Andrew Dahling , the makeup artist behind Chappell Roan ’s viral 2026 Grammys look , has broken his silence following widespread backlash against the singer’s barely-there Mugler ensemble.
The dress, which featured fabric suspended from visible n**ple rings, caused almost instant outrage online.
Critics accused Roan of indulging in a tired trend of shock-based red carpet fashion, with some calling it “absolutely low class” and demanding award shows implement a stricter dress code.
- Roan’s makeup artist said her controversial Grammys look was inspired by medieval art and Thierry Mugler’s legacy.
- Some viewers called the outfit “low class,” and called for the event to implement a stricter dress code.
- Roan left the night empty-handed, losing both her Grammy nominations.
Dahling has now come forward to defend the creation, saying it wasn’t provocative for provocation’s sake, but rooted in history.
Chappell Roan’s makeup artist explained the inspiration behind the artist’s n**ple-hanging Grammy Awards dress
Chappell Roan with dramatic makeup and red hair styled, highlighting her look at the controversial Grammys dress event.
“It’s a Mugler medieval fantasy for the carpet,” Dahling explained, referencing the late French fashion designer who helped pioneer fantasy-inspired and futuristic designs at runway shows, rising to fame in the 1980s and 1990s.
Chappell Roan with bold makeup and a sheer, artistic Grammys dress revealing body tattoos and gold accessories.
With faux tattoos hand-placed across Roan’s skin, prosthetic n**ples integrated into the design, and sculptural jewelry anchoring the piece visually, the goal was to transform Roan into a kind of walking fresco.
“Once the tattoos came into play, everything became very medieval, but in a real way,” Dahling said. “It’s still fantasy and something otherworldly, but grounded.”
Screenshot of a tweet discussing Chappell Roan’s makeup artist and the controversy behind her Grammys dress.
Makeup artist applying cosmetics to Chappell Roan, preparing her look for the controversial Grammys dress event.
Viewers, however, didn’t see it that way.
“Let’s hope this is the last event where we see this,” one viewer posted. “We don’t need to see your b**bs, ladies!” Another user said, “This makes Victoria’s Secret look demure and tasteful .”
Detractors saw in Roan’s look the latest entry in a growing trend of body-revealing red carpet fashion that’s been embraced by celebrities like Florence Pugh, Kristen Stewart, Bianca Censori, and Julia Fox.
Chappell Roan’s makeup artist applying lip liner during preparation for controversial Grammys dress appearance.
While fashion insiders praised Roan’s Mugler gown for referencing the designer’s historic Jeu de Paume collection from 1998, viewers at home were largely unimpressed.
“These dresses aren’t empowering women,” a critic wrote. “They’re showing that these women are willing to do just about anything to be ‘remembered.’”
Dahling explain that the look, controversial as it might’ve been, was understated for Roan’s standards
Tweet from Chappell Roan’s makeup artist praising the makeup choice behind her controversial Grammys dress.
Chappell Roan wearing a unique dress at the Grammys, makeup artist reveals the truth behind the controversial outfit.
But Dahling says the makeup team made a conscious decision to take a backseat. Roan , who often leans into dramatic, hyper-feminine glam, instead debuted a comparatively softer look crafted in partnership with MAC Cosmetics.
Makeup products and close-up of Chappell Roan’s face showcasing makeup behind her controversial Grammys dress look.
“There was so much going on – the tattoos, the prosthetic n**ples, all of it – but overall we wanted everything to feel cohesive,” Dahling explained. “We wanted to let other elements of the look shine.”
Dahling explained how he opted for a smokey, sultry eye lined with metallic liner to complement the jewelry. The lips were painted in what he called a “n*de-red.”
Chappell Roan with curly red hair and bold makeup, wearing a white dress and gold jewelry in an indoor setting.
“This makeup may be a little underwhelming and unexpected for her fans who expect something extremely intense,” Dahling admitted. “But it was about honoring the history, the designer, and the direction Genesis [Webb, Roan’s stylist] created.”
Roan was nominated for two categories, but left the 2026 Grammys empty-handed
@maccosmetics GRWMAC and @chappell roan for the #GRAMMYs ♬ original sound – M·A·C Cosmetics
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