Charli XCX, the pop star known for her vibrant brat green hue and unpolished aesthetic, has undergone a remarkable transformation. With the release of her new album, Music, Fashion, Film she has embraced a darker, more glamorous look that solidifies her connection to the fashion world. The question remains: can she maintain her unique style while navigating the mainstream?
The lead single, Rock Music released in May, sparked a wave of reactions in the music industry. Charli’s declaration that the dance floor is dead caught the attention of icons like Courtney Love and Madonna, who was preparing to launch Confessions II a sequel to her 2006 hit Confessions on a Dance Floor.
Charli XCX’s clash with Madonna and Courtney Love
Madonna’s cryptic social media post, If your dance floor feels dead, maybe you’re just playing the wrong music was widely interpreted as a response to Charli. Courtney Love, on the other hand, praised Charli as a troll in the complimentary sense, acknowledging her ability to challenge conventions. This exchange highlighted the generational shift in pop culture, with Charli representing the brat generation and contemporary club culture, while Madonna remains a symbol of the dance floor since the 1980s.
Despite the initial tension, Charli and Madonna later shared a moment at the Saint Laurent fashion show during Men’s Fashion Week. Charli arrived in a striking red slip dress, while Madonna opted for a lace minidress. They co-hosted the fashion house’s party at Paradis Latin, one of Paris’ historic cabaret clubs, demonstrating a newfound camaraderie.
The evolution of Charli XCX’s artistic identity
Music, Fashion, Film released in late July, is Charli’s seventh album. It has received positive reviews for pushing the boundaries of pop and rock. However, the album is more than just a musical project; it is a cultural statement that continues Charli’s evolution into one of the most influential figures in pop’s visual language. The album cover features a black-and-white photo of three legends: filmmaker Martin Scorsese, avant-garde musician John Cale, and fashion designer Marc Jacobs.
Charli’s collaboration with Marc Jacobs dates back to 2018 when he cast her in a fashion campaign for The Sack Bag. She expressed her gratitude for Jacobs’ role in opening the door to the fashion world for her. The album also pays homage to other fashion icons, including fashion film director Loïc Prigent and fashion show sound and music designer Michel Gaubert.
The nihilistic themes of ‘Music, Fashion, Film’
The album’s lyrics delve into themes of anxiety and loss of faith in a chaotic world. Charli’s ironic awareness of her place as an artist is evident in songs like SS26 which references the Spring-Summer 2026 collection. The song’s lyrics, Fashion won’t save us, but let’s get on the runway and walk reflect her attitude toward the chaotic reality around her.
Critics have noted that the album’s lyrical content leans heavily into irony, sometimes lacking depth. For instance, the song Wink Wink features provocative lyrics that some argue are more for shock value than substance. Despite this, the album’s sonic shift to a grittier rock-inspired instrumentation has been praised for its reflection on the brief nature of life.
The resilience of club culture
While Charli’s new album marks a shift away from her club-centric aesthetic, the spirit of club culture continues to thrive. Andrea Horan, founder of Tropical Popical and an advocate for Irish businesses, emphasizes the resilience of club culture. Despite the rapid depletion of the hospitality sector in Dublin, young people are finding innovative ways to keep the culture alive.
Horan’s project, Clubbing is Culture highlighted the importance of preserving club spaces. She notes that while many believe young people are moving away from club culture, events like SILO at the RDS and electronic music tents at festivals prove otherwise. The DIY ethos of club culture is keeping it alive, even against all odds.
Charli XCX’s transformation is a testament to her ability to evolve while staying true to her artistic roots. As she continues to blur the lines between music, fashion, and film, her influence on pop culture remains undeniable.
