Chappell Roan has addressed the buzz surrounding her eye-catching Grammys outfit, a sheer burgundy gown supported by nipple piercings, after sparking widespread reactions online.
The 27-year-old, eight-time Grammy nominee, turned heads on Sunday’s red carpet in a custom Mugler creation that pushed the boundaries of the so-called ‘naked dress’ trend. The gown featured faux nipple rings holding the fabric in place and flowed into a dramatic train, showcasing her bare skin and temporary tattoos, including a pony design on her chest and lace-like detailing on her back.
Chappell styled the look with black underwear, strappy block heels, and a sparkling choker, completing the bold ensemble. The dress quickly went viral, with fans praising her fearless style while critics called it “illegal” and controversial.
Taking to Instagram, Chappell dismissed the criticism with humor. “Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit,” she wrote alongside several photos of the gown. “The look’s actually so awesome and weird. I recommend just exercising your free will—it’s really fun and silly. Thank you for having me @grammys and those who voted for me!!”
The dress is a reinterpretation of a Mugler design from the spring 2026 show by new creative director Miguel Castro Freitas, inspired by Thierry Mugler’s SS98 collection, which featured a similar nipple-piercing motif. Unlike the original, Chappell’s version used temporary piercings to hold the silk fabric in place.
Chappell’s bold Grammy appearance follows a breakthrough year. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, earned acclaim for its high-drama pop, queer joy, and emotionally raw storytelling. Hits like “Pink Pony Club,” “Red Wine Supernova,” and “Good Luck, Babe!” cemented her as one of pop’s most talked-about new voices.
In 2025, she won the Grammy for Best New Artist and this year earned nominations for Best Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year for “The Subway,” though she did not win. Known for her outspoken nature, Chappell used last year’s Grammy stage to call out record labels for failing to provide developing artists with a livable wage and health care, highlighting the struggles she faced early in her career.
