art motifs, all draped with sheer burgundy fabric and finished with a matching cape.
Thierry Mugler's spring 1998 couture served as the inspiration for the design, which was reimagined with contemporary flair and enhanced by striking gold Buccellati jewelry.
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Image Courtesy: Vogue
Roan's bold imagination and creative vision were praised by many, but the outfit also generated a lot of internet criticism, with some viewers being shocked by how exposed it looked. The discussion, which included praise, memes, inquiries about broadcast standards, and discussions about fashion's artistic freedom, was understandably loud.
Despite the commotion, some of the conversation also highlighted the way the costume was put together: a lot of silicone prosthetics meant that nothing was actually exposed, which many people could have overlooked but was crucial to the concept of the appearance.
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Image Courtesy: The Independent
Roan Responds: "Awesome and Weird," Not Outrageous
The day following the performance, Chappell Roan took to Instagram to confidently and humorously respond to the hype rather than avoid it. Sharing multiple photos of herself in the gown, she 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 :D."
Her tone was lighthearted and carefree, emphasizing that her goal was to make a big fashion statement that felt true to her artistic personality rather than to shock for the sake of shock. Fans immediately showered the post with compliments, praising her bravery and originality as well as referring to her as a "legend."
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Image Courtesy: Marie Claire
Grammys Presence Beyond Fashion: Nominations, Wins and Influence
Chappell Roan's attendance at the 2026 Grammys extended well beyond her appearance on the red carpet. Roan entered this year's ceremony with significant nominations such as Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her popular song 'The Subway,' following a career-defining year that included her 2025 Best New Artist victory. Though she didn't secure a win this time around, she remained a central figure throughout the night, even returning to present the Best New Artist award to this year's winner.
Her Grammys legacy is already impressive: not only did she earn critical acclaim for her chart-topping music and boundary-pushing style, but she's also been vocal about issues within the music industry, such as advocating for fair treatment and livable wages for artists.
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Image Courtesy: Pitchfork
Roan urged record labels to offer healthcare and fair assistance during her Best New Artist acceptance speech the year before, transforming events on the grandest stage in music into platforms for action.
In a night filled with fashion statements, political speeches, and stunning musical performances, Chappell Roan's Grammys look and her reaction to the hot conversation ensured she was one of the most memorable figures of the evening—not just for what she wore, but for how she chose to own it.