Tag: madonna

Rest in Peace Joan of Arc, You would have loved Good Luck Babe by Chappell Roan.

Dressing as historical figures is a way for celebrities to blend the past with modern-day culture. Connecting their art with well known stories of the women who paved the way before them. This trend allows public figures to embody a character or a historical moment, adding layers of meaning to their look. Here are a few notable instances. 

Chappell Roan as Joan of Arc at the 2023 VMAs

With Sword in hand and chain mail flowing around her body, Chappell Roan’s appearance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards dressed as Joan of Arc featured a modernised armour-inspired outfit. Armour traditionally represents protection and defence, and by wearing it, Roan was symbolising the emotional and psychological armour that one builds to protect themselves. In the context of “Good Luck Babe,” the armour could represent a stark contrast to the vulnerable lyrics at play.  Joan of Arc is often seen as a powerful female figure for taking on a traditionally male role as a soldier and leader. Similarly, Roan wearing armour as a female artist coincides with what she stands for. 

Rihanna as the Pope at the 2018 Met Gala

Rihanna’s 2018 Met Gala look was another distinctive example of red carpet fashion inspired by historical and religious figures. Rihanna was encrusted with custom pearls, crystals, and intricate beadwork from Maison Margiela by John Galliano; she embodied the Pope, complete with a mitre hat. The theme created a space for her to reimagine Catholic iconography through fashion, reflecting both the divinity and the grandeur associated with papal garments. By dressing as the Pope, Rihanna invoked the highest figure of authority in the Catholic Church. The Pope represents religious power, and spiritual leadership. Wearing a papal mitre (the Pope’s ceremonial hat) and a bejewelled robe, Rihanna’s look could be interpreted as an eloquent statement on female empowerment.

Madonna at the 1990 MTV VMAs as Marie Antoinette

At the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, Madonna’s performance of “Vogue” drew inspiration from Marie Antoinette’s courtly fashion. She wore an elaborate wig and gown that referenced the extravagant clothing of the French aristocracy. The performance was a modern take on the 18th-century aesthetic, combining historical elements with pop culture references. Madonna, by embodying this figure, tapped into the image of excess and luxury, aligning herself with the same sense of grandeur. The performance was an assertion of Madonna’s own dominance in the music industry, using the queen’s lavishness to highlight her own cultural influence. Madonna drew a parallel between herself and the French queen, positioning herself as a controversial and rebellious figure. Marie’s reputation for defying court conventions and engaging in scandalous behaviour became part of her legacy. Similarly, Madonna was no stranger to controversy, frequently pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream media. The performance, with its sensual undertones and provocative nature, was a reflection of how both women were scrutinised and often vilified for their behaviours in the public eye.

Beyoncé as Nefertiti at Coachella 2018

Beyoncé’s performance at Coachella 2018 paid homage to Queen Nefertiti, the ancient Egyptian ruler, in her costume design. With an enchanting headpiece and regalia reminiscent of ancient Egypt, Beyoncé embodied Nefertiti’s status of  power, heritage, and feminine divinity. Nefertiti, the queen of ancient Egypt, is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential women in history. She ruled alongside her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten, and was considered a co-ruler, an unusual position of authority for a queen. Beyoncé’s decision to embody Nefertiti at Coachella—one of the most widely watched and culturally significant music festivals—was a way of reclaiming this powerful historical figure. It brought Nefertiti and her African roots into the global spotlight.

Lana Del Rey as the Virgin Mary at the 2018 Met Gala

Lana Del Rey took to the 2018 Met Gala draped in an ornate robe, stabbed with swords, and crowned with feathers, she embodied the Virgin Mary. She wore a custom Gucci gown with intricate detailing of a sacred heart and a headpiece resembling a halo with a golden ray. The Virgin Mary symbolises purity, grace, and divinity, She is also seen as a figure of immense suffering, particularly in her role as the grieving mother of Christ. Lana Del Rey, by embodying the Virgin Mary, highlighted themes that are central to her music, such as spiritual longing, the tension between purity and sin, and the pain of love.  The Virgin Mary, especially in her role as Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows), is an archetype of feminine suffering. Comparatively, Lana’s lyrical universe is filled with stories of melancholy and longing.