Chappell Roan's makeup artist reveals what she was really wearing in 'topless' Grammys dress

Chappell Roan's Grammys makeup artist has revealed some of the secrets behind her showstopping 'topless' dress and her 'medieval' inspiration.

The 'Pink Pony Club' singer was a nominee in both Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the February 1 awards show, but failed to win in either category for her August single 'The Subway'.

However, Roan had already topped headlines before the night was even fully underway, turning up to the 68th Grammys in a sheer topless and backless maroon dress that appeared to be held up by just two nipple piercings.

With the 27-year-old's complicated look confusing some, her makeup artist Andrew Dahling has revealed how Roan pulled off the nipple-attached costume and what inspired her partially nude haute couture.

Chappell Roan's daring look revealed special body art that tied together her topless ensemble (Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images)

From the outset, the semi-transparent fabric was meant to shock spectators, with Roan initially covering her exposed shoulders with a matching maroon cloak that was soon removed to reveal her intricate faux-tattoos and delicate gold concertina choker.

This see-through garment, it turns out, was being held up by prosthetic nipples and Roan's extensive body art was intended to tie the whole look together.

Dahling explained how it all tied together to Marie Claire, saying: “There was so much going on - the tattoos, the prosthetic nipples, all of it, but overall we wanted everything to feel cohesive and really honor the dress and the medieval world we were living in.”

While Roan, real name Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, is often inspired by the world of high camp and drag, with such a daring and eye-catching outfit, her team decided to pare back her usually intense makeup style.

Roan's flowing red gown appeared to be held up by nipple piercings alone (John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Dahling said: “We started with this very archival, full, bare moment. Once the tattoos came into play, everything became very medieval, but in a real way. It’s still fantasy and something otherworldly, but grounded.”

But being a MAC ambassador, she still went out with some accenting, with Dahling explaining that he opted for nude-red lipstick. He added: “We still wanted to bring some Chappell and some glam to it, so we added a little bit of MAC metallic liner detail just to bring some pop and some glamour and glitz to her eyes to tie in with the jewelry."

Bringing this look together as a 'Mugler medieval fantasy', Roan's team inked a temporary tattoo across her back in the braided style of medieval tapestries, a design concept that continued onto her bare front.

With her look dominating all discussion of the Grammy's red carpet, Roan took to Instagram to respond to the uproar, saying: "Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look’s actually so awesome and weird.

"I recommend just exercising your free will it’s really fun and silly :D."