High Fashion

Album: Addison (2025)
Charted: 69
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "High Fashion" is an artistic proclamation, like an Instagram caption that knows it has to say more than just "look at me." A mid-tempo track with a synth-pop heartbeat, it ventures into territory where self-expression meets retail therapy. In a world that's often obsessed with quick highs, Addison Rae opts for something a little more glamorous. As she told Vogue France, "It's a very free song, which keeps the darkness of 'Diet Pepsi,' but more raw, more intense, very sexy, with a hint of vulnerability. I put a lot of myself into this song."
  • I don't need your drugs
    I'd rather get, rather get high fashion


    The lyric doesn't follow the rules of proper grammar, but the meaning is clear enough: Addison is saying, "Why settle for fleeting highs when you can indulge in something far more elevated?" The wordplay suggests she'd prefer the luxury of fashion over the crutch of drugs, or cheap, empty thrills.
  • Rae didn't just wake up and start singing about high heels and high standards. She crafted "High Fashion" alongside Swedish songwriter Tove Burman (Lisa's "New Woman") and her producers, Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd. This duo previously teamed up with her on her breakthrough singles "Diet Pepsi" and "Aquamarine."
  • The song's electronic pulse echoes the darker, more experimental energy of Britney Spears' 2007 album Blackout. This isn't the first time Addison paid homage to Britney's influence. In an earlier demo of "I Got It Bad," Rae sampled Britney's iconic 1999 singles "...Baby One More Time" and "Oops... I Did It Again." For Addison, Britney's the cool aunt she looks up to in the pop world.
  • Directed by Mitch Ryan, the music video was filmed in and references New Orleans, Louisiana, Rae's home state. It feels like a whimsical, sugar-dusted fever dream, with Rae donning a gold fringe gown as she gets showered in powdered sugar while eating sugar-dusted beignets.

    Her wardrobe nods to Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz, including the iconic ruby slippers, with a touch of Britney Spears' early 2000s glamour.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.