Chappell Roan's Daring Topless Gown Creates Buzz at 68th Grammy Awards
The 68th Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, witnessed a fashion moment that immediately captured global attention. Rising pop sensation Chappell Roan made a bold statement on the red carpet, arriving in a sheer, topless gown that left the internet deeply divided.
Decoding the Controversial Ensemble
Roan's eye-catching outfit was a custom creation from the prestigious French fashion house Mugler, designed by Miguel Castro Freitas and styled by Genesis Webb. The ensemble featured a bodice-less construction with a flowing chiffon fabric that draped elegantly around her figure.
What made the gown particularly daring was its unique suspension from nipple rings, creating a draped cowl neckline that revealed much while maintaining an artistic silhouette. The design drew inspiration from Manfred Thierry Mugler's iconic Spring–Summer 1998 couture collection, blending avant-garde fashion with red carpet glamour.
The sheer, body-hugging gown perfectly accentuated Roan's curves while featuring a dramatic floor-length train that trailed behind her. To complement the look, she wore a coordinating cape that provided occasional coverage during her red carpet appearance.
Complete Gothic Romantic Transformation
Roan's transformation extended beyond the gown itself. She enhanced the ensemble with reportedly temporary tattoos across her back, matching the gown's color palette perfectly. Her accessories included a striking gold choker adorned with pink gemstones, completing her gothic romantic aesthetic.
For her beauty look, Roan opted for a smoky eye that added depth and mystery, while styling her signature copper-red hair with curly bangs and intricate mermaid-inspired braids that seemed to merge seamlessly with her gown's flowing fabric.
Internet Erupts with Mixed Reactions
Social media platforms immediately exploded with reactions to Roan's daring fashion choice. On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed everything from admiration to concern.
- One user commented, "Bro kids are watching this but I guarantee she doesn't get charged."
- Another noted, "Red carpet moments are supposed to make people talk. Mission accomplished."
- A concerned fan asked, "Damn fine but doesn't it hurt?" referring to the gown's unique construction.
- On Instagram, admirers praised the look with comments like "She looks absolutely beautiful" and "Iconic I fear."
The most viral reaction came from a user who admitted, "Not me zooming in trying to figure out how this dress works," capturing the collective curiosity about the gown's mechanics. Another enthusiastic fan simply declared, "I am obsessed!"
From Bold to Modest: Roan's Presentation Look
Beyond her red carpet appearance, Chappell Roan played multiple roles at the Grammy Awards. Nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit "The Subway," she also joined the prestigious presenter lineup alongside artists like Karol G, Teyana Taylor, Charli XCX, and Queen Latifah.
For her presenting duties, Roan made a dramatic style shift, changing into a simple, flowy dress that offered a more modest appearance compared to her initial red carpet ensemble. This strategic wardrobe change demonstrated her understanding of different event contexts while maintaining her fashion-forward approach.
Fashion as Performance Art
Chappell Roan's Grammy appearance represents more than just a fashion choice—it's a statement about artistic expression in the music industry. By pushing boundaries with her Mugler gown, she joined the tradition of musicians using fashion as an extension of their artistic identity.
The divided internet reaction highlights how fashion continues to serve as conversation-starter in award show culture, with Roan's ensemble achieving exactly what red carpet moments aim for: creating lasting impressions and sparking meaningful discussions about art, expression, and boundaries in entertainment.
