**Michelle Zauner Discusses Maternity Fashion Struggles and Inspiration from Rihanna**
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British-American singer and songwriter Michelle Zauner, known for her work as the lead vocalist of Japanese Breakfast, has recently opened up about the challenges she faces in dressing her growing baby bump. At nine months pregnant, Zauner expressed her sentiments during an interview with PEOPLE at the Chanel U.S. launch of Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu.
Zauner, who is expecting her first child with her husband and bandmate Peter Bradley, described the experience of finding suitable maternity outfits as “very humbling.” She cited pop icon Rihanna as a source of inspiration in the fashion department, attempting to channel the singer’s style while acknowledging the difficulties that come with dressing a changing body. “It’s really hard and very humbling, honestly,” Zauner shared. “You look to Rihanna and just hope for the best, and it never really winds up there, so that was what I tried to do this year.”
The joyous news of Zauner’s pregnancy first surfaced on social media, where she celebrated the milestone with a heartfelt Instagram post. This announcement came ahead of her performance at the 2026 Governors Ball Music Festival in New York, where she proudly showcased her baby bump in a striking green ensemble.
In a conversation with Cosmopolitan during the festival, Zauner reflected on the empowering experience of performing while pregnant. “This is my third show with a baby bump, and it’s really empowering,” she revealed. “It’s so fun to remind myself that I am something beyond just a vessel for life, which is an amazing thing to be, but it’s also really fun to get to cart it around with me.”
Since her marriage to guitarist Peter Bradley in 2014, Zauner has often discussed their relationship dynamics. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE last year, she noted how the couple’s personalities complement each other. “We don’t fight very often,” she said. “I think it’s probably more challenging for him than it is for me because I can be just violently honest with him in this way that I maybe would be more careful with other people’s feelings about.”
Zauner’s candid reflections on her pregnancy journey not only showcase her authentic personality but also bring attention to the realities of being a touring musician while balancing the demands of pregnancy. Her emphasis on authenticity in her relationship with Bradley further highlights their strong partnership, particularly in their creative collaboration within the band.
As she navigates the complexities of maternity fashion, Zauner’s willingness to share both the struggles and triumphs of her experience resonates with many expecting parents. Her approach serves as a reminder that while pregnancy can be daunting, it can also offer moments of empowerment and joy.
With her musical career thriving and a new chapter on the horizon as a mother, Zauner’s journey continues to inspire others. As her due date approaches, fans and followers are eager to see how this talented artist balances motherhood with her artistic endeavours in the years to come.
Zauner’s openness about pregnancy, alongside her ongoing artistic endeavours, promises to keep her story engaging and relatable as she embarks on this new adventure. The intersection of her personal life and career offers a compelling narrative that many will be watching closely.