also idk why but there is still something very clean girl aesthetic about the brat summer polyvore-esque graphic. maybe it's all the negative space (i think it is). I loved this post, definitely food for thought. can't wait to see what else you post !! :)
I loveeee the Lola-brat image at the end! Perfectly encapsulates your essay & how you can enjoy a trend while still retaining who you are, giving your own spin to it!
You and the others bought what the marketers sold you.
They'll have a new identity, with must have accessories and accoutrement to match, this fall, next summer, and every year after that, right on schedule.
I hear "be authentic" all the time. But when I listen closely it seems what they're saying is "try this new fad, try this new persona the marketers have made for you. Don't get left out or left behind grrrrlllll."
Anything you have to pay money for, or get someone to buy for you is not YOU. And at best does a poor job of representing who you are.
so well written. love the way you articulated your points. and i agree! i hate to see people try to conform themselves just to be a part of something or to be seen. amazing first post. keep going!! 🫶
You've really captured brand brat here and I mean that in the broadest sense as a watered-down reference point we're seeing everywhere. The notion of performative rebellion and the commodification of couldn't-care-less-ness.
this was so interesting to read. we're all constantly trying to find our identity and want to fit into categories and boxes, but the reality is we're all nuanced and a walking contradiction and we should embrace that too. charli xcx might be bumpin' that one night and the next she's having a detox juice, going to pilates and eating avocado.
heyyy welcome to substack! I'm new here myself and your article is one of the first I've stumbled upon. I've been a fan of Charli for a decade now and while I'm wholeheartedly excited to see the Brat movement grow, I completely agree with everything you said about it being another trend, another way of marketing one's self without thinking of what we actually, genuinely like. We can be both the clean girl and the brat girl if such is our fancy. Thanks for your piece <3
so REAL
first of all, welcome to substack!
also idk why but there is still something very clean girl aesthetic about the brat summer polyvore-esque graphic. maybe it's all the negative space (i think it is). I loved this post, definitely food for thought. can't wait to see what else you post !! :)
YES HANNAH YOU GET IT !!!!
I loveeee the Lola-brat image at the end! Perfectly encapsulates your essay & how you can enjoy a trend while still retaining who you are, giving your own spin to it!
the brat lola at the end 💚💚
substack is quite brat im ngl...
This is so good!!
thank you so much freya 🫶🫶🫶
Well written. Excellent first post
You didn't change the game or bemlmd the rules.
You and the others bought what the marketers sold you.
They'll have a new identity, with must have accessories and accoutrement to match, this fall, next summer, and every year after that, right on schedule.
I hear "be authentic" all the time. But when I listen closely it seems what they're saying is "try this new fad, try this new persona the marketers have made for you. Don't get left out or left behind grrrrlllll."
Anything you have to pay money for, or get someone to buy for you is not YOU. And at best does a poor job of representing who you are.
im honestly too poor and unstable to read this and celebrate it - but free/thriving/happy phantom me say I actually love this for you so much.
Brilliantly and yet subtly articulated in a way which sees these themes as a commodity and not a lifestyle.
so well written. love the way you articulated your points. and i agree! i hate to see people try to conform themselves just to be a part of something or to be seen. amazing first post. keep going!! 🫶
You've really captured brand brat here and I mean that in the broadest sense as a watered-down reference point we're seeing everywhere. The notion of performative rebellion and the commodification of couldn't-care-less-ness.
this was so interesting to read. we're all constantly trying to find our identity and want to fit into categories and boxes, but the reality is we're all nuanced and a walking contradiction and we should embrace that too. charli xcx might be bumpin' that one night and the next she's having a detox juice, going to pilates and eating avocado.
heyyy welcome to substack! I'm new here myself and your article is one of the first I've stumbled upon. I've been a fan of Charli for a decade now and while I'm wholeheartedly excited to see the Brat movement grow, I completely agree with everything you said about it being another trend, another way of marketing one's self without thinking of what we actually, genuinely like. We can be both the clean girl and the brat girl if such is our fancy. Thanks for your piece <3