Charli xcx’s latest single: a descent into decadent domesticity
Charli XCX isn’t offering a statement; she’s delivering an invitation – one drenched in strawberry cream and the scent of something simmering dangerously close to transgression. Her new single, “Wink Wink,” directed by Aidan Zamiri, eschews the breathless, neon-drenched aesthetic of ‘SS26’ for a decidedly more decadent vision of domesticity, a world of languid indulgence and unapologetic self-pleasure.
A pastoral paradox
Gone are the Aperol Spritzes and dawn-busting raves. This visual leans into a deliberately unsettling pastoral – a world of hushed greenhouses, muddy patches, and a surprisingly frank exploration of interiority. The track itself, featuring vocals like a whispered confession – “Here’s the truth and I gotta be honest, I’m not a bad girl anymore, I promise” – charts a trajectory from mundane chores to increasingly evocative acts of self-abandonment.
Chrome hearts and zinko’s whorls
The styling, courtesy of Chris Horan, mirrors this shift. Chrome Hearts leather takes center stage – a custom turquoise racer jacket boasting a sterling silver crossball snap closure, a potent symbol of this newfound sensuality. And while a subtle nod to A.P.C., a brand favored by a particular breed of east Londoner, is present, the focus remains firmly on the tactile, the evocative: Natasha Zinko’s ruched blouses and hot pants, reimagined and re-contextualized, become the uniform of this altered reality. Zinko’s contribution, particularly the ‘Shrunken Blouska’ and wilted rose-print mini-dress, is a deliberate disruption of expectations – a playful rebellion against the predictable.
A cast of characters
The video itself is a carefully curated tableau of collaborators and influences. Carine Roitfeld and Anthony Vaccarello are among the front row attendees at the staged runway show that preceded the single’s release, alongside Lucien Pagès and Michel Gauber. The layering of vintage pieces – a ‘party 4 u’ video moment, Brat merch, and a 2018 Pop 2 performance – speaks to XCX’s awareness of her own artistic lineage, a conversation with her past. It’s not a retrospective; it’s a provocation.
A bold statement
Ultimately, “Wink Wink” isn’t just a song; it’s a carefully constructed mood – a refusal to apologize for desire, for pleasure, for the messy, complicated beauty of being human. And Charli XCX, once again, demonstrates a keen eye for detail and a willingness to challenge the established norms of both music and Fashion. She's not simply creating art; she’s building an experience.