Espresso

Sabrina Carpenter has released her new single and music video “Espresso” and it's suddenly a talk-of-the-town in the fashion industry. It’s a known fact that vintage fashions and retro looks are resurfacing again and let’s dive deeper into how she managed to fit her retro glam aesthetics with the music’s vibe.

The song Espresso and the accompanying music video were released on April 12th on all music platforms and YouTube. The setting is based around the 1950s and 60s, giving off a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood glamour vibe from the lighting and, most importantly, the costumes. He arranged and recorded the song before it debuted at this year’s Coachella. The music video now has more than 17 million views on YouTube.

Sabrina has embraced a classic style for her new single Espresso. She is, however, updating these looks for a new era by moving away from her Y2K and 90s glam aesthetic and toward an older, more vintage Hollywood feel. The Espresso music video features seven outfits in a 3-minute video. However, I focused on four of her most amazing outfits in the video, but watch the video for yourself to see all the outfits.

At the beginning of the video, Sabrina is seen robbing a man who tries to flirt with her on the boat. The amount of clothes she wore showed that she used her credit card to buy a lot of things. The swimsuits reflect Sabrina’s total self-confidence in real life and in the music video.

In real life, she shines with her confidence, and in the music video, she gets to buy all these amazing clothes, while attracting all the guys around her. She also embraces the femininity she wears when she sings about being wanted, suggesting that she can have the man she wants and won’t settle for someone who won’t treat her right.

Sabrina Carpenter in “Espresso”

Styles on Video

Sabrina Carpenter’s swimsuit looks are a throwback to classic Hollywood with a modern twist. First up, she rocks a Carol Ai Studio sky-blue one-piece with a starfish sparkle, paired with a 60s-style pink head wrap and heels. It’s a unique pop of color among the film’s beige palette, giving off major diva vibes.

Carol Ai Studio is a boutique tailoring agency that collaborates with all kinds of clothing, film, and entertainment industries. They partnered with famous brand houses like Nike, Gucci, Zara, Vanity Fair, and more. They had done a similar project using retro designs for Margot Robbie’s press tour for the 2023 movie Barbie.

Then, she switches to a brown Viktor & Rolf two-piece with architectural ruffles, straight from their haute couture ‘Embodiment’ collection. It’s a nod to the conservative yet evolving bikini styles of the 50s and 60s, with a design that screams individuality and femininity.

Victor Horting and Rolf Snoeren founded the company after graduating from the Arnhem Academy of Art and Design in 1993. They are a highly respected and recognized brand for their sensual haute couture and psychological glamour designs and their mission is to create pieces of beauty in unconventional ways. The architectural stripes on Sabrina's retro swimsuit are a definitive testament to the fashion house's use of stylish and unconventional design.

Her third outfit is a sheer black Norma Kamali swimsuit with a sweetheart neckline, hugging her figure and letting her move freely. It’s a dark, coffee-like shade that sets her apart from the rest, matching the song’s theme of being unforgettable.

Designer Norma Kamali is considered an icon as she has seen many firsts in fashion. These include The Sleeping Bag Coat, clothes worn casually as a global fashion lifestyle, active design, wash and wear easy to maintain, travel-friendly jersey and knit collections but most importantly he also designed swimwear that inspired many companies over the decades.

Lastly, Sabrina dazzles in a beaded Retrofête set that’s like a cocktail dress for the beach, shining as the sun sets. It’s all about bringing the party to the daytime, making every moment feel like a celebration.

Retrofête is a brand whose designs are based on vintage glamour and exuberance. Its name actually melds synonyms for “vintage” and “party.” The goal of the company is to bring evening wear into the daytime. They want their customers to feel like they’re the life of the party at any time on any occasion.

Each look captures Sabrina’s confidence and style, from retro glam to avant-garde elegance, proving that fashion is not just about clothes but making a statement.

Sabrina Carpenter in “Espresso”

Reviving the Retro

Vintage clothing is not only Sabrina’s favorite aesthetic, but it has also become a long-term trend. Dressing the way it was a decade ago really started in the 1940s when period pieces like corsets and top hats were popular. In the 1960s, however, that decade is what we simply associate with the modern idea of what is considered “classic” rather than old.

Second-hand clothing is also popular due to its growing savings. The modern-day crisis of quality clothing has led many to turn to low-paying jobs. Famous fabric stores started using cheaper fabrics and lower-quality tailoring than years ago. This was happening not only with basics but also with luxury brands.

Some even choose vintage because they want to immerse themselves in the past. The choice of the decade seems easier and more appealing to them. For whatever reason, Sabrina Carpenter is at the forefront of this trend. While emerging in the pop industry, she has created a unique set of songs that manifests her position as being the "Princess of Pop."