Chappell Roan made her highly anticipated debut at the VMAs in a look that defied modern beauty standards, drawing inspiration from Renaissance art and medieval icons. The 26-year-old artist graced the red carpet in a sheer Y/Project dress, knight boots, and a face painted with ethereal charm. Her makeup, designed by artist Andrew Dahling, embraced a romantic yet dramatic aesthetic, influenced by Pat McGrath’s Dior runway work from the early 2000s.
For Roan’s Joan of Arc-inspired performance, she donned a chain-mail suit with fiery visuals, but it was her striking white face, flushed with mauve and framed by thin brows and a bold smokey eye, that captured the essence of her character. Dahling aimed for a “dark romantic” feel, pushing creative boundaries rather than adhering to Instagram-perfect makeup trends.
On the red carpet, Roan’s complexion mimicked Renaissance and Baroque oil paintings, with peachy tones and soft, blurred edges. Her unique approach to makeup, often referencing drag culture and renowned queens like Divine, showcases her commitment to artistry and transformation. From her NFL-player look at Hangout Festival to a Lady Liberty homage at Governors Ball, Roan continues to reinvent herself, blurring the lines of gender and beauty.
For Dahling, Roan’s makeup isn’t meant to conform to classical beauty. “It’s playful, DIY, and intentionally imperfect,” he shared, encouraging fans to experiment—just as long as the iconic Venetian white foundation remains flawless.
