Charli XCX
Musician
Articles & interviews6
- Influencer Kits Expand Beyond Influencers to Broader Consumer Audiences
Doug Wilson traces the convention of reading ALL CAPS as shouting from documented nineteenth-century newspaper usage through telegrams, public notices, and early internet culture. The article argues that habitual uppercase use has diluted its authority and encouraged lowercase typography as a signal of authenticity and vulnerability. It also introduces Bristol type and lettering designer Jamie Clarke's attempt to create an impactful uppercase display font with a more conversational, human tone.
- How Pop Stars Use Fine Art to Boost Cultural Prestige
In this cultural column, Gary Grimes explores how major female pop stars are increasingly commissioning fine artists to create their album artwork, merging pop culture with high art. The article highlights collaborations such as Olivia Rodrigo with Chloe Wise, Lily Allen with Nieves González, and Katy Perry with Will Cotton, showing how these partnerships elevate pop musicians’ cultural prestige. Grimes argues that these crossovers reflect a growing desire among pop icons to be seen as part of the fine art canon.
- Gary Grimes decodes the angsty cultural references within Romain Gavras’ Yung Lean-starring epic, Storm
In this cultural column, Gary Grimes analyzes Romain Gavras’ new two-part music video 'Storm' for Gener8tion featuring Yung Lean. Set in a dystopian Leeds school, the film explores teenage masculinity, violence, and rebellion through striking visuals and choreography by Damian Jalet. Grimes situates the work within Gavras’ provocative filmography and broader pop-cultural references, praising its hypnotic blend of aggression and artistry.
- "Anti-Brand is Just Strategic Branding, Experts Say"
Written by Cat How of How&How, this opinion piece argues that so-called 'anti-branding' is not a rejection of branding but a strategic evolution of it. Using examples like Jolene’s child-drawn logo, Charli XCX’s Brat album, and Patagonia’s 'Don’t Buy This Jacket' campaign, How contends that these are calculated branding moves disguised as rebellion. The article dismantles the myth of authenticity in design, asserting that all visual identities are deliberate brand strategies.
- Music Albums Create Visual Universes for Enhanced Fan Experience
The article explores how contemporary musicians are increasingly treating album campaigns as immersive visual worlds, integrating design, photography, and set direction into cohesive brand identities. It highlights projects like Chappell Roan’s 'The Subway' and Charli XCX’s 'Brat', and discusses Bijan Berahimi’s exhibition 'Eyes and Ears' that surveys this trend. Designers and creative directors emphasize the growing importance of visual storytelling in music marketing.
- Gatekeeping in Business: Special Offer Insights
The article profiles New York studio Special Offer and its founder Brent David Freaney, exploring the studio’s elastic, community-driven approach to design. It focuses on their work for Charli XCX’s 2024 album 'brat', which became a defining visual moment of the year, and touches on collaborations with Martine Syms. The piece highlights Special Offer’s philosophy, design process, and influence on contemporary visual culture.