Ariana Grande’s work ethic is truly out of this world. The powerful songstress released three albums (two of which are platinum-certified while the other is a live one), embarked on a worldwide tour and was featured on two Billboard-charting singles (“Stuck with U” with Justin Bieber and “Rain on Me” with Lady Gaga) over the span of two whirlwind years. Fast forward to now, Grande treated the world to “Positions,” the lead single off her upcoming studio album of the same name. Grande released the track and its music video on October 23rd and in classic Ariana style, set social media into a frenzy.
“Positions” is a perfect synthesis of Grande’s music. It combines elements of pop, R&B, trap and women empowerment, all in two minutes and 52 seconds. While the song plays on elements of a sexual nature, the video expands on women’s positions in society as Grande stars as the President of the United States accompanied by a diverse, all-women staff. As she goes from the Oval Office to a press conference to the bedroom, Grande stuns in high fashion looks that complement the song’s empowering message.
The video opens with Grande in what I assume is a highly involved meeting with her staff. Grande is donned in everything Balmain. On top, she is wearing the brand’s color-block knit top in black and white, which she pairs with their Flared Knit Sailor pants for a subtle but impactful entrance to the song. Grande finishes her opening look with statement earrings from Vhernier, gloves to match, and a cute white hat.
Grande’s first major fashion transition happens when the song goes into its chorus and we see Grande “cookin’ in the kitchen.” Grande’s cooking attire consists of a lacy corset from Dion Lee, green and white shorts from Paco Rabanne, and Gucci t-strap heels that are to die for. She sweetens the look with pearl and diamond earrings from Nicole Rose Jewelry. Grande cheekily dons an apron from the Victoria’s Secret and For Love and Lemons collaboration.
After another world-turning transition, Grande is in the Oval Office, signing an executive order and flanked by her staff. She is giving the pinnacle of fashion and professionalism in a corset-made-dress by Cushnie with matching gloves and crystal-encrusted heels from Lanvin’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection. On her ears are the biggest pearl earrings I have seen in my 21 years of living.
Grande then struts down the hallway in a corset top (she loves a good corset), skirt, and tights, all from Mugler and t-strap heels in black from Gucci. We see the return of Vhernier as Grande wears their disco earrings while powerfully assessing the hall.
We then quickly transition to Grande watching fireworks from the White House in a blush Alexia María dress and a matching headband. Just as quick, the scene transitions to Grande in an ornate hallway dressed in an off-white peplum jacket, A-line skirt and a satin headband from Lanvin’s 2021 Resort collection. She is wearing another pair of t-strap heels from Gucci, but this time, in a nude color.
Next, Grande delivers the bridge “in the bedroom,” fit with a black bodysuit, tights, Fendi pumps, and an emerald necklace with diamond details from Yvan Tufenkijan.
The final chorus is filled with a montage of looks, both previously shown and new. First, in a subtle jab against Trump, Grande awards the Medal of Honor to a USPS worker, dressed in a black crop top and an orange blazer and skirt set. Grande then delivers a press conference in a knit midi dress, a white pillbox hat, and a pearl necklace, all from Gucci. We also see Grande by a toasty fireplace in all Lanvin – this time, she is wearing an A-line leather coat and white opera gloves from their Fall/Winter 2020 collection alongside Vhernier earrings.
The video ends with Grande walking dogs on the snowy White House lawn. For her closing look, Grande is wearing a houndstooth-print coat from Pinko with a pillbox hat and Vhernier earrings.
The “Positions” music video is remarkable for a number of reasons, but the fashion is a testament to how fashion, sexuality, and power are tools that all women have at their disposal for world domination. Grande channels the confidence of political leaders like U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former First Lady Michelle Obama in this video to remind the world that women do it better. In a way, Grande’s sensational cocktail of sophistication and empowerment represents the future of fashion and fashion journalism for publications like LOOK.
Check out the music video here:
