Brat summer officially over, declares Charli XCX

Did your summer feel like a whirlwind of lime green and low-resolution Arial font? The cultural trend known as “brat” has been impossible to miss this season, influencing social media, dance routines, and even American political discourse. But as the days grow shorter and the nights longer, Charli XCX, the artist behind the term, has declared that “brat summer” is officially over.

Charli XCX took to social media to bid farewell to the season with a post titled “goodbye forever brat summer,” highlighting some of the most notable moments associated with the trend. Despite this, some fans, particularly in the southern hemisphere where summer is just beginning, have vowed to keep the brat spirit alive.

“Brat” refers to Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, which has garnered both critical acclaim and global attention. The album’s rebellious and carefree attitude has resonated with many, marking a departure from the more polished “clean girl” aesthetic that has dominated recent trends.

In an interview, Charli explained that “brat” embodies a persona characterized by an unfiltered, party-loving attitude. “You’re just like that girl who has a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter, and a strappy white top with no bra,” she described. “It’s about being a little messy, having fun, making mistakes, and being honest about it. It’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat.”

The term has even penetrated the world of American politics. When President Joe Biden announced his departure from the 2024 election race and endorsed his vice-president Kamala Harris, Charli XCX tweeted “kamala IS brat.” The Harris campaign quickly adopted the trend, incorporating references to the album into their social media strategy and renaming their profile to Kamala HQ with a new lime green photo reminiscent of the Brat album cover. Political experts suggest this move was aimed at appealing to younger voters, and the impact of this strategy will become clearer in the upcoming November elections.

Meanwhile, another summer trend linked to Charli XCX’s “brat” album is the viral TikTok challenge involving the song “Apple.” Millions of users have participated in the challenge, attempting to split apples symmetrically while synchronizing their movements with the song’s lyrics. Celebrities like Glen Powell, Amelia Dimoldenberg, and Daisy Edgar-Jones have joined in, turning the trend into a playful, albeit fleeting, internet sensation.

As the season draws to a close, the “Apple” challenge and its accompanying videos remain as a testament to the summer’s cultural impact. Whether or not the trend will endure is uncertain, but the memories and viral content it generated are likely to persist.

With “brat summer” coming to an end, Charli XCX’s influence on this season is undeniable. From its initial spark to its widespread adoption and eventual integration into various facets of culture, the brat phenomenon has left a lasting imprint. As we move into the next season, it remains to be seen what new trends will emerge, but for now, the brat legacy continues to make waves.