Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams continue to solidify their places not just as chart-topping artists, but as rising fashion icons with a distinct appreciation for vintage elegance. At the recent FireAid benefit concert—held to support communities impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles—the two singer-songwriters channeled the timeless essence of French style muse Jane Birkin, delivering modern interpretations of her effortlessly chic wardrobe.
The concert, held Thursday night, brought together an impressive roster of artists, including Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks, Katy Perry, and the legendary Joni Mitchell. But even among the musical heavyweights, Rodrigo and Abrams made their mark with fashion moments that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Backstage, the two friends posed for photos that captured not just their close bond, but also their sartorial homage to the late 1960s and early ’70s—an era in which Birkin’s laid-back glamour reigned supreme.
Olivia Rodrigo opted for a contemporary twist on one of Birkin’s most iconic looks: the classic jeans-and-tee ensemble. Rodrigo’s version featured a crisp, fitted white T-shirt tucked into high-waisted dark-blue straight-leg jeans—an understated yet undeniably stylish pairing. What truly elevated the look, however, was her choice of footwear: cherry-red patent leather Mary Jane shoes that added a vibrant pop of color and playful femininity. It was a perfect example of how Rodrigo merges simplicity with edge, nodding to vintage flair while keeping her Gen Z appeal intact.
Gracie Abrams, on the other hand, leaned into a softer, more romantic side of Birkin’s legacy. She wore a white knit halterneck dress featuring a delicate scalloped neckline and intricate floral filet lace. The dress, with its breezy, semi-sheer texture, recalled Birkin’s love of crochet and ethereal fabrics—a style that once dominated red carpets and seaside strolls alike. Abrams completed her look with minimal accessories: understated stud earrings and black leather flats, letting the dress speak for itself. Her outfit felt timeless, offering a subtle nod to bohemian femininity without veering into costume.
Their vintage-inspired backstage looks, however, weren’t the only showstoppers of the night. Rodrigo brought her rockstar persona to center stage during her FireAid performance, transforming from laid-back Parisian muse to fierce headliner. She ditched the jeans and tee in favor of a sultry black ensemble: a lacy off-the-shoulder top, paired with high-waisted sequined black shorts and sheer fishnet tights. The look was equal parts glam and grunge, finished with knee-high military boots that gave her stage presence a bold, commanding edge. It was a striking contrast to her earlier outfit and showcased her dynamic range—not just musically, but stylistically.
Gracie Abrams, though more understated in her public style, continues to show a keen sense of fashion that leans into classic silhouettes and subtle textures. Her aesthetic frequently balances softness with depth, much like her music. The FireAid concert provided a stage not only for powerful performances but also for sartorial storytelling, and Abrams played her part with quiet elegance.
As modern-day muses in their own right, Rodrigo and Abrams are part of a new generation of artists who are embracing the past to inform the present. By drawing inspiration from fashion icons like Jane Birkin, they’re not only honoring style history but also redefining it for today’s audiences. Their appearance at FireAid proves that fashion and music, when woven together, can be both meaningful and memorable.
Whether it’s Olivia Rodrigo’s bold shift from Birkin-esque casual to rockstar glam, or Gracie Abrams’s dreamy lace dress that transported us to the French Riviera circa 1969, these artists continue to use style as a means of expression—both personal and artistic. In a world saturated with fleeting trends, their fashion choices stand out for their timeless appeal and heartfelt intention.