It’s hard to miss the acidic shade of green that has recently taken social media by storm and cemented itself, rather unexpectedly, as the color of the moment.
British singer-songwriter Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, titled brat, has swept the Internet since its June 7 debut. The album has become a rallying point not for those of a “bratty” temperament but for fans who identify with the playful nonconformity that Charli embodies. As the singer explained on TikTok, at its core, “brat” is assertive and honest, with a cheekily rebellious nature. That description has resonated with audiences across generations.
The album cover’s radioactive green hue quickly coated social media and news outlets. But its popularity exploded with the singer’s July 21 post on X (née Twitter) proclaiming, “kamala IS brat,” in one of the most succinct and wonderfully bizarre presidential campaign endorsements ever, garnering more than 54 million views so far and prompting the Internet to declare this season Brat Summer.
Brat’s distinctive color — officially #8ACE00 in computer-friendly hexadecimal code — has been described by the studio that created it, Special Offer, Inc., as deliberately off-putting. Nevertheless, it’s jolted the zeitgeist with a force not seen since the rise of Millennial Pink. It was specifically designed to be seen and shared digitally. But once it’s on your radar, you may discover that it’s quite versatile, with real-world appeal beyond the current media cycle.
There are a variety of fabulous tangible goods in this chromatic range. We’ve pulled a list of covetable items in shades from lime to chartreuse that would add zest to any space or wardrobe.
Tom Ford beat us all to Brat Green by about 20 years when he sent these satin-and-alligator heels in a deliciously tart hue down Gucci’s Spring 2004 runway. They embody the sultry sophistication that the house was famous for under his creative direction.
Gufram’s Cactus coatrack has been a sensation for more than 50 years, spiking in popularity in 2022 thanks to Gufram’s collaboration with A$AP Rocky on a limited-edition mini version.
Peridots have, of course, been admired since long before anyone ever uttered the term “Brat Summer.” Karma El Khalil’s peridot-and-diamond Railway choker marries the gem with a ’90s-rooted punk aesthetic and a dazzling refinement ideally suited to the current trend.
Simone Micheli’s Bomb armchair for Italian maker Adrenalina is not so much a seat as a throne — fit for a queen with a penchant for drama. The perfect place for Charli herself to indulge in a quick brat nap.
Even if your space has been designated nonsmoking, this 1960s ashtray by renowned Czech glass artist František Vizner would bring an energizing pop of color to the room and could easily be repurposed as a catch-all or candy dish. Might we suggest green M&Ms?
The Hermès Micro Birkin, introduced under Jean-Paul Gaultier’s artistic direction in 2011, is a unicorn find for any collector. And this rare example’s Kiwi colorway is an on-trend bonus. The 15cm bag, in Epsom leather with palladium hardware, is unexpectedly versatile — it can be worn several different ways while packing a huge chromatic punch for its petite frame.
Hunt Slonem’s bunny paintings have achieved great success in the contemporary art world thanks to their expressive subjects and rainbow of colors. We like the playful juxtaposition of the gilded sweetheart frame with the acid green backdrop of this particular pair of hares.
Expertly sculpted from luminous chartreuse satin, Thierry Mugler’s 1995 bustier top takes the color trend to a couture level. Peaked lapels, a corseted back and a structured peplum give this wearable work of art its iconic Muglerian silhouette.
“Coco Chanel: The Original Brat” has a snappy ring to it, but the fashion legend is not responsible for the color choice of this mid-1990s Mademoiselle bag. The chevron quilting and chain-link strap are timeless Chanel staples, while the unexpected twist of lime tweed shakes up the design. Such subversive and vibrant takes on the classics were Karl Lagerfeld’s calling card during his 1990s heyday as creative director of the French house.
Gianni Versace showed these sunglasses on his Spring 1996 runway as part of a head-to-toe lime-green outfit that is likely a target for many a vintage hunter right now. Attitude oozes from the frame’s glamorous silhouette and vivid color, and although the runway version didn’t have rhinestones, who doesn’t appreciate a bit of added sparkle?
