CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry Shuts Down Image Critics

"People have tried to weaponise my gender against me since the start of my career..."

CHVRCHES singer Lauren Mayberry has shut down critics who take aim at her stage wear.

The singer is known for her expertly constructed stage wear, adding a sense of theatrics to her swirling performances and stellar vocals.

Returning to Scotland for a rainbound set at Summer Sessions in Edinburgh, Lauren dominated the stage with flowing layers and bold make up.

Afterwards, she issued a statement on social media, shutting down the trolls who criticise her choice of stage wear.

“To the people saying that my gig outfits are too revealing / I shouldn’t dress like that if I don’t want men to comment on it: I disagree,” she wrote. “This argument assumes women only dress for the attention of men. When I dress for shows, I want to own my gender and my femininity.”

She added: "I want my performance image to be inherently feminine and tough as fuck because that is how I want to pretend to be – to myself, and to the women and young girls who come to our gigs…"

Reflecting on the various shifts in her own career, Lauren explained:

“People have tried to weaponise my gender against me since the start of my career as a musician. It happens now but it also happened when I was wearing baggy flannel shirts and jeans, because it’s not really about what a woman is wearing. It never is. It’s about claiming ownership of women’s bodies and women’s narratives.”

The singer concluded: “I will continue dressing like a gothic Powerpuff Girl with Big Witch Energy and I hope that you’ll all do whatever your version of that is too. Everyone else will just have to deal with it. My body, my life, my choice.”

Read the full note below.

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