Beauty Rival – Pop sensation Chappell Roan made a dazzling debut at the 2023 VMAs, capturing attention with her Renaissance-inspired makeup and theatrical performance. Known for her boundary-pushing visuals, Roan redefined red carpet glam with a look that fused 15th-century art and modern drag aesthetics. The 26-year-old artist’s commitment to bold self-expression is reshaping what it means to be a pop icon today.
A Renaissance Makeover for the VMAs Red Carpet
Roan’s red carpet look was a masterclass in merging history with high fashion. She arrived in a sheer Y/Project dress, thigh-high knight boots, and makeup that paid homage to Renaissance portraiture. Her chalk-white complexion, carefully blushed mauve cheeks, and pencil-thin eyebrows created an ethereal, almost ghostly effect.
The true highlight of her look, however, was the eye makeup. A bold smokey eye featuring iridescent blue, purple, and gold hues extended up to her brow bone. This dramatic touch was inspired by Pat McGrath’s Dior runway makeup from the 2000s, blending historical romanticism with a modern, theatrical edge.
Joan of Arc Reimagined: Roan’s Performance Look
During her VMAs performance, Roan transformed into a modern-day Joan of Arc, complete with a glittering chain-mail suit. Singing her hit single Good Luck, Babe! against a flaming castle backdrop, she embodied a medieval warrior with a glamorous twist.
Roan’s signature powder-white face was paired with sharply contoured cheekbones, blocked-out brows, and exaggerated lips. These elements—hallmarks of drag makeup—added depth to her character and heightened the theatricality of her performance.
Drag and Historical Aesthetics: The Signature Roan Style
Drag Artistry Meets Renaissance Elegance
Roan often describes herself as a “drag artist,” borrowing techniques like blocking out brows, contouring sharply, and creating exaggerated lip shapes. For her VMAs look, she drew inspiration from drag legends such as Divine and Violet Chachki, blending their influence with Renaissance art.
Her approach isn’t about perfection. Makeup artist Andrew Dahling explained that Roan’s style embraces a DIY ethos with intentionally raw and expressive elements. “It’s not about looking Instagram-perfect,” he said. “It’s about creating characters that tell a story.”
Transformative Festival Looks
Roan’s creative transformations aren’t limited to the VMAs. In recent months, she has stunned audiences with daring costumes at major festivals:
- Hangout Festival: An NFL player with rhinestoned shoulder pads.
- Lollapalooza: A latex-clad WWE wrestler.
- Governors Ball: Lady Liberty, painted sage green with intricate body art.
Each look took hours to complete, with meticulous attention to detail. Her Lady Liberty transformation, for example, required four hours of body painting to achieve its striking effect.
Breaking Modern Beauty Norms
Chappell Roan’s makeup challenges the polished, Instagram-ready aesthetic that dominates today’s beauty standards. Instead of striving for seamless blending and symmetry, her looks prioritize storytelling and self-expression. “It’s about stepping into a new character,” said Dahling, who emphasized the freedom and playfulness in her makeup.
Ahead of her Europe and UK tour, Roan even invited fans to join the fun. She released mood boards for each show, encouraging attendees to dress according to themes like mermaids for Manchester and camo for Glasgow.
Why Chappell Roan’s Approach Matters
Roan’s Renaissance-inspired makeup and drag-infused performances are more than just striking visuals—they’re a statement. By merging historical influences with modern artistry, she challenges conventions and redefines beauty in pop culture. Her fearless creativity serves as a reminder that beauty is about expression, not conformity.
