This past summer belonged to Charli XCX. The British singer’s album Brat, released in early June, sent out a bat signal (or maybe a “brat signal”), encouraging fans to be their wildest selves — 365 party girls, irascible and unapologetic. As summer turns to fall, many are wondering what’s next. But just hours before Charli and Troye Sivan take the stage for their Sweat Tour, and as a sea of chartreuse began approaching Madison Square Garden, it was clear the frenzy wasn’t subsiding.
What really makes a boy’s costume? “There’s no such thing as too much of a perfect look,” Charlie’s stylist Chris Horan told Eskom. While there’s no shortage of “boy green,” some people are getting in on the spirit with playful slogan T-shirts, lingerie, chunky silver jewelry, chainmail, leather pants, furry shoes and lots of bloomers.
Concert-goers took this directive to heart. Some leaned toward the DIY spirit, like Kelly Hair, who created the viral “Apple” dance and performed it live during the song. “It’s a dress I made thrifting and I glammed it up by stamping kids’ bums on the back of it,” she said of her black pleated miniskirt. But there were also those who went all out with fashion brands like Diesel, Acne Studios, Balenciaga, Haven by Marc Jacobs and Rick Owens. Lawson Taylor paired it with custom Ellen Halvorson shorts and corset, a neon green Balenciaga Le City bag and Rick Owens boots. Meanwhile, Bridget Shurrod bought an entire outfit for the event, inspired by the singer’s acne-filled hospital room. “I went because I saw all of [Charli’s] looks for the tour,” she said.
“It’s incredible to be a small part of a huge cultural moment,” Holland said. “It’s also very rewarding to see any of Charli’s styles reflected in people’s looks. I think the most important thing is Charli herself — she’s a beacon for all of us in a time when we’re tired of artists trying to appeal to everyone.”
While “The Kid” has been dominating the zeitgeist lately, fans have given Sivan their own spin. One attendee, D, wore leather pants (left over from last year’s cowboy Halloween costume) and suspenders, a nod to Sivan’s recent BDSM-inspired look. D held a homemade sign that resembled a bottle of poppers (which he made for the Pools, Poppers and Pride party in June), while tank tops and t-shirts heavily referenced Sivan’s poppers merchandise.
Whether people are representing Charli XCX or Troye Sivan, there’s a pervasive sense of community. “Being a kid means being unapologetic about who you are, being proud of who you are, and not being afraid to express who you are and who you are. It’s the ultimate form of self-love,” says Grant Basilio.
“Having a baby — can I say ‘cunt’?” Jordan Weathers whispered. “Serve the bitches! Just be yourself. I’m a very shy person but here I can be myself, show my style and be a sociable person. It just means coming out of your shell and being your authentic self.”
Below, see the best street style looks from the Madison Square Garden Sweat Tour.
