Photo credit: people.com

Charli XCX Steals the Spotlight at Variety’s Hitmakers Brunch

Charli XCX is elevating her style and presence in the music industry to new heights. The acclaimed artist, known for hits like “Boom Clap,” made a striking appearance at Variety’s Hitmakers Brunch held on December 7 in Los Angeles, showcasing a sheer, olive-colored gown that captivated attendees. The Grecian-inspired dress featured a reinforced midsection yet flowed gracefully to the ground, reflecting her bold fashion sense.

The singer’s look was complemented by her long, wavy dark hair, and she adorned herself with a significant diamond ring along with a perfectly manicured red nail polish that added to her glamorous vibes.

During the brunch, Charli not only showcased her style but also her insights into the music industry. Speaking to a diverse audience of industry professionals, she emphasized the subjective nature of what constitutes a “hit.” To illustrate her point, she referenced the Velvet Underground’s landmark debut album, which only sold 30,000 copies at launch in 1967 but has since been recognized as a profound influence in music history.

She remarked on the dichotomy of the album’s initial reception and its eventual acclaim, stating, “This record is one of the most influential and groundbreaking records of our time.” Her reflection highlighted the intersection of high art and popular culture, calling the album a fusion of “poetry meets drugs, earnest and arrogant,” as reported by Variety.

Continuing her address, Charli pointed out that even the iconic banana peel cover art designed by Andy Warhol was not appreciated during its time. She humorously noted that although her own album art has yet to grace esteemed institutions like the Guggenheim or Whitney, she can boast about having her merchandise sold at Urban Outfitters. “So I guess that means I’m halfway there,” she quipped, bringing laughter to her audience.

The dynamic artist recently gained additional recognition following multiple Grammy nominations for her latest album, Brat, released in June. Notably, the album has also become the unofficial anthem for Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign, furthering Charli’s influence beyond music.

The brunch was also a star-studded affair, with other notable attendees including Lana Del Rey, who presented the Producer of the Decade award to Jack Antonoff. In a light-hearted moment, Del Rey teased Antonoff about his profits, saying, “You’ll be richer than all of us with your 50% on everything,” before he took to the stage to accept his accolade.

Among the gathering were popular figures such as Olivia Rodrigo, actress Rachel Sennott, and the rising talent Shaboozey, alongside numerous songwriters, producers, and music executives. This year’s Hitmakers Brunch served not only as a celebration of musical achievements but also as a platform for impactful discussions about the evolution and subjectivity of success in the music industry.

Source
people.com