Singer Makes Bold Fashion Statement at Music Awards
Rising star Chappell Roan captivated audiences at Sunday’s Grammy Awards ceremony wearing a revolutionary burgundy gown suspended from nipple piercings – a recreation of fashion designer Thierry Mugler’s controversial 1998 creation. The two-time nominee’s sheer Mugler design featured delicate fabric hanging from hoop rings, showcasing intricate henna body art across her décolletage, torso, and arms.
Historical Fashion Moment Reimagined
Unlike other revealing red carpet looks seen during the event, sources close to the singer confirmed she wore prosthetic covers beneath the avant-garde ensemble. The updated version, reinterpreted by current Mugler creative director Miguel Castro Freitas for the brand’s 2026 spring/summer collection, featured gladiator-style sandals and cascading hair that completed Roan’s ethereal presentation.
The original 1998 design shocked fashion critics when it debuted during Mugler’s “Jeu de Paume” runway show. Contemporary reviews noted audible audience reactions when the nipple-pierced dress appeared, with one prominent newspaper describing viewers visibly wincing at the provocative design.
Muse Recalls Groundbreaking Catwalk Moment
Belgian model Erica Vanbriel, who first wore the revolutionary design, recently reflected on its creation. “Thierry envisioned a Greek goddess aesthetic,” Vanbriel stated. “After learning about my piercings, he immediately conceptualized hanging delicate muslin fabric from them.”
The model described the surreal experience of walking the 1998 runway: “Camera flashes illuminated the room as whispers followed me. While nerve-wracking to be so exposed, Mugler’s visionary confidence made it empowering. His designs always pushed boundaries.”
Freitas’ 2026 reinterpretation featured nude fabric with silver star patterns, with Roan’s version specially customized for the Grammys. Later in the evening, the singer changed into a more conservative outfit to present Best New Artist to Olivia Dean.
Grammy Highlights and Winners
The star-studded ceremony at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, hosted by Trevor Noah, featured performances from major artists including Justin Bieber and SZA. Bad Bunny claimed Album of the Year honors, while Kendrick Lamar and SZA won Record of the Year for their collaboration “Luther.”
