Pop sensation Chappell Roan recently captivated audiences at the Corona Capital festival in Mexico City, showcasing a dramatic and ethereal stage persona. Working closely with her visionary stylist and creative director, Genesis Webb, Roan embraced a 'screaming banshee' aesthetic, drawing inspiration from mythical folklore and the unparalleled artistry of Alexander McQueen. This collaboration resulted in a series of breathtaking costumes that seamlessly blended delicate femininity with an edgy, unsettling charm, perfectly complementing Roan's powerful stage presence.
Chappell Roan's Ethereal Transformation at Corona Capital
On November 17, 2025, during her performance at Corona Capital in Mexico City, Chappell Roan unveiled a series of bespoke costumes designed by Alexander McQueen. Her stylist, Genesis Webb, spearheaded this creative endeavor, aiming to transform Roan into a mythical screaming banshee. Webb meticulously crafted the look, desiring an ornate yet subtly horrific aesthetic. She drew heavily from Alexander McQueen's seminal collections, including 'The Widows of Culloden' (Fall 2006), 'Sarabande' (Spring 2007), and 'Irere' (Spring 2003), along with Seán McGirr's Spring 2025 collection. Webb emphasized the importance of encapsulating a symbiotic merge of power and vulnerability in Roan's attire.
The performance featured three distinct costume changes, each representing a different act of Roan's show. She commenced in a flowing, high-necked gown adorned with an elaborate floral headpiece and veil, subtly hinting at her signature red hair. This transitioned into a shorter dress, culminating in a striking two-piece ensemble. All garments were fashioned from tattered white lace with exquisite beaded embellishments. Webb revealed that the costume's foundation was inspired by early 20th-century brassieres combined with 18th-century medical corsets and braces, symbolizing the push and pull between feminine softness and raw emotion.
A standout element was the intricate headpiece. Webb aimed for its impact to rival the antler headpieces from 'The Widows of Culloden' collection, ultimately incorporating a veil reminiscent of the 'Sarabande' show. Roan herself admitted to some pre-performance jitters regarding the headpiece's stability, confessing to a silent prayer as she descended the stage stairs. Webb also shared a moment of daring anxiety, intentionally coffee-staining the pristine white costume before the show to achieve the desired aged effect, a bold move she believed Lee McQueen himself would have appreciated for its initiative and inherent panic.
This collaboration between Chappell Roan, Genesis Webb, and the house of Alexander McQueen not only delivered a visually stunning performance but also underscored the profound impact of fashion in storytelling and artistic expression. The detailed craftsmanship and thoughtful conceptualization of each piece contributed significantly to the overall narrative of Roan's banshee-inspired persona, creating an unforgettable experience for her audience.
Chappell Roan's choice to embody a banshee, a figure often associated with powerful, mournful cries and a foreboding presence, offers a compelling artistic statement. It suggests a willingness to explore deeper, more complex facets of femininity and emotion within her music and stage presence. The collaboration with Alexander McQueen, a brand renowned for its dramatic, often dark, yet undeniably beautiful designs, further elevates this narrative. This performance serves as a reminder that fashion, when wielded with vision and intention, can transcend mere clothing to become an integral part of artistic expression, shaping an artist's identity and resonating deeply with an audience. It encourages both artists and viewers to look beyond superficial aesthetics and delve into the rich layers of meaning that carefully curated style can convey.