Charli XCX Co-Signs Summer's 'Brat'-iest Shoe
Things that are "brat," according to Charli XCX: Bic lighters, strappy white tank tops, going bra-less. Kamala Harris. And, apparently, flip-flops.
Charli XCX, whose album brat has become the defining sound of the summer, was spotted wearing the divisive shoe hours before the release of her new music video for "Guess," featuring Billie Eilish.
The British pop star looked low-key in an all black outfit, comprised of a cropped tee and a drape-y, low-rise skirt — no "brat green" in sight. Equally laid-back was Charli's choice in footwear: a pair of no-frills, rubber flip-flops.
There was a time in recent history that flip-flops were widely reviled. According to detractors, they're ugly and unhygienic — the only setting they're appropriate in is at the pool or beach.
But over the past few of summers, the flip-flop has undergone a major glow-up. Luxury brands like The Row, Balenciaga, and Prada all sell their own (expensive) take on the rubber sandal, which has evolved beyond pool and beachwear (remember when Jennifer Lawrence wore flip-flops at Cannes?). Even humble Havaianas, which retail for about $20 a pair, are having a moment.
Flip-flops might be trending, but that hasn't quelled the sandal's most passionate critics. According to detractors, there's no redeeming a shoe that puts all ten toes on display, and makes an annoying slapping sound.
Charli XCX's embrace of such a controversial trend is very brat of her. Think about it: According to the singer, brat is anything a little "trashy." "You’re just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes," she said in a TikTok video.
Flip-flops, in all their undone, unpretentious informality, are just that: They're cool because they're little trashy, a little messy, and a little subversive.
