As the summer in the USA heats up, hyperpop singer Charli XCX released her album "Brat," which has rapidly hit the internet. While her singles are getting everyone on their feet, it’s the album cover that’s sparked the most debate. Some argue it lacks creativity compared to other covers released this year, but it captures the essence of Gen Z perfectly. This controversy has even led to viral political memes. Koktail gives you insight into the “Brat Summer” trend and revisits everyone’s bratty moments.

What’s turning this summer neon is Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, “Brat.” Drawing influence from the aggressive club rave tunes of the 2000s and featuring bold lyrics, the album, released in June 2024, consists of 15 tracks designed to pull everyone onto the dance floor. But it’s not just her songs that have redefined Gen Z’s summer. The album’s cover art and aesthetic have become a major internet trend, standing out from the previously clean aesthetic.

Perhaps it’s time to shout out your name loud, just like her cover art. The cover features a lime green square with the title in lowercase sans-serif font, evoking a 2000s vibe, which some might see as outdated, but not Generation of Z. The off-trend and provocative use of lime neon green challenges pop culture expectations, provoking thoughts about why certain things are considered good or bad.

The cover speaks for itself, needing no additional art to convey Charli’s intentions. This ideal connects perfectly with the younger generation, who are more openly themselves and unconcerned with others’ opinions. The lime green trend has gone viral, with many users changing their profile pics to Brat themes and celebrities energetically covering her song “Apple.”

We’ve seen lime green in pop culture moments from time to time. Let’s take a look back:

Billie Eilish’s lime green hair, first seen in September 2019, became iconic in her music videos, performances, and public appearances.

Similarly, Nicki Minaj sported a lime green wig in her “Super Bass” music video, adding playful visuals.

Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker in 2019 featured bright green hair, creating a signature look.

In fashion, Versace’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection featured green in dresses, suits, and accessories.

Balenciaga used lime green in several collections, including the Balenciaga Triple S Neon Green sneaker and the Neon Green Crocodile-Embossed Hourglass XS Shoulder Bag.

Gucci's Alessandro Michele, a creative director of Gucci incorporated green pieces into his designs; their famous Gucci Bamboo 1947 mini top handle bag, Gucci Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear Collection from luxurious outerwear to accessories. Under the new creative direction of Sabato De Sarno, Gucci has reintroduced acid green as a central color in their "Gucci Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear " initiative. This hue is featured in their store designs worldwide.

The Adidas x Kanye West Yeezy line launched the Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers, which became a hit among sneaker enthusiasts in 2019.

Now, every lime green you see is Brat.

A spoiled child who behaves badly is no longer the meaning of ‘brat.’ Charli XCX has redefined it, sharing her own interpretation: 

Every Gen Zer agrees. It means embracing authenticity and being unapologetically oneself. Everyone can proudly embody the spirit of a brat and fully embrace who they are.

“Brat” and Kamala Harris’s (The U.S. Democratic presidential nominee) recent rise have intersected in a surprising way. Harris’s speech about coconut trees has been paired with Charli’s track “Apple,” featuring the popular #AppleDance on social media. The out-of-context TikTok clip has gone viral, gaining Gen Z voters’ interest in the upcoming election and becoming a new meme.

The out-of-context TikTok clip

#AppleDance

Charli XCX endorsed Harris by stating, “Kamala IS brat.” In response, her team adopted the album’s lime green color, known as “brat green,” for their Twitter account. The campaign’s clever use of Charli XCX’s music to connect with Gen Z is attracting tons of young voters.

This unexpected crossover has turned political branding into a new art form, proving that in the age of social media, a touch of pop culture can be as impactful as a policy statement.