BUMPIN' That

Officially crowned the anthem of the year by netizens, Charli XCX's "Brat" has made waves across pop culture, leaving its mark on fashion, economic affairs- and even politics.

- SYAZIL ABD RAHIM

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably noticed the internet’s latest obsession: the “brat” aesthetic, largely thanks to Charli XCX’s newest studio album. It’s hard to miss the chaos wrapped in neon green and black — the album cover itself, emblazoned with “brat” against a lime backdrop, is as blunt as it gets. Charli’s unapologetic, retro-electronic, hyper-pop bangers like 360, Apple and Girl, So Confusing have shot up the charts, tackling themes like confidence, generational trauma and self-doubt along the way.

What sets “brat” apart, though, is its commitment to everything anti-fashion — bold, unpolished, and, to some, even intentionally ugly. Yet, that’s exactly why it works. Since its June release, the album’s aesthetic has ignited social media feeds, driven style trends and — in a twist no one saw coming — even sparked political memes (just Google “Kamala IS brat”). But that’s just scratching the surface. The “brat” movement has opened up deeper conversations about marketing, branding and even self-discovery.

Love it or hate it, this phenomenon is making history, and it’s not just about music. Even if you haven’t been paying close attention, those lime green squares with simple black text have likely crossed your screen. FYI, the font in question? It’s called ROM, crafted by the design studio Dinamo. However, contrary to popular belief, “brat” isn’t just a fleeting trend — it’s a state of mind. In an era ruled by trends and “cores,” Charli XCX’s “