BE A BRAT!

Charli XCX scooped up all major music awards this season and is inspiring young women to feel empowered

- COMPILED BY MELON RADEBE

Taylor Swift is a fan, she helped make “brat” one of 2024’s words of the year and her music has sparked a cultural phenomenon.

With her edgy style, catchy beats and fearless vibes, Charli XCX is shaking up the pop music scene like no other. The 32-year-old is riding high with her hit album Brat, having earned three Grammys and five Brit Awards, including artist of the year, dance act and song of the year.

It’s hard to believe Charli initially struggled to create songs she was proud of. But after a trip to Sweden and isolating herself from her record label she made an album called Sucker, which was intended to help girls feel “a sense of empowerment”, she says.

It worked – Brat Summer trended – an aesthetic and a way of life inspired by Charli’s latest album. It embodies a carefree spirit, she says, which is totally opposite to the clean-girl trend which is all about looks and living seemingly perfect lives. It’s all about embracing chaos and showing off your individuality.

“It’s a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter, a strappy white top with no bra,” she says.

Charli practised what she preached when she stepped out at the recent Brit Awards in a sheer dress that left little to the imagination. Despite drawing over 800 complaints to UK media watchdog Ofcom, Charli remained true to herself.

“I heard that ITV were complaining about my nipples,” she said during her acceptance speech. “I feel like we’re in the era of ‘free the nipple’ though, right?”

Charlotte Emma Aitchison was born in Cambridge in the UK and discovered her passion for music as a young teen.

She started posting her songs on the early social networking service MySpace, catching the eyes of local promoters who soon invited her to perform at warehouse raves and parties across East London.

She was 14 when she convinced her parents to loan her money and released her first album, titled 14.