Addison Rae’s VMAS look? 2 die 4.
Following the viral success of Addison Rae’s new single 'Diet Pepsi' (that went triple platinum in my mind), the all-American pop princess in the making is quickly solidifying herself as a culture tour de force. Last night on the VMA’s red carpet, Rae completed her evolution from TikTok fame to mainstream celebrity status as she turned heads in a showgirls-inspired feathered underwear and tutu set. So who’s the mastermind behind the popstar’s plumage? None other than American designer Claire Sullivan.
While she’s been sewing since she was seven years old, the self-taught designer first gained recognition as a founding member of the design collective Vaquera. After four years of establishing the New York label’s distinctly downtown aesthetic, she branched out to focus on her own designs. With nods to the 80s and a flair for the bridal, Sullivan quickly built a following with her fantastical gowns, counting New York icons Chloe Sevigny and Sarah Jessica Parker as fans.
Like Rae, Sullivan comes from America’s southern states – Louisiana and Virginia respectively – so it’s no surprise that the two would take a ‘bigger is better’ stance on fashion. Rae’s custom look for the VMA’s takes many familiar cues from Sullivan’s world including a voluminous tutu that’s quickly becoming a brand signature. While feathers and tulle are enough to excite any fashion scrooge, it was the shape of her brassiere that proved to divide the public even more so than the upcoming election.
‘I wish the bra was just a regular bra bc it would be so extra and amazing’, posted @chaoticallyari on X. While many took issue with the oblong shape, the captivating silhouette brought a retro extravagance to the pin-up look. And if you need any more convincing, just look at the team of fashion experts who put it all together, including superstar stylist Dara Allen and legendary make-up artist Pat McGrath. Two talents who are anything but ‘regular’.
Rae’s risk-taking in both music and fashion is clearly paying off with industry giants like Allen and McGrath joining her ever-expanding creative circle which includes fashion photographer Ellen Von Unwerth who shot the cover of her debut EP AR. As for what’s next, the star teased on the red carpet that she’s working on more music. One thing’s for sure, we know the fashions of her next era will be 2 die 4.