By Alexus Mosley

What do you get when you mix black eyeliner with bubblegum lip gloss? When your playlist is filled with Doja Cat and Rina Sawayama, and your diary entries double as protest chants and pop songs? The answer is BubbleGrunge, the glitter-drenched but emotionally charged lovechild of mall goth chaos and coquette rebellion.

If one were asked to define BubbleGrunge, they might describe it as a cross between Hello Kitty and Hot Topic. Or maybe even Barbie, if she ditched the Dreamhouse, snagged some combat boots, and joined a garage band. BubbleGrunge is gloss, black eyeliner, and tulle skirts paired with ripped fishnets, and baby tees that read “Whatever” in rhinestones.

Avril Lavigne at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards

Photo Credit: Getty Images

On your moodboard? Courtney Love’s lipstick-smudged bravado, Rico Nasty’s rage-glam, Gwen Stefani during her Harajuku Lovers era, and Avril when she wore a tie to school because she felt like it. Non-negotiables are a rotating cast of plaid or distressed miniskirts, vintage slip dresses, chokers, and chain belts. Throw in a fuzzy bag and some beat-up Mary Janes, and you’re halfway there.

But BubbleGrunge is more than just a look. It’s what happens when Sanrio girls go rogue. The girl in your class with a schoolgirl uniform covered in stickers and chipped glitter nails? She’s rebellious, ultra-femme, and probably even unapologetically chaotic.

The Veronicas on the 2005 aria awards red carpet

Image Credit: Getty Images

Rapper rico love in bubblegrunge pink

Image Credit: IG @riconasty

In a world that often demands polish and perfection, the BubbleGrunge aesthetic is the glitch in the matrix. It’s a reminder that pretty things don’t have to be pristine and femininity doesn’t have to behave. A middle finger to minimalism if you will. Because girlhood isn’t always clean. So go ahead and add another safety pin, smudge that eyeliner, and blast your angsty playlist. You’re not trying to be neat. You’re trying to be loud.

BubbleGrunge Is What Happens When Girlhood Goes Off-Script