Chappell Roan, a 26-year-old musician, made a significant splash at her first MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) by embracing a 15th-century aesthetic with a modern twist. She arrived on the red carpet in a sheer Y/Project dress paired with thigh-high knight boots, and her makeup was reminiscent of a Renaissance figure, complete with a spectral look that captured attention.
During her performance, Roan transformed into a campy version of Joan of Arc while donning a full chain-mail knight suit and performing her hit song “Good Luck, Babe!” in front of a dramatic flaming castle backdrop. Her auburn hair was styled in two long braids, while her facial makeup featured a stark white base, mauve blush on the cheeks, and dramatically outlined, pencil-thin eyebrows. Her eye makeup was particularly theatrical, showcasing an iridescent blend of blue, purple, and gold shades.
Makeup artist Andrew Dahling, who designed Roan’s look, drew inspiration from Pat McGrath’s runway makeup for Dior in the 2000s, describing the style as “dark romantic” and ethereal with a focus on heavy eye makeup and glowing skin. Toward a more subdued red carpet appearance, Roan sported a softer look featuring a blurred complexion and larger eyes emphasized with white liner and a hint of gold, inspired by the plump, peachy complexions often seen in Renaissance artwork.
Roan’s rapid rise in popularity can be attributed to her dedication to adapting various characters during performances. From an NFL player at the Hangout Festival to a latex-clad WWE wrestler at Lollapalooza, and even a green Lady Liberty at the Governors Ball in New York, each transformation showcases her artistic flair. With the Europe and UK legs of her tour approaching, Roan has also engaged fans by encouraging themed outfits for her shows, from mermaid looks in Manchester to camouflage in Glasgow and London.
Identifying as a “drag artist,” Roan often incorporates references from renowned drag queens into her makeup. Although she is a woman, her looks draw inspiration from figures like Divine and Violet Chachki, highlighting the versatility of drag as a concept. Dahling defines drag as an expansive term, suggesting it can encompass numerous forms of self-expression beyond gender norms.
Dahling emphasizes creativity in Roan’s makeup, advocating for a playful, non-conformist approach without the pressure for perfection. However, he stresses one crucial aspect for fans wanting to replicate her looks: achieving a flawless base of Venetian white foundation.