Charli xcx's influence knows no bounds. Her most recent album, Brat, has been declared the soundtrack of the summer (or winter, here in Australia) for the second year in a row, transcending the realm of music to become something more akin to a cultural moment. Her recent nuptials to The 1975 drummer George Daniel have inspired a new wave of low-key brides, and crowned Vivienne Westwood as the bridal designer of the moment. And her Letterboxd reviews have us clamouring to watch everything from Urchin to The Bling Ring. So it makes perfect sense that her next move is as much about style as it is about sound.
Enter: her new collaboration with Converse. Labelled 'By You', the collection centres around the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star, putting fans in the design seat, with three curated colourways and a trove of Brat-coded details designed by Charli herself. Each pair comes pre-distressed — as though well-worn from stomping the stage at the world's biggest festivals — and features trompe-l’œil tears, washed out laces, rub‑off middles, and printed rips that feel like they’ve already been through a tour. Then, you can choose from outsole graphics that read 'BRAT' or 'PARTYGIRL', and wrap things up with lock and key charms attached to the heel of every pair.
To celebrate the collection's release, Charli sat down to talk exclusively with RUSSH about creative inspiration, married life, and what's on her playlist.
How would you describe your style? Who (or what) is on your mood board at the moment?
I dress for how I feel. Sometimes that’s really minimal and sometimes it’s more wild. I love supporting emerging designers and sometimes it feels so fun to play dress up, but I like having staple pieces in my wardrobe and reusing them. I have some leather jackets I’m obsessed with and some sunglasses and some black boots. And obviously my converse, which are just classic. I can always throw them on and make an outfit feel cool and like me.
How does that translate to your collection with Converse, and what can you tell us about the collaboration?
I was so excited to have my own partygirl shoe. There are elements about the design that are so classic but then there’s stuff that’s inherently me… like the rips being printed on… I think that’s fun because it’s like, well you can choose to keep them that way or you can choose to rip them yourself. they’re almost interactive in that sense. I think Converse get better and better with age… The more worn they are the cooler they are. It plays into the idea of reusing and re-wearing and making something a staple in your wardrobe.
I love the soles too. They’re pretty bold, but I like that you only get a flash of the typography as you walk. In a way it’s subtle but at the same time bold. It’s an “if you know you know” kinda thing. I think the shoes are really playful. I like that you can customise them to make them your own.
Who do you envision wearing the shoes? Where are you wearing them?
Anyone who wants to! I’m wearing mine all the time to be honest. They’re kind of my everyday shoe at this point.
We’re well into our second Brat summer — what’s next for you?
Haha that’s cool. I mean, it can always be brat summer if you want it to be. For me I’m sort of just chilling. I just got married so I’m kind of exploring that, how it makes me feel and just hanging out with George. I’m watching a lot of movies and thinking about movies and films I’m making and want to make. That’s what I’m inspired by right now.
Who is on your playlist at the moment?
Lou Reed. Always. And then my friends. I’m not really listening to much right now. I’m kinda out of the loop.
The Charli xcx collection for Converse is available to shop on 5 August.
