Chappell Roan Captivates the 2025 Grammys with an Edgar Degas Tribute

Chappell Roan's Dazzling Tribute to Degas at the 2025 Grammys

This year’s Grammys were not short of fashion statements, but it was Chappell Roan who truly captured the essence of high art on the red carpet. By channeling the evocative style of impressionist painter Edgar Degas, Roan not only made a visual impact but also nodded to a cultural icon known for his artistic critiques of society.

The Dress That Stole the Show

When Roan stepped out in her vintage 2003 Jean Paul Gaultier couture dress, the air was filled with nostalgia and admiration. The gown itself, a masterpiece akin to a Degas painting, featured imagery from Degas’s iconic Dancer with a Bouquet. With its layers of soft, pale tulle and bold strokes of color reminiscent of Degas’s palette, the dress seemed to leap straight out of a nineteenth-century Parisian gallery.

Completing her look were accessories that added a finishing touch to her homage. Styled by Genesis Webb, Roan’s ensemble came with a blue-tinted feathered headpiece—an accessory suggesting the delicate plumage depicted in many of Degas's works—and long opera gloves that harked back to the elegance of the Belle Époque era.

A Night of Transformations

This sartorial masterpiece was just the beginning. Later, as Roan prepared to deliver a performance that would leave audiences spellbound, she transformed into a Thom Browne corset dress. Defying expectations with her style choices, she effortlessly shifted from one breathtaking look to the next.

Yet it was her performance ensemble that, alongside her outstanding vocals and stage presence, helped cement her status as the event's standout artist. Entering the stage, each eye was on her not just for her music, but for how her on-point aesthetic choices painted a rich tapestry of homage and modern flair.

A Victory with a Cause

Perhaps the pinnacle of the evening was when Chappell Roan was announced as the winner of the Best New Artist category. For this crowning moment, she donned an Acne Studios dress adorned with dramatic bows, symbolizing celebration and artistry. During her acceptance speech, Roan made sure to bring attention to a cause close to her heart. Artfully yet passionately, she advocated for better support systems within the music industry, emphasizing the challenges faced by emerging artists. Her words were not just a call for equity but seemed to channel the same social critiques once posed by Degas himself through his backstage ballet scenes.

Roan’s appearance at the Grammys was more than just a fashion statement. It was a vivid celebration of history, art, and the perpetual journey of self-expression. With each change of attire and every word spoken, she intertwined the narratives of past and present, leaving an indelible mark on the stage and on the hearts of many.