Charli XCX’s Grungy POP Magazine Cover Arrives

The outfit, or what’s visible of it, channels a cool, disaffected energy. She wears a black, sleeveless, high-neck dress or top. The fabric appears to be a sleek, matte material, possibly leather or latex, giving the look a subtly fetishistic, rock-and-roll edge. The simplicity of the garment is key, allowing the styling to take center stage. The dress is paired with a pair of long, black gloves, extending past the elbow and creating a severe, elongated line that complements the high neckline.

The styling cohesion is where the look truly comes alive. Her dark hair is slicked back into a severe, wet-look style. Her makeup is sharp and minimal, featuring a bold, angular eyeliner and lightly defined brows that emphasize her fierce expression. There’s a subtle sheen on her lips that adds a hint of polish to the otherwise rough-and-tumble aesthetic. The overall attitude is one of defiant confidence—she stands with a poised, direct gaze, challenging the viewer to look away. It’s a powerful, almost menacing portrait of a pop star fully in control of her image.

The entire shoot taps into the “messy” fashion movement and indie sleaze revival that Charli XCX has helped to spearhead. It’s a look that feels both of the moment and utterly timeless, a perfect fusion of punk attitude and high-fashion sensibility. This isn’t just a photoshoot; it’s a manifesto on modern celebrity style.