Pop star Chappell Roan made a striking debut at the VMAs, showcasing a unique blend of historical and contemporary makeup styles. The 26-year-old performer turned heads on the red carpet, donning a sheer Y/Project dress, thigh-high boots, and an eye-catching makeup look reminiscent of a spectral Renaissance figure.
During her performance, Roan transformed into a theatrical version of Joan of Arc, complete with a chain-mail knight’s suit as she sang her hit song “Good Luck, Babe!” in front of a fiery backdrop. Her makeup artist, Andrew Dahling, described the look as a combination of romantic and dark elements inspired by Pat McGrath’s work for Dior in the 2000s. The makeup featured a striking contrast, with a ghostly white face and pencil-thin brows, complemented by an iridescent smokey eye blending hues of blue, purple, and gold.
For her red carpet appearance, Dahling opted for a softer touch, creating a blurred, chalky complexion alongside enlarged eyes accented with white liner and gold highlights—evoking the peachy faces depicted in Renaissance art. Roan’s artistic vision extends beyond one event; she is known for consistently reinventing her persona, having performed in various costumes over the past few months, including that of an NFL player and a latex-clad WWE wrestler.
In anticipation of her upcoming tour in Europe and the UK, Roan has engaged her fans by sharing mood boards that suggest thematic dress codes for her shows. This showcases her desire for a vibrant, character-driven experience that diverges from conventional beauty standards often seen on social media. Dahling emphasized that Roan’s artistic approach prioritizes creative expression over traditional beauty norms, aiming for dramatic and exaggerated looks rather than the flawless aesthetics typically associated with Instagram.
Roan identifies as a “drag artist,” a term that, while traditionally linked to male performers, reflects her commitment to embodying extravagant characters. She draws inspiration from iconic drag queens such as Divine and Violet Chachki, incorporating elements from their styles into her own performances. Dahling noted that drag has evolved into a broad concept, encompassing anyone who creatively expresses themselves through their appearance. He emphasized that there are no strict rules, making the process playful and accessible.
Looking to replicate Roan’s looks? Dahling highlighted the importance of achieving a flawless base, underscoring that “no patchiness” is essential for the iconic Venetian white foundation that defines Roan’s style.