Inside Charli XCX's Surprise Times Square Show & Afterparty

Brat summer and the "Sweat Tour" may have come to an end, but Charli XCX’s signature party girl energy is far from fading. The pop star continues to keep fans on their toes with spontaneous and electrifying performances, and Monday night in New York City was no exception. In a surprise move, Charli took over Times Square for an unexpected live performance, drawing a crowd of fans and curious onlookers alike. The concert was entirely free and open to anyone passing by, making it a truly spontaneous celebration of music and fashion. With less than an hour’s notice, Charli and H&M announced the event, sending fans scrambling to the heart of the city. The stage was set against the backdrop of towering Brat green billboards, illuminating the night and transforming Times Square into the ultimate party venue.

Charli XCX delivered a high-energy 15-minute set, captivating the crowd with her signature edgy pop sound. Her look for the night was just as attention-grabbing as her performance. Dressed in custom pieces designed by H&M, she embodied the effortless cool that has made her a fashion icon. But this wasn’t just a concert—it was also a celebration. The event was organized in partnership with H&M to mark the launch of the brand’s holiday capsule collection and the grand reopening of its Times Square storefront. Charli’s bold and playful style perfectly complemented the brand’s vision, making her the ideal artist to bring the energy of the night to life.

This wasn’t the first time Charli XCX has teamed up with H&M to set the tone for a major fashion moment. Earlier in the year, she played a key role in kicking off London Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2025, where she celebrated the intersection of music and style, particularly the vibrant aesthetic of the "365 party girl" movement. Her influence in both the music and fashion industries has only grown stronger, with H&M even featuring her as one of the lead faces of their Fall/Winter 2024 campaign. Charli’s fearless approach to fashion, blending bold streetwear with high-glamour aesthetics, continues to inspire fans and designers alike.

H&M’s Creative Advisor, Ann-Sofie Johansson, expressed admiration for Charli’s artistic spirit, calling her a "special friend of H&M" in a press release. Johansson emphasized that Charli’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity aligns perfectly with the brand’s values, making this collaboration a natural and exciting fit. The Times Square show was the final installment of H&M’s pop-up performance event series, bringing a climactic end to the brand’s immersive fashion and music experiences. As the massive flagship store prepares for its grand reopening on November 21, the event served as a stylish and energetic preview of what’s to come.

Though Charli XCX was undeniably the star of the night, she was far from the only celebrity in attendance. The energy carried on well past the performance, as model Amelia Gray Hamlin took on the role of host for an exclusive afterparty. The venue was none other than the legendary Chelsea Hotel, an iconic space known for its deep ties to art, music, and nightlife. Anderson .Paak took over DJ duties for the night, keeping the energy high with a mix of beats that had the room dancing well into the early hours. Charli herself made an appearance at the afterparty, dazzling in a new outfit that continued to showcase her effortlessly cool style.

The guest list for the night was nothing short of star-studded. Julia Fox, known for her fearless fashion choices, turned heads in a striking ensemble that blended sequins with casual sweats, a juxtaposition that only she could pull off with such confidence. Shygirl made her own statement in a matching set adorned with teardrop embellishments, proving that attention to detail can make all the difference in a standout look. Throughout the night, the room was filled with a mix of fashion insiders, musicians, and influencers, all celebrating the fusion of music and style that Charli XCX embodies so effortlessly.

As the night came to a close, the impact of Charli XCX’s unexpected Times Square takeover lingered. The event was a reminder of her ability to create unforgettable moments, whether on a global tour stage or an impromptu city-center concert. H&M’s collaboration with the pop star continues to push the boundaries of how fashion and music intersect, reinforcing that both industries thrive on innovation, self-expression, and the power of the unexpected. The party girl energy may have started with summer, but as Charli has proven, it’s here to stay.