Ariana’s Switching Positions - and Styles - in Her Latest Music Video
Graphic by Michelle Hong. Image via The Independent.
Christmas came early this year when Ariana Grande dropped her sixth studio album, “Positions,” just in time for Halloween and Election Day. As an avid Ari fan, I must admit, I’ve been listening to these 44 minutes of soprano serenading nonstop. “Positions” bundles all of Grande’s best musical feats into one irresistible package. It’s empowering, sassy, bubbly and at times even bluesy, while maintaining reflective, thoughtful and spiritual undertones. I’m thrilled to see Grande tapping into her R&B side with “my hair,” “nasty” and “pov.”
While the music itself is overwhelming, I’m equally impressed by the fashion featured in the “Positions” music video. Today’s topic of discussion is the Grande administration aesthetic, courtesy of her stylist Mimi Cuttrell. It’s a modern take on the 1960s Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe motif. How do we feel about her transition from oversized hoodies and knee high Stuart Weitzmans to this more sophisticated garb? Is Grande pushing for a preppy reincarnation? Join me on a deep dive through each of Grande’s looks in “Positions.”
Chief Executive
Graphic by Molly Van Gorp. Images via Elle.
Grande takes business professional attire to the next level with her effortlessly elegant Oval Office ensemble. Her black and white color block poncho is paired with a Balmain tank and skirt set. White gloves, earrings and even a beret (perhaps a nod to Emily from “Emily in Paris”) infuse this look with a distinctive 1960s flare. But gloves are no longer a relic of the past. Gloves are the accessory of the season. It’s no surprise Ariana is setting trends while meeting deadlines.
Culinary Queen
Graphic by Molly Van Gorp. Images via Ariana Grande on Instagram.
Minutes after Grande released “Positions” I received a text from my friend that said: “i like the way she says kitchen LMAO.” And I couldn’t agree more; the line “Cookin’ in the kitchen” is truly iconic, as is this corset high-pony moment. The top is from Dion Lee, an Australian brand founded in 2010 by Lee himself. If you happen to have an extra $790 to spare, this exact top is still in stock and could be yours! After all, corsets are currently all the rage. Grande’s also sporting her signature almond shaped nail in an ombre nude tone. Delicate pearl earrings emulate that timeless, fresh-off-the-Hamptons-yacht vibe.
Work That White House Runway
Graphic by Molly Van Gorp. Images via Ariana Grande on Instagram.
Nothing says empowering like a little black dress and an all female cabinet by your side. This simple staple exudes confidence. Her updo is reminiscent of the bubble or bouffant hairstyle, which was all the rage throughout the 1960s. Tracy Turnblad from “Hairspray” pulls off a similar do with the help of her stockpile of hairspray. The sweeping side bangs and honey brown hair coloring modernize the bubble — which is unfortunately not the only bubble we’ve seen in 2020. I love that Ariana is rocking this hairstyle because it’s always been a personal favorite of mine. As someone with naturally voluminous (aka puffy) hair, it's so fun, chic and easy to achieve (no hairspray required).
Pearls Pair Perfectly with Presidential Press Conferences
Images via PinkNews, HYPEBAE, Vivienne Westwood on Instagram.
Stylist Mimi Cuttrel accessorizes this white Gucci dress with three layers of oversized pearls — a jewelry staple that’s constantly wavering in and out of style. But now, with the Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace obsession, this jewelry choice is more than timely. Other celebrities have embraced the humble pearl. Below, Madison Beer stunned at her MTV Europe Music Awards “Baby” performance last Sunday wearing some similar bling. According to the Vivienne Westwood Instagram page, she wore a Three-Row Pearl Orb choker and Broken Pearl necklace from the Vivienne Westwood collections.
Headbands for Days
What does President Grande wear for a cozy fireside chat or while taking in a colorful fireworks display? An over-the-top headband, of course. I don’t blame her in the least. Headbands are the hair accessory that never fails you. They’re perfect for exercising, bad hair days, good hair days, nights out and nights in — the headband has always got your back.
Counting Every Last One
Graphic by Molly Van Gorp. Images via Ariana Grande on Instagram.
In an article for Insider, journalist Callie Ahigrim addresses the significance of this scene, beyond the golden Ralph Lauren set. She notes that “Grande presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to USPS workers.” Over this past election cycle, Grande hasn’t been afraid to get political. In fact, she has tirelessly used her voice over the past months for more than singing, encouraging fans to get out and vote blue. This moment epitomizes her political involvement, and in the most stylish way.
Ariana and her Ten Dogs Take on the White House Lawn
I’ve saved the best for last with this twill, black and white snowy day essential. Her final look embodies the early Barbie aesthetic. The quintessential fashion doll made her debut in 1959 and her early style is glorified by Mattel’s senior director of Barbie design Robert Best in his “Barbie Fashion Model Collection.” Best’s bio on the Barbie website explains that in 2000, Best created this line to reflect “the romance of the 50’s and 60’s.” His fashion illustrations surround a waving Ariana above. Earlier this year, Best announced that his now 20-year-old “Barbie Fashion Model Collection” would come to an end. The coincidence between the ending of the so-called “Best of Barbie” era and “Positions’” ‘60s aesthetic is too good not to mention.
Grande has taught us many lessons over the years. She’s taught us to “Break Free,” just keep “breathin,” say “thank u, next” when necessary, and now, with “Positions,” that mid-century chicness and female empowerment never go out of vogue.