Chappell Roan Embraces Retro Inspiration in Custom Looks on ‘SNL’

Chappell Roan took notes from early 20th-century fashions while performing on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend. The singer, who appeared alongside guest host John Mulaney, wore three different looks curated by her stylist, Genesis Webb.

In promotional videos and photography, Roan modeled a Jazz Age-inspired costume handmade by designer Gunnar Deatherage, a former “Project Runway” contestant. The teal and green ensemble featured a matching headpiece, intricate fringe beading and bedazzled dragonfly wing accoutrements. Thom Browne also created a pair of custom brogue heels for Roan.

Deatherage revealed that the singer’s outfit took more than 500 hours — and 1,000 crystals — to create. The designer drew upon vintage photographs of performers at the Casino De Paris, a music hall that dates back to the 18th century.

“It feels so surreal to be releasing this garment. It was an incredible labor of love, and it took a full month of 18 hour days to make it happen,” Deatherage wrote on Instagram. “I cannot begin to tell you what it means to me as an artist to have my work featured on someone as incredible as Chappell and on such a large stage. Thankful doesn’t begin to cover what I’m feeling.”

Deatherage previously created an avian look for Roan inspired by “Barbie of Swan Lake,” which she wore for an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in June.

Since Roan’s performance on “SNL” coincided with Halloween weekend, the singer channeled the Bride of Frankenstein in a curly striped wig evoking the creature’s signature hairdo. For her rendition of “Pink Pony Club,” Roan modeled an ivory beaded Wiederhoeft dress from the label’s fall 2024 collection.

Featuring an internal corset and a bow tied at the waist, Roan’s second ensemble nodded to bridal gowns of the 1950s and ’60s.

Finally, Roan performed her new country single “The Giver” in a custom pink gingham look by Zana Bayne, who specializes in leather and latex designs. The singer’s pastel set, which came with matching gauntlets and cowboy boots, channeled vintage pin-up models.