First she declares “the dance floor is dead”, now she’s claiming “nothing’s gonna save us”. Charli xcx continues to spark conversations around her music and her bold statements. Directed by Torso, SS26 is a commentary on art and its role as a distraction from global issues threatening our humanity. Set amidst a chaotic fashion show, the music video brings together an impressive cast including model Debra Shaw, influencer Lyas, PR king Lucien Pagès and designer Anthony Vaccarello. Amidst all of them, the iconic Carine Roitfeld opens with the satirical line: “Fashion won’t save us, but let’s go on the runway and walk.”
As the Brit struts down the runway in a variety of looks styled by Chris Horan, she is watched by fashion insiders; amongst them are Farida Khelfa, Abraham Ortuño from Abra, Benjamin Barron, Loïc Prigent, Michel Gaubert, Nhu Duong, Dan Sablon, David Siwicki, Ryan Aguilar, Victoria Sekrier and Zac Ching. It functions as a collective campaign about self-awareness by the formative names in the creative industry, recognising that their careers won’t save the world.
At one point, the singer trips over her heels, falling flat on her face while the models continue to walk over her, much like how we are living in such a fast-paced, demanding world that there is no time to pick yourself up. It is a sentiment emphasised even further as the dressing room blows up during the event, alluding to the idea that this generation has had to grow up with the background noise of impending doom, because the show must go on no matter what.
The video is a direct contradiction to its lyrics: “Nothing’s gonna save us, not music, fashion or film.” Charli continues her involvement in these art forms despite the fact that the world is still crumbling at our feet. As the models are “walking on a runway that goes straight to hell”, they fall into a black void, ultimately proving that no matter what we do to distract ourselves, we can’t stop what is waiting for us. Her recent music may have led to some criticism, but that isn’t going to prevent the singer from releasing what feels authentic to her and expressing her opinion on the world that surrounds her.