Chappell Roan’s Exposed Nipple Look Was Her Least Interesting Fashion Week Outfit

It’s Chappell Roan‘s first Paris Fashion Week, and she’s making the kill shot. It’s very rare for a 27-year-old to be tenured enough to earn diva status, but she’s done it and she’s got no end in sight. Roan has gotten out of a car in front of a runway show venue every day since she landed in Paris in a look that can only be earned by an artist who recognizes the hard work of fashion industry professionals because she knows the hard work of music industry professionals. She knows the power of reference, of homage, not just as a slapped on afterthought, but as a way to honor and protect creative lineage. She gives credit where it’s due, and you may wonder what that has to do with style. The answer is everything.

Roan has DIYed her career thus far, and much like the drag queens who came before her, she knows the often thankless work that goes into costume, and that’s why when she became famous enough for high profile public appearances, she nailed it. And she has people who want to work with her because of that. She was at the Vivienne Westwood show, wearing a black gown that showed her left nipple, and even the nudity feels so second nature to her because it’s about artistry. Roan is no stranger to taking creative and political risks that nudity is not even something to be flagged on her. I would dare to say it was one of her more understated looks this Paris Fashion Week. Meanwhile, she arrived at the Valentino show wearing a dress that looked like a wedding cake. It’s so clear how much time and craft went into that gown, and a look like that is indicative of the kind of artist she herself is.