She’s back and even stronger than the ’90s trend.
Taylor Swift released a new music video for “Opalite” on Apple Music and Spotify on Friday morning. And in addition to appearances by all five stars who appeared on The Graham Norton Show in October (Domhnall Gleeson, Lewis Capaldi, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee and Cillian Murphy), the song is positively packed with old-school fashion moments.
Following an informal-style intro promoting a “cutting-edge chemical” called opalite that promises better relationships with friends, lovers, co-workers, and even pets, Swift’s (brunette!) character is introduced as a loner with the deepest connection to literal rock.
Along with her inanimate best friend, our heroine attempts a VHS aerobics workout, applies body glitter, goes to a karaoke bar, and (of course) makes friendship bracelets while modeling retro looks from embroidered overalls to a neon windbreaker set with Reebok Club C 85 sneakers.
Everything changes when Gleeson’s character (whose closest companion is a cactus) orders a bottle of Opalite and pours it at the exact same time as Swift, teleporting her directly into the living room and setting the stage for a beautiful new friendship.
It’s not long before the two are posing for quirky mall photoshoots in matching denim vests, stonewashed jeans, striped sweaters, and sharing pretzels in vintage crew necks (Swift’s, of course, has a cartoon cat printed on them) and fanny packs.
It all culminates in a provocative number in a dance competition between couples wearing tracksuits in the “Life of a Showgirl” color palette of mint green and orange.
“It was more fun than I ever imagined. I made new friends, created metaphors, and made fashion choices,” Swift shared on Instagram about her experience writing, directing, and starring in the video.
“It was a real thrill to create this story and character.”
