Forget Fashion Week, It’s All About The Sweat Tour

Charli xcx, no stranger to spearheading fashion moments – see Nick Knight’s virtual fashion film – has teamed up with Troye Sivan to give us our current style fix. Unless you're in the midst of a social media cleanse, in the last two weeks your feed has likely been inundated with images of the duo taking North America by storm on their collaborative Sweat Tour. Every night, the pop star BFFs have been strutting down the ‘bratwalk’ performing their biggest club hits in custom looks from the designer’s shaping fashion today.

While not the only tour going on right now, the Sweat team has an edge that’s a sartorial step above the rest. Thanks to stylists Chris Horan and Marc Forne, the performers’ tour wardrobe has included Balenciaga, Acne Studios, and Diesel just to name a few. Still, it’s our cult-favourite names that are making Sweat the most fashionable tour of the year, which is why we've rounded up our favourite fashion moments (thus far).

At the opening night in Detroit, xcx kicked things off with a design from Central Saint Martins Masters student Lily Teiger. The silk set, crafted from vintage scarves, might sound dainty on paper but with hand-frayed organza shoulders the distressed design is undoubtedly Brat. And because all ‘It-girls’ love an outfit change, among the numerous that night was a strappy set by Italian designer Magliano that stole the show. Reminiscent of a classic pair of briefs – which xcx is no stranger to – the look is quintessential Brat, seemingly a nod to her '360' music video and her girl-next-door campaign for SKIMS.

Taking cues from xcx, Sivan donned an underwear-inspired look by Los Angeles brand Star Cat. Sivan took the Sweat dress code literally in their viral ‘wet tank’ and matching boxers. With vests a staple for any sweaty night out, Sivan also wore a similar bed-ready look from Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY's S/S 25 collection and a custom Luar adorned with silver beading and paired with mesh trousers. The latter pulls from the brand’s S/S 25 collection and highlights creative director Raul Lopez’s ongoing exploration of uptown opulence meets downtown grit. Another key element to the club aesthetic is the utilitarian, which Craig Green’s S/S 23 packable trousers and harness vest embody best with the London menswear designer’s functional ethos elevating the singer’s rave-ready attire.

For both xcx and Sivan, London-based designer Antonio Vattev of Av Vattev created matching looks also based on his S/S 25 collection. Sivan donned a version of the label’s laser cut tee and signature studded trousers, while xcx wore the brand’s first ever custom womenswear look, a studded black dress. At a preview of Vattev’s collection in June, the designer told us his muses for the show included Mick Jagger and Jim Morrison. For a brand that draws inspiration from rock stars of the past it only makes sense for them to dress the pop stars of the present.

Moving past the present and into the future, Charli xcx rocked a custom SRVC dress while performing with Shygirl. The brand, known for their futuristic designs, focuses on creating new silhouettes for the female form, making this custom look with bleach, swarovski crystals, and hundreds of eyelets.

Following in the footsteps of Av Vattev, Di Petsa ventured into unfamiliar territory with a menswear look featuring 'sweat, wetness' on a slogan mesh vest, and masturbation 'wet' denim jeans. With songs like 'Rush' and 'Got Me Started', Sivan's album is a celebration of sexuality, making the Greek designer's sensual designs perfect for his tour attire. A master of sportswear, Sivan has also performed in a custom Martine Rose jersey. The London-based designer, known for her intuitive understanding of the dance subcultures she pulls from, created a 'Rush' uniform.

So, what makes a look Brat? For xcx, it's about contradiction. Utilising draping to create dynamic movement while still embracing the ‘no fucks given’ attitude that defines the album, designers pulled from various subcultures to strike the perfect feeling. Natasha Zinko, a London based designer, channelled Brat style with a distressed denim look, playing into the designer's dark and extreme world building. Different from the designer's typically sleek streetwear the undone look with its airy movement made it perfect for the Sweat aesthetic.

Channelling popstar energy, streetwear brand Dauan Jacari, usually known for their unisex play on staple pieces, made a custom dress playing on the iconic ‘I heart NY’ shirt for the Madison Square Garden show. Even Leila Kyriacos’ playful pink butterfly dress felt edgy on xcx, taking the codes of the designer’s fiction-inspired designs. Of course, once on stage, the feminine dress took on new life with xcx’s bratty energy.

Along with the headliners, special guests have been adding to the Sweat style cannon. Already a fashion favourite, special guest Shygirl has put her stamp on the tour with a dress from New York designer Barragán. The angelic white design complements xcx’s edge with ruffled trimmings floating around the performer. Of course, our favourite Sweat Tour cameo was none other than Addison Rae who further solidified her status as today’s emerging pop princess. Following her headline-making appearance on the VMA’s red carpet this year, Rae wore another tutu from designer Miss Claire Sullivan.

The Sweat Tour goes beyond the traditional concert experience — it’s a runway that encapsulates the distinct moods of both Charli xcx and Troye Sivan’s respective albums. Beyond their title as stylists, Chris Horan, Marc Forne and their team have been integral tastemakers in bringing the artists’ visions to life by working with today’s most exciting designers. As opposed to the unrelatable costumes we’ve come to expect from the typical pop concept, Swear Tour style is a refreshing take, firmly representative of contemporary fashion.