Pop is having a renaissance. This year, artists like Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Troye Sivan, The Last Dinner Party and many other artists have reshaped the music scene, making it not just a sonic experience but a visual one. In this cultural shift, where expression and individuality are celebrated, these artists aren’t merely releasing songs, albums or hits. Instead, they’re creating entire worlds for fans to step into, where fans aren’t just listeners but arrive in fully curated fashion inspired by mood boards and meticulously crafted (or creatively reimagined) merch.
What’s changed? Concerts are now immersive style experiences where fans blend music with personal expression. This trend in concert fashion connects artists and fans in an inclusive, personal way. From eco-friendly merch to avant-garde, runway-ready pieces, today’s artists use style guides and mood boards to turn fans into style icons, creating communities linked by music and fashion. Fans are passionately embracing this, diving into micro trends related to their favorite artists, researching every look detail, and re-creating or reinterpreting these styles. They’re even making YouTube tutorials, posting collages, and sharing “how to dress for [insert name of the artist] concert” videos, giving others a blueprint to show off their style with the artist’s vision in mind.
One artist who is so clearly embodying this moment is Chappell Roan, whose campy, theatrical style has caught the eye of mainstream media. Known for her bold, eclectic looks—from feather boas and sequined jumpsuits to glamorous makeup and historical references (Joan of Arc’s VMA inspired outfit)—Roan’s aesthetic is a tribute to drag culture and queer style, and she proudly stands as a representative and a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. She frequently collaborates with drag queens and queer artists on tour and uses her platform to celebrate queerness and individuality, inspiring fans to embrace their own unique, eccentric style. Her shows have become spaces for fans to express themselves freely, with many arriving in outfits and makeup as bold and whimsical as hers.
Roan has also pushed boundaries with her sustainable merch line in collaboration with Everybody’s World, which, despite its eco-friendly production, has sparked controversy over its superfluous pricing. With merch becoming more authentically linked to an artist’s values – rather than just an excuse for branded manufacturing – do consumers need to re-evaluate the whole meaning of merchandise, and therefore the natural price tags they can expect? The debate highlights a broader shift in concert culture, where merch is no longer seen as just a souvenir, but as a thoughtfully designed fashion item, held to new standards of quality and sustainability. Fans are now increasingly conscious of what they purchase, seeing merchandise as a reflection of the artist’s values and their own.
The unique styles we see at concerts today often have roots in LGBTQIA+ communities and subcultures, where self-expression, inclusivity, and creative freedom have always been central. What starts in these spaces as a way to build community and express identity often grows into wider cultural trends. Influences come from the history of queer spaces like ballroom culture, punk scenes, and club fashion, where bold, experimental styles paved the way for today’s concert fashion. Now, concerts offer more than just music—they’re spaces where fans use fashion to express themselves, embracing the vibrant and eclectic style born in these communities.
The Sweat tour further exemplifies the blending of music, fashion, and social impact. Artists like Lorde, Beyoncé, and Harry Styles have made fashion integral to their performances, with custom outfits, immersive stage designs, and limited-edition merch drops creating a multi-dimensional concert experience. This movement is also reflected in the cultural significance of the Brat phenomenon, where fans channel exaggerated, nostalgic late ’90s and early 2000s styles in playful and messy outfits. This influence shows how concert merch has evolved from a mere afterthought to an integral part of the fan experience. Concerts are no longer just about music; they’ve become a space for fans to express personal identity, build community, and make a statement about the cultural moment they’re living in.Brat has become a state of mind, embodying a way of navigating life with self-confidence, energy, and a carefree attitude—like spilling red wine on a white tank top and owning it as part of your look.
What was once seen as a disposable memento—concert merch—has transformed into a powerful statement of identity, creativity, and community. This cultural revolution intertwines fashion, self-expression, and music in a way that amplifies the connection between artists and fans. With every curated look, every mood board, and every innovative merch drop, artists are not just redefining the concert experience; they’re reshaping the very essence of what it means to be a fan and, consequently, to be an artist or an idol. As this movement continues to evolve, fans will find themselves more than just spectators—they’ll be active participants in a collective, visual celebration of who they are and the fierce identities they’re creating.
Written by Benedetta Lacaponi a GLITCH Magazine Contributor
