Charli xcx embraces domestic delinquency in 'wink' – a pastel rebellion
Charli XCX is subverting expectations with her latest single, ‘Wink,’ a deliciously decadent exploration of sensuality and self-discovery, fueled by a striking visual and a deliberately anachronistic wardrobe.
Strawberry cream and smut: a visual shift
The music video, directed by Aidan Zamiri, trades the Aperol Spritz-soaked, dawn-busting raves of ‘SS26’ for a palette of strawberries and cream, punctuated by moments of unapologetic self-pleasure. “Here’s the truth and I gotta be honest, I’m not a bad girl anymore, I promise,” she confesses, transitioning from domestic chores – laundry, a Kindle, and a decidedly indulgent moment – to a more overtly provocative narrative.
Chrome hearts & zinko: a sartorial collision
Fashion director Chris Horan has meticulously crafted a look that’s both nostalgic and strangely modern, leaning heavily into a playful, almost defiant, aesthetic. We see Charli sporting a custom turquoise leather racer jacket from Chrome Hearts, a piece boasting a sterling silver crossball snap and intricate detailing. The pants, a boot-cut design with Chrome Hearts ‘flerknee’ leg accents, echo this bold statement – a look previously worn in her ‘Rock Music’ video. The accompanying wardrobe is a carefully curated collection, featuring pieces from London-based designer Natasha Zinko, known for her warped and textural fabrics and inventive silhouettes. A ruched blouse and hot pants – a signature Charli silhouette – are prominently featured, alongside a wilted rose-print mini-dress and a corseted blouse with billowing sleeves.
A cast of characters
Zinko’s contribution is particularly noteworthy, providing Horan with her latest Drop1 2027 collection to select from. The visual nods to A.P.C., a brand favored by a particular East London crowd, but the clothes themselves are absent, a deliberate rejection of traditional runway presentation. The styling, incredibly detailed, draws on pieces from across Charli’s artistic history: a ruffled lilac crop top and pants co-ord from 2018, a polka-dot silk scarf dress from ‘party 4 u,’ and even merch from her Brat era. Behind her, a layered backdrop of performance footage from ‘Pop 2’ and ‘party 4 u’ adds to the meta-narrative.
A runway of rebellion
The visual was staged as a runway show, inviting a who’s who of the Fashion world – Carine Roitfeld, Debra Shaw, and Anthony Vaccarello, alongside PR heavyweights Lucien Pagès and Michel Gauber – to witness Charli’s latest provocation. The result? A sexy, self-referential, and undeniably silly exploration of female desire. Ultimately, ‘Wink’ isn’t just a single; it’s a statement, a carefully constructed rebellion draped in pastel hues and punctuated by moments of raw, unapologetic honesty.