Get ready to dive into a world where fashion meets fearless creativity! Chappell Roan’s jaw-dropping transformation at Corona Capital is a masterclass in blending power and vulnerability, and Vogue was there to capture every behind-the-scenes moment. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is fashion truly art when it teeters on the edge of chaos? Let’s explore.
Roan’s stunning looks were a symphony of contrasts, inspired by the genius of Lee McQueen’s iconic collections—specifically, The Widows of Culloden (Fall 2006), Sarabande (Spring 2007), and Irere (Spring 2003). These references weren’t just nods to the past; they were a bold statement about the duality of femininity. As creative director Seán McGirr’s Spring 2025 collection also influenced the design, stylist Webb explains, ‘It was the perfect reference for the symbiotic merge of power and vulnerability—exactly what I wanted to capture.’ But this is the part most people miss: the intricate details that made Roan’s outfits so unforgettable.
Each of Roan’s three acts featured a distinct look, all crafted from the same white tattered lace with beaded embellishments. The first was a dramatic high-neck dress paired with an enormous floral headpiece and veil, perched precariously atop her signature red hair. Next, she transitioned into a shorter dress, culminating in a two-piece set that blended early-20th-century brassieres with 18th-century medical corsets and braces. ‘It’s about the push and pull of feminine softness and rage,’ Webb notes. But does this blend of historical references go too far, or is it a genius reinterpretation?
The headpiece, inspired by McQueen’s antler designs from The Widows of Culloden, was a last-minute addition. ‘I wanted it to be as striking as possible,’ Webb says. ‘The team suggested referencing the veiled headpiece from *Sarabande.’* For Roan, wearing it was a leap of faith. ‘I was so nervous—the headpiece wasn’t super secure, and I kept thinking, “Please don’t fall!”’ Her anxiety was palpable, but the result? Absolutely breathtaking.
Even Webb had her moments of doubt, particularly when she coffee-stained the outfit herself before the show. ‘It felt sinfully wrong, but I think Lee McQueen would’ve appreciated the initiative—and maybe even the panic,’ she admits. Is this kind of risk-taking what makes fashion truly art, or is it just a recipe for disaster?
As Chappell Roan transformed into a McQueen-inspired screaming banshee on stage, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement. Vogue’s behind-the-scenes look reveals the magic, the chaos, and the sheer audacity of it all. But we want to hear from you: Do you think fashion like this pushes boundaries too far, or is it the perfect blend of creativity and courage? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!