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

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.