Chappell Roan Dares Gen Z to Get Campy

Is the "Midwest Princess" injecting life, fun, and creativity back into pop music by bringing camp to the masses?

If you haven’t heard of Chappell Roan, congratulations… you’re most likely living a normal life, unshackled from the chains that come with being chronically online.

If you have heard of Chappell Roan, consider your ears and eyes blessed, even if your screen time may be reaching dangerously high levels.

The “buzzy” pop singer came into my internet sphere when Instagram became flooded with images of her NPR Tiny Desk Concert back in March. I had no earthly idea who this woman was, but her trashy, John Waters-esque, drag princess look was burned into my brain.

It’s all in the details.

To the untrained eye, this getup could be seen as tacky (derogatory), messy (also derogatory), and “too much.” But, the details are what elevate it to levels of sheer camp and theater we haven’t seen in an emerging pop star, since Lady Gaga performed Paparazzi at the 2009 VMAs.

[And no, I’m not saying Chappell currently holds a candle to Gaga. I AM saying, that I’m excited that a Gen Z performer is putting in this kind of work for live performances.]

The lipstick stain on her teeth. Beehive hair. The used cigarette IN her beehive hair. It’s magical. Camp is back, baby.

Let’s Get Real — Pop Music is Dying

So, why is Chappell Roan a big deal?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news and highly critical opinions regarding the fashion/music industry as a whole (sike), but pop music has long been suffering from a disease I like to call “Pop Stagnation Syndrome.”

In short, both the sound and look of pop music have become exceedingly more homogenous over time. Technology has made it easier to copy/paste compositions, sample already popular tracks, and produce heartless/hook-oriented music.

This explains why most of the time I hear a “new” pop song, I can’t shake the feeling I’ve heard it before. It’s because I literally have. New artists lack flavor and the already popular ones are so one-note that they’re becoming a parody of themselves.

And this sound homogenization is being carried over into performance and style. Everyone is simply wearing designer brands and calling it a day. They’re not actually creating an experience, telling a story, or even incorporating a smidgen of cheeky fun into their stage presence. It’s a total snoozefest.

Cynicism aside, I do think things are looking up with the rise of unique artists like Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, and hopefully more.

Chappell Roan is breaking the mold, challenging pop artists to be more intentional about their costuming and treat every show like a performance, not just an appearance. And guess what? Everyone is having more fun, because of it.

Your Drag Queen’s Favorite Drag Queen

Chappell Roan’s look is primarily influenced by drag queen attire. In her 2024 interview with Jimmy Fallon, she states:

“My stylist Genesis Webb and I just pull from drag, we pull from horror movies, burlesque, theater. I love looking pretty and scary or pretty and tacky.”

Whether she’s dressed like the Statue of Liberty or Magenta from Rocky Horror Picture Show, she’s no stranger to a pop culture reference.

If Chappell Roan is what’ll introduce Gen Z to John Waters films, I am here for it.

Chappell takes inspiration from Divine in Pink Flamingos (1972).

In the age of increasingly stale influencers and dressing just to “look hot” for photos, Chappell’s costuming is refreshing to see. It’s not always about looking pretty or sexy. It’s about putting on a show —something that many of today’s artists seem to have abandoned.

Avant-garde has died in the realm of musical artistry and has been replaced with blandness under the guise of relatability. Sorry, Taylor Swift. I am referring to you.

But Chappell Roan shows us that you actually don’t have to dress ugly to be “relatable…”

Thanks, I Made It Myself

I would argue that the magic that makes Chappell Roan’s stage style is the DIY nature of her looks. She’s not oozing in head-to-toe couture. Her ensembles are carefully curated from costume shops, vintage stores, and talented craftsmen — a piecemeal of decor you could easily source from your local Michaels or Hobby Lobby. It feels authentic, not manufactured.

It’s spirited. It’s fun. And more importantly, it’s also something we (the people) can join in on.

Chappell Roan, Coachella 2024

Who Doesn’t Love a Dress Code?

I don’t make the rules, but a party with a theme is the best kind of party.

Chappell Roan successfully taps into Gen Z’s love of DIY by not only treating her concerts like one big costume party but encouraging showgoers to get crafty with their ensembles — posting mood boards for each show.

I think this is genius because it invites fans to become a part of the experience. Plus, everyone is a sucker for a mood board. It’s like crack to all adult women — something Millenials and Gen Z can come together on [handshake emoji].

As a marketer, I tip my hat. You see dozens of articles online like “Fashion Guide to Eras Tour” or “What to Wear to the Eras Tour,” but you don’t see Taylor Swift herself throwing out outfit recs or Pinterest board links.

It’s fun. It’s cute. It’s girly. It’s camp. And it’s got that UCG flair.

Conclusion: Will Chappell Roan’s Charm Eventually Fade?

Chappell Roan is doing all the right things. She’s got a fresh look, catchy theatrical songs, and Gen Z appeal. I think much of her current charm comes from her relatability, but does that mean when (not if) she finally gets dressed by a major fashion house like Moschino or a well-known designer like Iris Van Herpen, she’ll lose her luster?

I actually don’t think so. Chappell Roan seems to understand what makes her unique and I can’t imagine she would “sell out” in the typical way we would expect a pop star to do so. Something tells me that she would be ridiculously intentional about a brand deal and would stay true to her roots as she continues to rise through the ranks.

I’m excited to see her evolution.

H-O-T-T-O-G-O - Let me know your thoughts below!