Brat this, Brat that!
Fueled by Charli XCX’s unapologetically bold vibes laced with a vaguely unsettling dose of millennial anxiety. We welcome you to the bratification. The messy and fun internet It-girlie took us to ride that lasted all summer long. So practice your favorite dance moves, find yourself something green and get ready for some naughtiness!
It’s bigger, bolder, and badass! No more beige and pastel pink, but neon green instead! And iced-out chunky silver jewelry that reminds me of a starter pack of every rapper from the early 2000s—it’s amazing! The brats are taking over, and it’s a great thing! We’re not just making a change in style, we’re also making room for something with a little more character!
It all started with the incredible Charli XCX, the amazing singer-songwriter and queen of being weird, and her long-awaited new album, ‘BRAT’. The neon green cover has become an instant meme sensation in the last few weeks, and her bold, empowering aesthetic has sparked a movement for women’s and queer people’s rights! On TikTok, her fans have gone wild for her entire persona! “You’re that girl who is a bit messy, loves to party, and maybe says dumb things sometimes—and you’re totally cool with it!” She’s refreshingly honest, delightfully blunt, and a little bit volatile. That’s a BRAT!
“It can go that way, like, quite luxury, but it can also be so, like, trashy. Just, like, a pack of cigs, and, like, a Bic lighter, and, like, a strappy white top. With no bra. That’s, like, kind of all you need.”
-Charli XCX
Without promising too much, I’ll say it loud and proud: Brat Summer is exactly what we needed! But of course, it’s not the first trend that attempts to sell us the ultimate aesthetic and the perfect recipe for the summer of our lives – and it’s a great one! But it’s also about embracing a healthy dose of cheerfulness in your daily life, without needing expensive products or spending hours on self-obsession. Brats are craving realness on social media! They live in the moment and break free from the constant pressure of achieving goals and being perfect.
Since the beginning of summer, the Brat Summer has been here! It’s not about being rude, sloppy, or chaotic. It’s about being unapologetically yourself, having fun without feeling ashamed of acting strange or over-the-top, and not caring about your messy hair. Show off your cheeky side this summer and make some questionable decisions! It’s time to care less, live more, and behave more like the main character we all are.
In a fascinating twist… The impact of this movement is even reaching political spheres, with figures like London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan and Vice President Kamala Harris adopting elements of this trend to connect with younger, more trend-conscious audiences. It’s a brilliant example of how pop culture can influence and intersect with broader societal trends.
