Prior to winning Best New Artist at the MTV VMAs tonight, Chappell Roan changed into yet another outfit—this time opting for sheer, chained armor by Rabanne. This marked the star’s third look of the night, following her Y/Project red carpet ensemble and Joan of Arc performance drag.
The look carries on her medieval theme for the ceremony, hinting at themes of protection and defense throughout her appearances. (Which connect to her recent comments on privacy and fame too.) Known for her early Lady Gaga-esque looks, the young singer has appeared as the Statue of Liberty at Governor’s Ball in New York this summer and dressed as a nun at the Hinterland Music Festival in St. Charles, Iowa. Her wardrobe has been a highly celebrated part of her image, and she has credited drag as a major inspiration for her aesthetic. In her speech for winning Best New Artist, Roan said, “I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me, who inspire me, and I dedicate this to queer and trans people that fuel pop.”
Many drag artists also attended the awards show. Sasha Colby, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15, introduced Roan before she took the stage. Plane Jane, who came in third place on season 16, wore a Roan-inspired look.
Roan has been on a cataclysmic rise in the last few months. Her most recent single “Good Luck, Babe!” currently sits high on the Billboard Hot 100, and she’s drawn record-breaking crowds at her recent concerts. Her award tonight solidifies her rocket launch into pop stardom.
Samuel is the Associate Editor at ELLE Magazine. He covers theater, music, and culture. Sam famously broke both his arms at the same time in fourth grade and was formerly the Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief.