All You Need to Know About Chappell Roan
design: Katie Huang
She’s not a fluke, she’s a femininomemon.
by Caitlin Shepherd ★ JuLY 5, 2024
The Sunday coordinators of the Governors Ball music festival had one plan in mind when they scheduled Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, and SZA all on one stage; to unite the entirety of the Tri-State area’s gay community. And that they did. In attendance as a SZA fanatic, I was not totally sure what to expect from Ms. Roan’s performance, but the near-feral screams of the seemingly overly enthusiastic crowd that slowly enclosed around me warned me that the performance I was about to witness would be one to remember. Let’s just say I was not prepared. A mere 45 minutes later, I had been sold on Chappell Roan and was sure of one thing; she had long surpassed the measly afternoon slot at the Governer’s Ball. This is America’s next pop star; this is not “the next Lady Gaga,” or a “Madonna rip-off,” this is Chappell Roan, and she’s here to stay, make you laugh, dance, and probably cry. That is, if she hasn’t already.
By now, you’ve probably scrolled past at least one of the various TikTok trends Roan has ignited over the past few months, and I bet you’ve indulged in the signature “HOT TO GO!'' dance which had clearly infected everyone at the show, including me! However, Chappell Roan has proved to us all that she will be remembered for more than a fleeting, though catchy, dance trend. Born and raised in rural Missouri, Roan has captured the hearts of fans as her music confronts everything that limited her as a closeted teenager in Midwest America and celebrates all that she is now; openly queer, loud, and proud about it. That’s the real intrigue with Ms.Roan’s music. Here she is, in full drag, looking more glamorous than most ever will and yet, she’s just like us. Just like us, she goes to the thrift store and upcycles old leotards and dresses into glittering, super-star costumes. (Sure, our version of upcycling might be snipping the neckline off an old pajama shirt, but hey, it’s upcycling nonetheless.)
Now we know how Chappell Roan electrifies audiences with her captivating stage presence and music, but a major part of her allure is her commitment to expressing her unique personality through fashion. Here's a closer look at three of her most iconic outfits, each a testament to her incredible artistry.
Coachella
Source: @chappellroan
As an up-and-coming artist breaking into the industry, it is crucial that her costume game is absolutely unforgettable. Adorned in a sequined, larger-than-life butterfly, Chappell’s Coachella debut did not disappoint. As always, Roan takes on her performances in an alter-ego drag persona. The inspiration she takes from drag culture is a central aspect of her aesthetic, music, and charisma, and a major draw for her predominantly queer fanbase. The drag inspiration is evident in this outfit and its unapologetic extravagance, and shows how drag allows her to express her vulnerabilities and authentic self in a fearless, extraordinary way.
Chappell’s use of a butterfly costume impeccably embodies the narrative of evolution, self-acceptance, and celebration of the true identity that she shares in her music.
Tiny Desk Concert
Source: @chappellroan
If you’re like me, you’re a sucker for the Tiny Desk Concert series and even more of a sucker for a bit. If anybody has ever committed to the bit, it’s Chappell Roan; the outlandish, campy personality is striking when paired with a teased-out, chili-red wig, laced with burnt cigarettes and plastic butterflies. What really elevates this look is the porcelain doll makeup; the ghostly white base, grandiose blue cut-crease, and pencil-thin brows. This look is bold and flamboyant, and yet simultaneously a clear expression of her authentic, true self. Just as she does in her music and costumes, Chappell uses makeup as a tool of expression, and inspires us to follow her lead, step outside our comfort zone, and experiment with new looks!
Governors Ball
Source: @chappellroan
How could I forget this jaw-dropping look from last week’s Governor’s Ball? Chappell rose to the stage in a jumbo-size apple and emerged, coated head to toe in green body paint, wearing a green leather tube top and skirt as a tribute to NYC’s Lady Liberty. Of course, there was a costume change halfway through the set during which Roan switched into a dress designed to look like a yellow taxi, paired with boots that read, “1-800-ROAN.” And yes, she did have air freshener earrings, so you can add that to the list of things you didn’t know you needed. If the costumes are predictable, are we really at a Chappell Roan show? Not only does Chappell never fail to absolutely blow her fans away with her outfits, but she also encourages fans to dress up with her! My show was a sea of pink and cowgirl hats, fringe, and sparkles sprawling out for miles. Being a Chappell Roan fan is all about the collective experience of listening to her music. Whether that be relating to the stories she tells in her songs or dressing up at her concerts, Chappell fights for us all to feel connected, loved, and confident in ourselves.