Honestly, if you told me a year ago that we’d all be sitting around with tiny scissors cutting out cardstock versions of a pop star’s drag-inspired outfits, I probably would’ve believed you. This is the Chappell Roan era. Everything she touches turns into a campy, glitter-soaked event, and the rise of Chappell Roan paper dolls is the most tangible proof we have that physical media—and weirdly tactile hobbies—are back in a big way.
It’s not just about nostalgia. It’s about the fact that her aesthetic is so dense with detail that a standard t-shirt feels like a letdown. You can't fit a whole swan dress or a Statue of Liberty costume onto a Gildan cotton tee without losing the soul of the thing. Paper dolls? They’re the perfect medium for a Midwest Princess.
The Official Complex Pop-Up Drop
Let’s talk about the ones that started the real frenzy. During the one-year anniversary of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Chappell’s creative director, Ramisha Sattar, designed a limited-edition set of paper dolls. These weren't your average grocery store cutouts. They were sold exclusively at the Chappell x Complex pop-up in Los Angeles, and let me tell you, the resale market for these is basically the Wild West right now.
These dolls are articulated. That means you aren't just taping a dress onto a flat surface; you’re actually assembling a moveable figure with fasteners. It’s a DIY project that feels high-end. Misha (Ramisha) is the mastermind behind most of Chappell’s visual identity, so these dolls carry that same messy, beautiful, hyper-feminine energy that defines the brand.
If you weren't in LA, you probably saw them on TikTok. Fans were showing off the instructions, the tiny fasteners, and the way the doll could actually strike a pose. It’s a very specific kind of merch that respects the fan's desire to build something.
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Why Paper Dolls Actually Make Sense for Chappell
You might be wondering: Why paper? Why now?
- The Drag Connection: Chappell’s whole vibe is rooted in drag culture. Drag is transformative. It’s about layers, reveals, and exaggerated silhouettes. Paper dolls are the ultimate tool for practicing that kind of transformation.
- The Price Point (Usually): While the limited edition ones get pricey on eBay, paper as a medium is accessible. It allows fans to own a "collection" of her iconic looks without spending $1,500 on a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier gown.
- The Aesthetic: Digital art is cool, but holding a physical, punch-out version of the "My Kink Is Karma" outfit? That hits different.
There’s also a new book on the horizon—or out now, depending on when you’re reading this—titled Dress Up Chappell. Published by Smith Street Books and illustrated by Julia Murray, this thing is a 32-page masterpiece. It’s got 12 different looks, including the 2024 Gov Ball Lady Liberty outfit. It’s essentially a fashion archive you can play with.
The Fan-Made Underground
Since the official drops are often limited, the fan community has stepped up. If you hop on Etsy or search through Reddit, you’ll find some incredible digital downloads. Artists like "connordrawsstuff" have created high-DPI printables that you can just download and print at home on cardstock.
This is where the creativity gets really wild. Fans aren't just sticking to the official tour looks; they’re designing "what-if" outfits. What if Chappell went to the Met Gala? What if she was a 1950s horror movie scream queen?
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Pro Tip: if you’re printing these at home, use 80lb or 100lb cardstock. Regular printer paper is too flimsy and the "tabs" on the clothes will rip off the second you try to fold them. Also, get a pair of micro-tip scissors. Trying to cut out Chappell's curls with kitchen shears is a recipe for disaster.
DIY: Making Your Own Midwest Princess
Maybe you don't want to buy a pre-made set. Maybe you want to be the creative director. A lot of people are using the "paper doll" concept to create gallery walls. You frame the base doll and then use tiny pieces of "museum putty" or even small magnets to swap out her outfits while she’s on the wall.
It’s a living piece of art.
Some fans are even taking it a step further and doing "hybrid" dolls—using paper for the clothes but 3D-printing the base or repainting old Monster High dolls to look like Chappell. It’s a full-blown subculture at this point.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People think these are just for kids. They aren't. Most of the people buying the Chappell Roan paper dolls are adults who grew up with American Girl or Barbie and now want to channel that same energy into their adult fandoms. It’s a form of "slow hobbying." In a world where we’re always scrolling, sitting down for an hour to meticulously cut out a paper dress is basically meditation.
It’s also a way to engage with the music. You put on Casual or Pink Pony Club, grab your glue stick, and just exist in that world for a bit.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to start your own paper doll collection, don't just go buying the first $200 eBay listing you see. Here’s how to do it right:
- Check Local Bookstores First: The Dress Up Chappell book is distributed by Rizzoli, which means major shops like Barnes & Noble or independent boutiques usually have it for under $20.
- Invest in a Craft Knife: If you want your doll to look professional, an X-Acto knife is better than scissors for those tiny gaps between arms and hair.
- Support the Artists: If you’re getting a digital download from Etsy, make sure it’s an original illustration and not just a traced photo. The fan-art community is huge, and the best dolls are the ones with a unique style.
- Laminate the "Tabs": If you plan on actually playing with the doll (no judgment here), put a tiny piece of clear scotch tape over the folding tabs. It reinforces the paper and prevents it from fraying after multiple outfit changes.
The obsession with these dolls isn't going away. As Chappell continues to drop new music videos and hit red carpets, the "wardrobe" for these dolls is only going to grow. It’s a tiny, paper-thin way to celebrate a career that is anything but small.