Charli xcx Talks the Success of This Year’s ‘Brat Summer’

Charli xcx is the next pop icon and culture phenomenon, gracing the cover of New York Magazine and sitting down to discuss all things “brat.”

First, in a new interview with New York Magazine, Charli xcx sat down and discussed partying, the epitome of having a “brat summer,” and behind the scenes at her photoshoot with none other than David LaChapelle. The series of photographs represent the artist in a unique way, not just her messy party-girl persona that has stayed with her over the last few years.

“On the cover, she’s escaping the paparazzi and running from the downside of fame, the tabloid side of it. And she’s broken free, but she’s still got handcuffs on. It could be a B-movie poster, right? I didn’t put any context behind what she was being arrested for. She was just breaking the rules. Being brat and breaking the rules,” LaChapelle stated.

To be photographed by LaChapelle equates to a great honor. A master at visual and vivid storytelling through his work, LaChapelle has photographed a multitude of celebrities, from Lana Del Rey to Megan Thee Stallion, and even Tupac Shakur.

In addition, the photographer spoke on his inspiration for the singer’s photoshoot, discussing the meaning behind the picture below. “The underwater shot — that’s the water birth of Charli into the bratosphere,” LaChapelle stated. The apple in her hand also signifies her single “Apple” featured on the album, while also being the same color as her whole “brat aesthetic.” Lime green has been the color palette for brat, even featured in Wildflower Cases’ latest collab with the pop singer herself.

Next, she described herself as the ultimate 365 party girl. “I’m partying all the time. Everyone is always like, ‘Charli, now maybe is the time to leave it alone?’ I’m like, ‘Why?’ I’m messy. I’m *messy.* I’m also really not the girl who leaves at a chic hour,” she stated. The term ‘brat’ comes many different meanings and objects that can be categorized under it.

From smudged eyeliner, going out with the girls, French manicures, and Aperol spritzes (some of the artist’s favorites) being a “brat” releases a new level of confidence. Spawning countless memes, TikTok dances, and think pieces for generations, more and more fans are unlocking their true potential of being invested in the “brat lifestyle.”

“It’s a vibe. It’s a pose. It’s a lifestyle brand. It’s a lot. It’s made her more famous than she ever expected.” New York Magazine wrote.

Now, Charli xcx also discussed the implications of her latest album on the upcoming presidential election. After Kamala Harris announced she was running for president, the singer posted “kamala IS brat.” Little did she know her harmless tweet would be viewed over 55 million times, and Harris’ marketing team would curate a marketing strategy tailored to recruiting younger voters at the polls.

“To be on the right side of democracy, the right side of women’s rights, is hugely important to me,” Charli xcx mentioned.

Although she wants to prevent democracy from failing, she did mention that her music and career will never be infiltrated by politics. She likes to keep those worlds separate.

“My music is not political…Everything I do in my life feeds back into my art. Everything I say, wear, think, enjoy — it all funnels back into my art. Politics doesn’t feed my art,” she added.

To read Charli xcx’s full interview with New York Magazine, click here.