At the 2026 Grammy Awards, singer Chappell Roan turned heads with her first look of the night.
Nominated for both Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for “The Subway,” Roan unfortunately did not leave with an award, but she left a lasting impact on the Grammys.
The “Pink Pony Club” singer graced the carpet in a transparent burgundy chiffon dress and matching cape. The catch? The gown didn’t hang from her shoulders, but rather from her nipples.
…well, not her real nipples. It appears prosthetic nipples with piercings were applied for the dress to be worn properly.
Designer Miguel Castro Freitas brought the unconventional look to life for Mugler. With Roan wearing the gown, with its low-rise back, it showcased beautiful tattoos and matched wonderfully with her waist-length red curls.
Freitas had previously revived the design in his debut Spring 2026 show as Creative Director of Mugler. It debuted at last year’s Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2025. The “Stardust Aphrodite” collection took inspiration from the brand’s vast archive, while adding some new twists to the classic Mugler silhouettes.
This look is a homage to a similar haute couture silk dress created by Manfred Thierry Mugler for the Spring 1998 “Jeu de Paume” collection. During that show, the model wearing the dress had the dress hanging from very real nipple piercings.
The reaction was swift: many praising the 27-year-old Grammy nominee for a fashion risk, while others touted the ensemble as inappropriate.
What the fuck is wrong with Chappell Roan.
— Zoomer 🧢 (@zoomyzoomm) February 2, 2026
Kids watch the Grammy’s. pic.twitter.com/6Mb6wQaEVo
Roan later posted on Instagram, addressing the comments she received. “Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look’s actually so awesome and weird. I recommend just exercising your free will it’s really fun and silly.”
Amid the judgment, other Chappell Roan fans, publications, and fashion fanatics have praised the singer for the bold look. Many name it as one of the best outfits at the 2026 Grammys.
Red carpets during award season allow artists to take risks and express themselves through fashion, beauty, and more. Roan made a statement with the outfit she debuted in for the night. That look will keep people talking for years to come.
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