Every fashion week creates a breakout star and for Paris AW25 it has undoubtedly been Chappell Roan. At the start of the week the American musician had never attended a fashion show and as we enter the final few days of the presentations, she's established herself as something of a front-row regular.
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Since attending that first show, Rabanne, on March 6, the 'Pink Pony Club' singer has been in attendance at another five shows at the time of writing: Rick Owens, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Matières Fécales, Vivienne Westwood, McQueen and Valentino. And while attending six shows is a positively glacial approach to the season by comparison to the way fashion editors take it all in, it is a lot for a singular talent. Not least one who also shows unwavering commitment to the look and turns out in a full fashion ensemble (and face) for every front-row appearance.
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Roan started the week in shining, signature Rabanne and has since worn tailoring from McQueen, slinky leathers by Rick Owens and Ludovic de Daint Sernin, a peekaboo Westwood dress and a scene-stealing Valentino gown, as well as elaborate 'facial wings' for Matières Fécales. It is a lot, and it also says a lot too — specifically on Roan's thoughts on the industry and where she wants to position herself within it.
You see, every ingenue in her first (fashion) season has her own approach. Most will hold fire to get an offer from a singular brand to make an exclusive appearance that could and often does lead to a long-standing and lucrative working relationship, whereas others take on a more all-encompassing approach that sees them make the most of being in the city. For Roan, it's been closer to the latter but with significant nuance.
You don't have to look too closely at the shows that the 27-year-old Missouri native has chosen to attend to find a common thread. These are six brands that speak to the musician's alt-mainstream approach. Most of them might now be household names, but they've reached this acclaim in being known for their left-field aesthetics and being outspoken and unrelenting on values. Think McQueen and Westwood. And with Valentino now under the care of Alessandro Michele, it's something of a match made in fashion-music heaven. Then, there are the newer names, like Matières Fécales, that take on a more subversive aesthetic and approach to fashion that speaks to the artist's own growing reputation as a new kind of pop star. It shows that Roan is as much about supporting and working with new creatives as she is about aligning herself with larger houses that have always or now proudly sit just outside of the fashion mainstream. Much like Roan and her chart-topping music.
In choosing to be present at these six shows, Roan has not only flexed her knowledge on more niche, up-and-coming names but has also asserted herself as a fashion lover who understands the labels that align with who she is and what the fans want from her. We don't always see this from our front-row celebrities who often jump to the edge of the catwalk for the biggest cheque. Not Roan though. She's letting her taste dictate her diary.
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