Honestly, the 2024 MTV VMAs felt like a fever dream, but nothing stuck in my brain quite like the Chappell Roan Joan of Arc outfit. It wasn't just a "look." It was a total hostile takeover of the red carpet. While everyone else was doing the standard "expensive-looking dress" thing, Chappell showed up ready to reclaim the Holy Land—or at least the Best New Artist moonperson.
Most people saw the sword and the chainmail and thought, "Oh, cool, Ren Faire vibes." But if you actually look at what her stylist, Genesis Webb, was cooking, it’s way deeper than a costume. It was a three-act play about power, queer identity, and the literal price of being a woman in the public eye.
Act One: The Ghostly Warrior on the Red Carpet
Let’s talk about that first entrance. Chappell didn't just walk out; she arrived with a literal knight in leather to carry her sword. Iconic behavior. The base of the outfit was a brownish-plum, sheer tulle gown from the Y/Project Fall 2024 collection. It was gauzy, almost transparent, making her look like a haunted medieval painting that had just stepped out of its frame.
But the accessories were the real stars.
- A 300-year-old green velvet robe. Yeah, you read that right. It wasn't some replica from a costume shop. It was a genuine antique piece that added this heavy, historical weight to the whole ensemble.
- The Sword. It wasn't a prop plastic blade. It was a full-sized broadsword.
- The "Armored" Nails. Her manicurist gave her these dagger-like silver tips that made it look like her hands were literal weapons.
- A 600-year-old carpet. She actually had a vintage rug laid down over the MTV red carpet because, apparently, she didn't want to touch the "modern" floor.
It was camp, sure. But it was also a shield. She later told Rolling Stone that she wears gray and black in her real life because she can't handle the intensity of her stage personas. Wearing "armor" on the red carpet—especially when she famously told a pushy photographer to "Shut the f--- up" that same night—felt like a very literal way of saying she was ready for battle.
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Act Two: The Flaming Crossbow Performance
If the red carpet was the "soft" medieval aesthetic, the performance of "Good Luck, Babe!" was the "hard" war. She swapped the Y/Project sheer fabric for a full suit of chainmail armor and a painted chest plate by Zana Bayne.
Basically, she became a living statue.
The stage was set up like a stone castle. Chappell started the set behind metal gates, looking trapped, before emerging to lead a troupe of dancers who were also decked out in knight gear. The highlight? She picked up a crossbow and fired a flaming arrow at the castle, setting the whole stage on fire.
Why Joan of Arc?
The choice of Joan of Arc isn't random. Joan was a teenage girl who led an army, was captured, and was eventually burned at the stake for heresy—specifically for the "crime" of wearing men's clothing. For a queer artist from the Midwest like Chappell, the symbolism is heavy. It’s about the danger of being yourself and the strength required to fight back against a "king" or a society that wants to control you.
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Act Three: Accepting the Moonperson in Rabanne
By the time she won Best New Artist, she had transitioned into her final form. She accepted the award in a Rabanne Spring 2024 dress. This was a direct homage to Paco Rabanne’s legendary "12 Unwearable Dresses" collection from the 1960s, which used metal discs and wire.
It looked like liquid chainmail.
Standing there, reading from her journal, she dedicated the win to "all the drag artists who inspired me" and "the queer kids in the Midwest." It was the perfect ending. She went from the "ghost" of the past to a modern warrior, and finally to a golden, shimmering icon.
What This Means for Pop Fashion
We’ve seen "Eras" and we’ve seen "Method Dressing," but what Chappell did was different. It wasn't just promotion for a movie or an album; it was world-building. She didn't just wear a dress; she wore a history.
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If you're trying to pull inspiration from this for your own style (maybe a slightly more wearable version?), here’s the takeaway:
- Contrast is everything. Mix "hard" elements (metal, leather, structure) with "soft" elements (tulle, sheer fabrics, lace).
- Story over Labels. Chappell and her stylist Genesis Webb have gone on record saying they don't care about "high fashion" politics. They care about if it looks "sick" and tells a story.
- Vintage can be a Weapon. That 300-year-old cape did more work than any modern designer piece could have. Scouring thrift stores for heavy textures like velvet and brocade is the move.
The Chappell Roan Joan of Arc outfit proved that pop stars can still be weird. They can still be theatrical. And most importantly, they can still be dangerous.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of "Midwest Princess" aesthetics? Keep an eye on local drag scenes and vintage archives—that’s where the real magic happens, far away from the standard department store racks.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe:
- Look for "Chainmail" Textures: You don't need a 40-pound suit of armor. Look for metallic knit tops or "paillette" embellished skirts to get that Rabanne shimmer.
- Invest in a Statement Outerwear Piece: A heavy velvet duster or a dramatic cape can transform a basic outfit into a "character."
- Focus on Hardware: Thick silver cuffs and oversized cross necklaces are the easiest way to channel this medieval-gothic energy without looking like you're heading to a Renaissance Fair.