By Mari Sato
Addison Rae has emerged as the latest it-girl of fashion. Between her fashion-forward red carpet appearances to throwing fits together on her way to Pilates, it’s clear that Addison Rae has seriously elevated her styling game. However, the influencer has not always been known for her fabulous sense of style. Like many, I was first introduced to Addison Rae during the Covid-19 pandemic. The influencer quickly gained millions of followers from her dance videos and collaborations with other famous influencers such as Charli D’Amelio. Admittedly, I wrote her off as just another “Hype House influencer,” but this year, Rae has completely changed her public image. Her new wardrobe has been a pivotal aspect in altering her public perception and her evolution reflects a newfound sophistication and intentionality in her personal brand.
Along with the influencer’s shift in style, she has also reinvented her career path as the latest pop star princess. Collaborating with Charli XCX on the ‘Von Dutch’ remix and releasing her own hit single ‘Diet Pepsi,’ she brings a fresh modern twist to the nostalgic energy of Y2K that resonates with her audience.
Addison Rae’s wardrobe has reflected this. The singer’s iconic VMA look was centered around a satin bra and pantie set from Miss Claire Sullivan completed with a tulle bustle and no shortage of feathers. The ensemble was styled by Dara Allen, who is the fashion director at Interview Magazine and has been a major orchestrator in Addison Rae’s style revolution. Dara Allen has worked with an impressive roster of clients, including Calvin Klein, Tom Ford and Carolina Herrera.
Dara Allen’s connections have played an essential role in Addison’s style evolution, especially through their access to rare archived pieces. Dara was able to open up the Thom Browne archive to style Addison Rae’s recent CFDA award look. The dress featured a stunning silhouette with a corseted bodice, flowing into a plaid mermaid-cut skirt embellished with large sequins. This dress was the true embodiment of the popular ‘office siren’ aesthetic and Rae truly channeled that vintage fantasy.
Using archive pieces is a proven way to stand out, especially on a carpet often saturated with the latest season’s collections. This strategy has been fundamental in changing the perception of Addison Rae from a trend follower to a tastemaker solidifying her status as a style icon. I look forward to Addison’s future carpet appearances and will be streaming Diet Pepsi constantly until then.
