Charli XCX Turns Heads in Teasing Gown-Mini Combo at ‘Wuthering Heights’ Premiere
Charli XCX is successfully blurring the lines between pop stardom and cinematic influence, proving that her visual identity is just as versatile as her music.
At the recent premiere of the highly anticipated film “Wuthering Heights” on Wednesday, Jan. 28, the British singer made a major sartorial statement that perfectly captured the “gothic brat” aesthetic she has been cultivating for her new era.
The singer donned a sheer Vivienne Westwood gown that was as ingenious as it was elegant, featuring a structured corset and a voluminous skirt with ruffled panels. The design was described as a “sneaky minidress” because the balloon panels allowed for a playful play on length, combining the drama of a floor-length gown with the edge of a micro-mini.
Charli xcx stuns for the ‘WUTHERING HEIGHTS’ premiere 📸 pic.twitter.com/SG3ZvXFXnr
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 29, 2026
She completed the look with minimal makeup, multiple gold rings, and a simple gold necklace, allowing the intricate tailoring of the Westwood piece to remain the focal point. Social media was quick to praise the choice, with many fans noting that she perfectly understood the assignment by channeling the “steamy and primal” energy of the film’s source material.
Charli’s presence at the premiere was more than just a red-carpet appearance; she is the creative force behind the movie’s companion album, also titled “Wuthering Heights.” Scheduled for release on Feb. 13, the project is a 12-track concept album that she recorded during her global “Brat Tour” throughout 2025.
She has described the music as elegant and brutal, a shift from her previous hyper-pop sound that was inspired by the moody, mud-soaked landscapes of the Yorkshire moors seen in the film. The album features collaborations with legends like John Cale and is led by the single “House,” which has already become a viral hit.
Beyond her musical contributions, Charli is officially in her “acting era,” with multiple projects debuting in early 2026. She recently made waves at the Sundance Film Festival with three separate films: the mockumentary “The Moment,” which she describes as a meta goodbye to her 2024 “Brat” era, the thriller “The Gallerist” alongside Jenna Ortega.
“Wuthering Heights” itself is one of the most talked-about films of the year, directed by Oscar-winner Emerald Fennell. The movie stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, reimagining the classic Emily Brontë novel as a stylized, intense period piece.
Drive me mad. “Wuthering Heights” comes to theaters Valentine’s Day. pic.twitter.com/n4UNA1nKmh
— WutheringHeightsMovie (@wuthering_hts) September 3, 2025
The film’s supporting cast features Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, and Alison Oliver, and it is set for a wide theatrical release just in time for Valentine’s Day. For Charli, working on the soundtrack was a way to pivot away from her previous pop persona, as she told reporters she was looking to totally switch the kind of creative soup she was in.
Do you think Charli XCX’s shift toward gothic, moody concept albums for film marks a permanent change in her musical direction, or is this just a temporary detour from her club-classic roots? Please share your thoughts in the comments.