The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered its share of memorable moments, but Chappell Roan’s daring red carpet look is proving to be one of the most talked-about aspects of the evening. The pop star’s Mugler gown, featuring what appeared to be nipple piercings, sparked conversation and captivated viewers – and the illusion was achieved through a surprisingly resourceful combination of professional artistry and everyday materials.
Makeup artist and prosthetics expert Sasha Glasser revealed the secrets behind the look in a recent interview with Allure. The goal, Glasser explained, was to create a provocative visual without fully exposing Roan. “The idea was for her to not be so naked,” she said, detailing the process of crafting prosthetic nipple coverings precisely matched to Roan’s skin tone. These prosthetics served as the base for the illusion.
The team didn’t stop there. To further enhance the effect, small pieces of a stretchy nude mesh were layered behind the prosthetics. This provided a foundation for attaching the actual “piercings” – and this is where the unexpected element comes in. According to Glasser, the team used gum wrappers to protect the rings during the application process. “Genesis and I tested it,” Glasser recalled, referring to Roan’s stylist, Genesis Webb. “We’d put the ring in the prosthetic and tug, and it would rip out, so that was scary.” The gum wrappers proved crucial in preventing damage and ensuring a secure fit.
The meticulous preparation paid off. The look generated significant buzz, with an Instagram video of Roan on the red carpet garnering over 50 million views within 24 hours, according to Billboard. Roan herself addressed the reaction on Instagram, expressing amusement at the level of discourse surrounding her outfit. “Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit,” she posted, adding, “The look’s actually so awesome and weird.”
Roan’s Grammy night wasn’t solely about the fashion statement. She later changed into a cream-colored dress to present the best new artist award. The award ultimately went to Olivia Dean, marking a significant moment for the rising artist after Roan won the same award in 2025.
The ingenuity behind Roan’s look highlights the collaborative effort involved in creating a striking red carpet moment. Glasser’s expertise in prosthetics, combined with Webb’s styling and a touch of resourcefulness, resulted in a visual that captivated audiences and sparked conversation. The use of unexpected materials like gum wrappers underscores the often-unseen dedication and problem-solving that goes into crafting these high-profile appearances.
Beyond the technical aspects, Roan’s willingness to embrace a daring and unconventional look speaks to a broader shift in red carpet fashion. Her statement, coupled with Heidi Klum’s equally revealing dress at the same awards show – which Klum revealed was even more daring before its debut – suggests a growing trend towards bolder, more expressive choices among celebrities. Klum’s dress, as reported by People.com, was intentionally designed to push boundaries.
The impact of the 2026 Grammys extended beyond fashion, however. An AI-generated image of Harry Styles wearing Versace’s iconic jungle dress also went viral, demonstrating the growing influence of artificial intelligence in pop culture and the ongoing fascination with celebrity style. While not directly related to Roan’s look, the viral image underscores the broader cultural conversation surrounding image, identity, and presentation that was prevalent at the awards show.
The beauty looks at the 2026 Grammys, as highlighted by Allure, were diverse and innovative, but Roan’s look undoubtedly stood out. It wasn’t just about the visual impact; it was about the story behind it – the artistry, the collaboration, and the unexpected materials that brought the illusion to life. The combination of high-fashion design and everyday ingenuity created a moment that resonated with audiences and solidified Roan’s position as a style icon willing to challenge conventions.
The success of Roan’s look also speaks to the power of social media in amplifying these moments. The rapid spread of the Instagram video, reaching over 50 million views in a single day, demonstrates the immediate and widespread impact of red carpet fashion in the digital age. This instant feedback loop encourages artists to take risks and experiment with their style, knowing that their choices will be seen and discussed by a global audience.
Chappell Roan’s Grammy look was a testament to the creativity and skill of her team, and a reminder that even the most glamorous appearances often rely on a little bit of ingenuity and a surprising ingredient – in this case, a few well-placed gum wrappers.
