Olivia Rodrigo is currently in the midst of a fashion controversy, with some fans accusing her of committing a fashion faux pas. Critics have taken issue with the 23-year-old pop star's choice to wear a babydoll dress and bloomers during her performance at Spotify's Billions Club Live on May 8th.
One social media user commented, "She is wearing pink dresses that are similar to what toddlers wear with frilly underwear beneath it," in response to her outfit at the Barcelona event. The backlash against Rodrigo intensified when she hit the stage in a short white dress with a floral print and puff sleeves, which some perceived as infantilizing.
Another user lamented, "This is giving child clothes and with all the sexy moves she tries to pull, it kinda looks weird." A viral post with 21 million views declared, "Maybe I'm too woke," to which another person replied, "Fr tho, that babydoll s*** on a grown woman is straight ick. Looks like she's cosplaying as a kid and it's weird af."
Despite the criticism, Rodrigo shared her love for the style during an interview with Vogue published on May 1st. "I really love the idea of a babydoll [dress]," she said. "I just remember being younger and having pictures of Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland from all these riot grrrl punk bands in their babydoll dresses, just owning it."
Despite mixed feelings on the look, many of Rodrigo's fans agree with her and have come to her defense online. "Why do people interpret babydoll dresses in album visuals/performances as child imitation when the aesthetic is clearly distinct from actually trying to look like a child?" one person asked. Another said, "If you're seriously getting mad at Olivia Rodrigo wearing a babydoll dress, get a life and off my tml."
After her latest gig, Rodrigo also celebrated another successful show, posting, "Forca barca!!!! thx a million 4 having me @fcbarcelona @spotify."
The controversy surrounding Rodrigo's fashion choices has ignited a lively debate among fans and critics alike, with some seeing it as a playful and expressive style choice while others perceive it as infantilizing. Ultimately, it highlights the complex relationship between fashion and public perception.
