Between mastering the “HOT TO GO!” dance, painting our walls lime green, and trading friendship bracelets, we truly are in a popstar summer. And luckily for the tone-deaf lot of us, channeling your inner pop girlie is less about warming up your vocal chords and more about stepping into your most confident, unapologetic, authentic self. And what better way to get into the groove than with playful, experimental, and individualised styles? From Sabrina Carpenter’s custom heart-cutout mini dresses to Billie Eilish’s scribble drawing tees, here are six of your favourite artist’s favourite designers that will have you singing “that’s that me espresso” all day long.
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YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST’S FAVOURITE DESIGNER
The playful, youth-infused, and statement-worthy brands that your favourite pop stars are wearing today.
@chappellroan
Chappell Roan: Keane
This just in: Keane is your favourite artist’s favourite artist’s favourite jewellery designer. Launched by Rhode Island School of Design alum Colin Lynch following a decade working in fine jewellery and glassblowing, Keane combines high quality, heirloom-worthy techniques with youthful silhouettes and cheerful colour palettes worthy of the Midwest Princess. Her Flower Necklace (swipe 2) is a crowd pleaser, but we’re also obsessed with the label’s cuffs and ribbon rings. You can’t go wrong, really.
Sabrina Carpenter: Frolov
Please, please, please never stop wearing Frolov, Miss Carpenter! From music videos to events to live performances, the star certainly has a recognisable style. One of her go-to designers for her on-stage wardrobe, Ivan Frolov founded his brand with a core sense of freedom, provocation, and love. With heart cutouts (a Sabrina signature), Swarovski crystals, and detailed embellishments galore, the Ukrainian brand has us hooked — as much so, perhaps, as the chorus of “Espresso”.
SZA: ClartFart
This brand deserves more attention, and not just because it’s a go-to for SZA herself. Between their ready-to-wear pieces and (affordable) made-to-order offerings, the playful brand is known for their ‘scrapkinis’ and ‘pep dresses,’ both of which have been seen on stages around the world, courtesy of a beautiful partnership with SZA. Made with pre-loved materials, scraps from past projects, vintage jerseys, and more sustainable fabrics, ClartFart’s pieces have a nostalgic, DIY core with an innovative, contemporary feel.
Charli XCX: Rafaela Pestritu
Also dressing the likes of Pink Pantheress and Elodie, Rafaela Pestritu has designed multiple custom looks for Charli this Brat summer, and it’s hard to pick a favourite. Always balancing sexy nightlife aesthetics (and “Eurotrash influences,” in their own words) with avant-garde, couture sensibilities, the London-based Central Saint Martins alum places an emphasis on “versatility, functionality, and a dash of fearless experimentation.” Pushing boundaries and leading with a sense of liberation, the label is the perfect thing for our favourite star.
Olivia Rodrigo: PHANTASY
If you’re looking for a fresh graphic tee for the summer, Olivia Rodrigo has been rocking this brand since the start of her Guts World Tour — and we highly recommend. While she gets some of her tanks customised, the label has dozens of witty and playful ready-to-wear options available for us all. From early 2000s type fonts to sassy statements to even several Olivia-themed additions, Phantasy have it all.
Billie Eilish: Paly Hollywood
Swipe to the 8th slide to see Billie’s recent tee in Paly Hollywood, a label she has worn multiple times. This particular style is the ‘Glamour City Off White’ — and it’s easy to see why she’s a big supporter of the designer. Effortlessly cool and casual while at the same time striking, Paly Hollywood crafts ready-to-wear pieces with a homemade, DIY feel. From worn in jeans and hand-knitted sweaters to distressed shirts adorned with scribbled drawings and infused with the energy of punk subcultures, the label’s pieces tell stories. And drawing inspiration from the horrors and fascinating tales of old Hollywood, the stories are absolutely captivating. In their own words, “every shirt is a movie, every sweatshirt is a movie, every sweater is a heartbreak, my pants tell a story. Hollywood will never die.”