IT’S A BRAT SUMMER!
An album… a style!
Charli XCX is now everywhere. Or, at least her sixth studio album, Brat, certainly is. The vibrant green album cover has been plastered all over the internet and on a giant mural in Brooklyn. Charli herself has been touring New York, Los Angeles, and London to promote the album. And Brat’s party-ready tracks are reflected in all the tasteful people who have been discussing the album since its release.
Brat is Charli’s most critically acclaimed album, scoring 95 on Metacritic and debuting at number 3 on the Billboard charts. While many of the lyrics are actually quite vulnerable, delving into themes such as insecurity, grief, and the possibility of motherhood, the club-ready production and novelty feel like a breath of fresh air for both the artist's fans and the music and fashion world.
The evolution of a female subculture
In terms of fashion, we are experiencing a similar shift in atmosphere. Over the past three years or so, trends have largely been dominated by softer aesthetics such as the “Tomato Girl,” the “Scandi girl,” and the inevitable “quiet luxury” trend. But thanks to Charli, it seems this is finally the feral girl’s time to shine: welcome to Brat Summer!
When it comes to dressing like a Brat, there’s no fixed formula. It’s about embracing your best, hottest, and most confident self. It is, in fact, more of a vibe than a specific look, wearing sunglasses indoors and having your rockstar him or her hand you a glass of champagne while you dance on a table. It is, as Charli herself said, “a white strappy top without a bra.” It’s the aesthetic of partying all night even if you have a meeting at 8 AM. In short, a rebellious and unconventional concept.
The ultimate inspiration: Charli!
However, when it comes to inspiration, there is no better reference than the ultimate Brat: Charli XCX, who, with the help of long-time stylist Chris Horan, has fully embraced the hyperpop "party girl" nightclub aesthetic, favoring brands like Balenciaga and Marni while embracing grungey knitwear, "Matrix"-like leather, and oversized silhouettes, has generated the pure "Brat" aesthetic.
The singer’s listeners have enthusiastically embraced the specific “Brat” green as a summer shade, inspired by the album cover. Indeed, searches for “Charli XCX” on Depop were trending in June, up 212% month-on-month, according to the online resale platform.
Your new wardrobe
Literally, “brat” means “spoiled child” or “naughty girl.” Stylistically, it means leather garments, asymmetrical dresses, pointed boots, micro-skirts, ripped stockings, and a lot of attitude. The Brat style is based on that ugly-chic that designers like Demna Gvasalia love and that has recently been picked up by several brands in their own fashion shows.
Below are some runway looks from brands like Sportmax, Diesel, and Aniye Records, who have decided to integrate this aesthetic into their collections.
And it immediately goes mainstream!
The growing popularity of Brat Girls has indeed had a significant impact on mainstream fashion. As already seen, fashion brands and designers themselves have started to incorporate elements of the Brat aesthetic into their collections, from vibrant and bold colors to 90s and 2000s-inspired cuts. Additionally, celebrities like Rihanna, Julia Fox, and Cardi B have adopted looks that recall the Brat style, helping to bring this subculture into the mainstream spotlight.
The movement is expanding to include a greater diversity of styles and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the growing inclusivity of contemporary fashion and culture. New influences, such as cyberpunk and retro-futurism, are further enriching the Brat aesthetic, demonstrating the movement's ability to adapt and grow.
