At this point, there’s no denying it: Addison Rae is a pop star for fashion lovers.
At midnight on Valentine’s Day, the singer dropped her latest single, “High Fashion”, an electrifying tribute to the power of personal style. The track celebrates the thrill of self-expression through fashion, likening it to chasing an exhilarating high—especially when the look is just right.
A Star Who Dresses the Part
Rae’s fashion-forward mindset has been evident for months. Back in September, she turned heads at the VMAs, gliding across the red carpet in a bridal-inspired bikini and tutu ensemble, a daring look crafted by designer Miss Claire Sullivan and styled by her now go-to fashion architect, Dara.
Since then, Dara has helped Rae refine a sartorial voice that’s both minimalist and evocative, one that reflects her dancer’s background while ensuring she stands out in a sea of impeccably dressed pop stars.
In an October interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Dara explained their styling philosophy, stating that Rae’s wardrobe is about “indulging in glamour in a way that’s comfortable for you, and it’s not for the rest of [the world] to understand.”
A Visual Love Letter to Fashion
For “High Fashion,” Rae and Dara bring that philosophy to life once more. In a stunning music video directed by Mitch Ryan, Rae is seen rolling around in white powdered sugar—a playful nod to both the song’s double meaning and her Louisiana roots, paying homage to New Orleans’s famous beignets.
Her fashion choices in the video are equally captivating. She dazzles in a variety of bold ensembles, including:
A gold sequin-fringe gown
A jewel-clad bra top
A blue minidress with sparkly red shoes, reminiscent of Dorothy’s ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz
Rae even returned to her home state to film the visuals, capturing key scenes at New Orleans’s legendary Café Du Monde—a fitting setting for a song that blends nostalgia, luxury, and self-expression.
Fashion as an Addiction
Musically, “High Fashion” delivers an intoxicating mix of airy synths and Rae’s signature breathy vocals. The song’s opening feels almost ethereal—akin to an FKA Twigs track—before transitioning into a playful yet seductive beat.
Lyrically, Rae makes it clear that for her, fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a passion, a vice, a high. She coos:
“I don’t need your drugs / I’d rather get, rather get high fashion.”
Interestingly, Rae foreshadowed this moment by wearing those exact lyrics on a T-shirt in January, proving her dedication to both her sound and style.
Love, Luxury, and Longevity
Pop stars have long sung about fashion, from Elvis’s “Blue Suede Shoes” to Lady Gaga’s “Fashion!”, but Rae’s release on Valentine’s Day gives her single an extra layer of meaning. She doesn’t just equate fashion with a thrill—she contrasts it with romance, singing:
“I don’t want cheap love / I’d rather get high fashion.”
In a world where relationships can be fleeting, Rae suggests that style is a more reliable source of joy and self-worth. After all, a lover may disappoint you—but a perfect outfit will never let you down.
With “High Fashion”, Addison Rae proves yet again that she’s more than a social media star—she’s a pop artist with a unique perspective, blending music and fashion into an irresistible package.
