When Chappell Roan stepped onto a New York fire escape in a cascading wig and sequinned outfit made from real human hair, it wasn’t just for a music video; it was full-blown fashion theatre. The striking look, created by Australian designer Connor O’Grady for Roan’s single “The Subway,” featured a bullet-shaped bra built from curled hair and a matching skirt adorned with plaits, sequins, and glinting tinsel.
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Originally from Eatons Hill in Brisbane, O’Grady is now based in London, and is known for his “full-look” design philosophy: every element, from hat to heel, must speak the same fantasy.
Roan’s brief? “Big hair, fantasy hair.” The result was a mash-up of Victorian mourning jewellery, 1950s burlesque, and unapologetic camp. Drama followed behind the scenes, too, including a late-night Tesco run for hairspray and a mad dash to intercept a stuck parcel.
“It’s a love letter to camp, couture, and doing the absolute most,” says O’Grady. Judging by the fan art and paparazzi shots, it’s clear mission accomplished.
