Auli’i Cravalho’s Bold Editorial for FLAUNT Magazine

The first look is pure, unadulterated MCM, a brand known for its logo-heavy, luxe-street aesthetic. Cravalho wears a brown, monogrammed bikini-style top with a striking knotted detail at the bust, paired with wide-leg denim jeans that sit low on the waist. It’s a look that’s both playful and provocative. The iconic MCM logo, splashed across the top and a coordinating bag strap (just peeking into view), feels less about overt branding and more about an attitude—a kind of throwback to the ’00s when logos were a uniform of cool. The styling is clever, blending high-end designer pieces with a casual, almost effortless feel that speaks to her youth while asserting her place in the fashion conversation. The lighting, too—a sharp, almost harsh flash against a neutral backdrop—creates a gritty realism that undercuts any potential for sweetness.

But it’s the second look that truly captivated me, a defiant embrace of avant-garde design. Cravalho is photographed in a striking red top with a deep, curvilinear cutout that’s almost sculptural. It’s a dress or a top, one isn’t quite sure, but the effect is undeniable: a fearless, modern silhouette that challenges traditional ideas of what is “flattering.” The fabric—it looks like a supple leather or maybe a patent leather—is a textural departure that adds to the drama. The way she holds her hand over her chest… it’s a gesture that feels protective, powerful. And her hair, a short, wavy bob, is the perfect punctuation mark. It’s a complete look, a full-stop statement.

The final image, a close-up, is perhaps the most compelling. Here, the fashion is less about the garment and more about the accessories and attitude. Cravalho wears a thick, statement necklace made of layered pearls and silver crosses—a religious motif repurposed for fashion rebellion. It’s decadent, a little blasphemous, and very, very cool. Topped off with oversized, dark-rimmed glasses that feel both intellectual and intimidating, the look is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Is this a homage to Madonna in her Like a Prayer era? A nod to the subversive art of someone like Jean Paul Gaultier? It’s both, maybe. It’s a look that screams, “I am complex. I have layers. You can’t put me in a box.”