In the fast-evolving world of fashion and photography, trends come and go, often shaping public consciousness and artistic direction in unexpected ways. Even for those who pride themselves on resisting the allure of trends, ignoring cultural shifts can mean missing out on creative opportunities. As photographers, staying in tune with the zeitgeist isn't about abandoning personal style—it’s about understanding how to leverage current cultural movements to elevate your work.

Enter Brat Summer—a pop culture phenomenon spearheaded by Charli XCX with the release of her album Brat in June 2024. This trend emphasizes a bold, unapologetic, and carefree attitude, blending high fashion with casual, gritty elements. Charli teased the concept on social media months prior, and her dedicated fanbase, known as "Angels," quickly adopted the aesthetic, sparking a widespread trend across fashion and social media.

While I'm not naturally inclined to follow trends, even I can’t be blind to the power of cultural moments like Brat Summer. These movements can transform how we approach visual storytelling. As photographers, embracing such trends, even when it feels counterintuitive, can lead to exciting new directions, expanding both your portfolio and audience reach. In this article, we'll explore how following Brat Summer can inspire your photography, as well as how adapting to trends like these—whether you love them or not—can elevate your work.

Brat Summer: A Cultural Phenomenon Influencing Fashion and Photography

Charli XCX’s Brat album, which launched the Brat Summer trend, isn't just a musical statement—it’s a fashion and aesthetic revolution. The trend embodies a fusion of Y2K nostalgia, indie sleaze, and luxury-meets-trashy fashion. It's carefree, rebellious, and effortlessly cool. Here's how photographers can utilize this movement for visual inspiration:

Bold Neon Palettes

A hallmark of Brat Summer is its unapologetic use of bold neon colors—especially neon green, which dominated Charli’s Brat album cover. These electric tones provide a striking contrast to the muted, minimalistic palettes we often see in contemporary photography. Incorporating neon backdrops, vivid lighting, or bright wardrobe choices can instantly evoke the vibrant, brash energy of the trend.

Y2K & Indie Sleaze Influence

Brat Summer channels strong Y2K influences, harking back to early 2000s fashion. From baby tees to chunky sporty sunglasses, the fashion evokes a raw, digital grunge aesthetic that is both nostalgic and futuristic. For photographers, this means an opportunity to experiment with retro digital cameras, flash photography, and candid, carefree poses that reflect the indie sleaze vibe of the era. Think lo-fi, deliberately imperfect shots that capture a raw, rebellious attitude.

Luxury Meets Trashy

One of the defining aspects of Brat Summer is the juxtaposition of high-end fashion with deliberately "trashy" elements. Charli herself has described the aesthetic as pairing a designer outfit with a cheap Bic lighter or smoking cigarettes in couture. For photographers, this opens up the possibility of playing with contrasts—shooting glamorous models in gritty, urban environments, or combining luxe fashion with unexpected, everyday props.

The Attitude of Brat Summer: Capturing Confidence and Rebellion

At its core, Brat Summer is more than just a visual trend—it's an attitude. Charli XCX has been vocal about how this movement reflects a certain mindset: effortless confidence, a sense of rebellion, and a refusal to take oneself too seriously. Translating these elements into photography is about capturing not just the style, but the spirit of the trend.

Effortless Posing

A key characteristic of Brat Summer is the "It girl" persona, someone who exudes confidence with minimal effort. As a photographer, directing your subjects to channel this effortless energy is essential. Loose, carefree poses, casual facial expressions, and a sense of nonchalance will evoke the attitude of the trend. The models should look as if they’re too cool to care—but in the best possible way.

Pettiness and Confrontation

Brat Summer isn’t afraid of confrontation or bold behavior. Songs like "Mean Girls" from the Brat album champion pettiness and sharp-tongued insults. For photographers, this means pushing the boundaries—whether it’s through bold, confrontational eye contact, exaggerated poses, or provocative settings. The vibe is unapologetic and in-your-face, making it perfect for editorial shoots that want to make a statement.

Rebellious, Unapologetic Vibes

The rebellious spirit of Brat Summer encourages people to embrace imperfection. For photographers, this translates into capturing raw, unpolished moments. Whether through grainy textures, dramatic lighting, or chaotic compositions, the goal is to reflect a sense of authenticity and individuality. It’s less about perfection and more about embracing the messy, unfiltered side of life.

How Brat Summer ‘COULD’ Set the Stage for a Brat Winter

While Brat Summer dominated the cultural landscape in the warmer months, the aesthetic isn’t bound by seasons. As we move towards colder weather, there’s an opportunity to adapt these bold, rebellious elements into a potential “Brat Winter” aesthetic.

Winter Color Schemes

Brat Winter could see the vibrant neons of summer transitioning into cooler, more muted tones. Think icy blues, deep purples, and metallic silvers paired with the same playful, bratty elements from the summer months. Photographers can experiment with blending cold, wintry hues with the bold, defiant spirit of Brat Summer, creating a striking juxtaposition of cool tones and hot attitudes.

Layering for Depth

The skimpy outfits of Brat Summer may give way to more layered looks—oversized jackets, chunky boots, and luxurious scarves. For photographers, this means opportunities for more complex compositions, using layering not just in wardrobe but in the visual structure of the image. Think of how layers of clothing can create depth and texture, making for visually rich portraits or fashion spreads.

Winter Rebellion

Brat Winter doesn’t lose the rebellious edge of its summer counterpart. Instead, it can evolve into a more defiant stance against the cold. Imagine shoots where models wear bold outfits in the snow, or scenes where high fashion clashes with frozen, urban landscapes. The rebellious nature of Brat Summer becomes a protest against winter’s dreariness—creating images that feel alive with tension and contradiction.

Other Cultural Trends Photographers Should Watch

While Brat Summer has undoubtedly influenced 2024, there are other cultural movements shaping fashion and photography. As trends continue to evolve, photographers should be aware of these shifts and look for opportunities to incorporate them into their work.

Maximalism in Fashion

Maximalism, the trend that embraces the philosophy of "more is more," continues to rise. Layered textures, clashing patterns, and over-the-top styling are all elements of this trend. For photographers, maximalism offers a chance to experiment with complex compositions and bold, vibrant imagery that stands out in a sea of minimalism.

Sustainability and Eco-Fashion

With climate change at the forefront of global concerns, sustainability in fashion has become more than a trend—it’s a movement. Photographers can tap into this by focusing on eco-friendly brands, using natural light, or shooting in environmentally conscious settings. Sustainability offers a wealth of creative possibilities, both in terms of fashion choices and the ethical narratives behind the shoots.

Digital Nostalgia

The obsession with Y2K isn’t confined to fashion. Digital nostalgia—evoking the aesthetics of early 2000s technology like pixelated filters, retro gaming, and lo-fi visuals—has become a strong trend across multiple artistic disciplines. Photographers can lean into this aesthetic by using digital manipulation to create vintage, pixelated looks or by incorporating old-school tech props into their shoots.

Conclusion: Sometimes, Trends Are Just the Beginning

Following trends like Brat Summer doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal artistic identity. Instead, it’s about using these cultural moments as launchpads for innovation. Charli XCX's Brat Summer has shown us that trends can be bold, rebellious, and unapologetically unique—qualities that resonate deeply in today’s visual landscape. As photographers, it’s essential to not only follow these movements but to also add our unique spin, transforming them into something that feels fresh and personal.

When embraced thoughtfully, trends can do more than just help you stay relevant—they can fuel creative breakthroughs, connecting you with new audiences and taking your work in exciting new directions. So, the next time a trend comes along, don’t shy away from it. Sometimes, the best way to get ahead is to follow it.

FAQs

What is Brat Summer, and how did it influence fashion photography?
Brat Summer, driven by Charli XCX's 2024 album Brat, blends Y2K and indie sleaze aesthetics with a bold, rebellious attitude. The trend has significantly impacted fashion photography, encouraging bold colors, retro influences, and unapologetic, attitude-driven shoots.

How can photographers translate Brat Summer into winter photography?
To adapt Brat Summer into winter, photographers can incorporate cooler tones, layered fashion, and rebellious, high-energy attitudes to create a “Brat Winter” aesthetic. Mixing bold outfits with wintry settings offers a striking contrast.

Is following trends essential for a photographer’s success?
While not mandatory, following trends can enhance a photographer’s relevance, allowing them to connect with broader audiences and stay in tune with cultural movements.

What are some upcoming photography trends to watch in 2024?
Maximalism, sustainability in fashion, and digital nostalgia are some of the key trends influencing photography. Each offers unique visual opportunities for photographers.

How can I maintain my creative authenticity while following trends?
By blending trends with your personal style, you can maintain authenticity. Use trends as starting points for creative exploration, allowing them to influence your work without fully defining it.

What are the key visual elements of Brat Summer?
Brat Summer is defined by neon colors (especially green), Y2K and indie sleaze influences, and a mix of high fashion with "trashy" elements. It’s a bold, carefree aesthetic that embraces rebellious, unapologetic self-expression.