Brat summer: is the long era of clean living finally over?

🌈 Abstract

The article explores the concept of "brat" as a cultural phenomenon, examining its manifestation in Charli XCX's album "Brat" and the broader societal implications. It delves into the aesthetic, musical, and ideological aspects of the "brat" ethos, contrasting it with the "clean girl" trend and examining its relationship to femininity, sexuality, and generational attitudes.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Concept of "Brat"

1. What is the definition and key characteristics of a "brat" as described in the article?

• A "brat" is a self-defining category that is not limited to a specific gender or appearance
• It is associated with a "pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra" - a look that is "brash" and "unhinged"
• The "brat" aesthetic is not something that can be easily purchased or replicated, as it is about individuality and self-expression

2. How does the "brat" concept differ from other recent trends like "rat girl summer" and "hot girl summer"?

• "Brat" is not a social media or consumer-driven trend, but rather a more meaningful and self-defining concept
• Unlike "rat girl summer" and "hot girl summer," which are more about embodying certain aesthetics and lifestyles, "brat" is more about embracing contradictions and not caring about societal expectations

3. How does the "brat" aesthetic and ethos relate to economic and generational factors?

• The "brat" aesthetic is seen as a reaction against the expensive and performative nature of the "clean girl" trend, which is viewed as a display of wealth and status
• The "brat" approach is more about embracing individuality and not conforming to societal expectations, which is seen as a generational shift from previous trends

[02] The "Brat" Album and Charli XCX

1. How is the "Brat" album described in the article?

• The album is described as "really confessional but also really brash," with Charli XCX being seen as a "Dionysian agent for being more unhinged"
• The album cover and associated visuals have become a way for people to "badge themselves" and take selfies, but the article emphasizes that the "brat" concept is not just about appearance

2. How does the "Brat" album and Charli XCX's approach differ from other contemporary pop artists?

• The article contrasts Charli XCX's approach with that of Troye Sivan, who is known for dressing in drag and embodying a more traditionally feminine aesthetic
• The article also suggests that Charli XCX's visual references, which include "drag, horror movies, burlesque, theatre," represent a rejection of the "Fordist model of femininity" and a more idiosyncratic expression of sexuality

3. What is the significance of the "Sweat" tour and its association with the "brat" concept?

• The article suggests that the "Sweat" tour, which features Charli XCX and Troye Sivan, is seen as a contrast between the "brat" and "clean girl" aesthetics, with the "brat" being associated with more hedonistic and less conventional behaviors