Since arriving onto the music scene, Billie Eilish has never been about taking the ‘traditional route’. From her music to her fashion choice, the 18-year-old is leaving her mark on the industry.
In November of 2015, ‘Ocean Eyes’ was uploaded to Soundcloud. Originally written by Finneas O’Connell, a 15-year-old Billie Eilish ended up vocally performing the track. Overnight, she became an internet sensation.
Fast forward three years and Billie Eilish just went home with five Grammys. In the last three years, the most I’ve managed is reaching Division 7 in FIFA – probably why I’m writing articles on Billie while she dominates music. Aside from her music though, she’s becoming a popular point of reference in fashion.
In Her Bag
Nominated in all four major categories, the 18-year-old pulled up to the Grammys in a bedazzled Gucci suit. Rocking the suit over a sequin long-sleeve turtleneck, Billie stood out effortlessly with her baggy look.
While she may not have been the founder of the so-called ‘baggy’ look, she has seamlessly adopted the style, almost sparking a new fashion trend.
“Nobody can be like, ‘she’s slim-thick,’ ‘she’s not slim-thick,’ ‘she’s got a flat ass,’ ‘she’s got a fat ass.’ No one can say any of that because they don’t know.” – Billie Eilish
During the #MyCalvins campaign, Billie spoke on her infamous fashion choice, referencing the unfortunate reality that is the industry. “That’s why I wear baggy clothes…Nobody can have an opinion because they haven’t seen what’s underneath.”
More Than Just Music
There’s no doubting Billie’s talent when it comes to her music – I mean after being praised by Elton John, Lana Del Ray and Tyler, The Creator, that says something. But as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Her fashion has inspired a whole generation to feel comfortable in whatever the world deems uncomfortable. In a recent article from The New York Times, 14-year-old Mila Docheva revealed that the ‘bad guy’ singer instilled courage in her. “I’m not a girlie girl. I am curvy, and I ride a skateboard. Feeling comfortable in my skin is important to me. Billie’s style gives me the courage to do that.”
In an industry that has a tendency to hyper-sexualise women, fashion stylist Rachel Gilman is an advocate of Billie’s stance.
“It’s good for girls to see that they can succeed without wearing a push-up bra if that isn’t their vibe.” – Fashion stylist, Rachel Gilman
The industry is never fair though and Billie recognises that. Naturally, as people evolve so do their styles and in an interview with Bustle, she revealed that she may take a new direction in the years to come.
“I’m gonna be a woman. I wanna show my body […] What if I wanna make a video where I wanna look desirable? Not a porno! But I know it would be a huge thing. I know people will say, ‘I’ve lost all respect for her,” said the pop star.
Change isn’t always welcome by the industry and fans. There will always be a crowd that “misses the old him/her” and expects artists to remain stagnant. And in this age where fashion and music is so tightly intertwined, Billie admits that no matter what she does, “I can’t win”. At just 18, she accepts that it’s impossible to please everyone and sticks true to her roots – as a ‘bad guy’ does. Rebellious or inspirational, whatever you want to refer to her as, Billie has influenced an entire generation on her own merit.
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