Sweden’s pop princess, Zara Larsson, is back and better than ever. This year she scored her first Grammy nomination for Best Dance Pop Song for the title track of her newest album, Midnight Sun. Propelled by synth-pop sound accessorized with modernized Y2K fashion and elaborate dance routines, she is on the hunt for international stardom. The reemergence of pop icons has brought Larsson the opportunity to take hold of a market audience.

From a fashion makeover to the success on tour and nominations from acclaimed music awards, an opportunity to find an even larger audience within the states has opened up. This is not the first time a celebrity has fine-tuned their style. Most memorable in recent pop history was Sabrina Carpenter after she shifted into a flirty and fun fashion. Chappell Roan connected with audiences through her drag fashion and strong vocals, while Olivia Rodrigo resonated due to her deep-cut lyrics and homage to pop-punk. Thoughtful branding and talents cultivate a tighter community between fans and artists when a niche is fostered. Previously, Larsson’s last two albums Poster Girl and Venus, did not have the international success that her 2017 album So Good achieved with its hit singles “Lush Life” and “Never Forget You” which charted on the Billboard Top 100. Between then and now, a period of experimentation of sounds and fashion took place. Her Midnight Sun era is a cultivation of her artistry due to the balance between the album and aesthetics.

After her song “Symphony” regained popularity in 2024 with pictures of futuristic dolphins and rainbows, Larsson has transformed the Internet meme into an integral part of her personality. Once pictures with an overlay of people’s life issues and lightened with the euphoric and upbeat song, these images appeared as a background at Larsson’s own concerts during the song. Not only did the meme morph into a whole section of her live performances, it was a catalyst for the star’s rebrand as an artist and additional shift in her fashion identity. The emphasis of a playful Y2K worked its way into bolder makeup and costumes on stage.

Celebrity makeup artist, Sophia Sinot, has taken creative control of Larsson’s stage looks. An ode to the 2000s, pigmented blush is placed high on the cheek bones and complimented by bright eyeshadows and eyeliners. Gemstones have become a signature with rhinestones making their way across Larsson’s face as an ode to the dance-pop era that experiments with girlish looks. Her signature piece has been mini skirts accented with charm belts, complete with glittering hibiscus flowers, Swedish flags, and rhinestones. Airbrushed shirts compliment her latest album’s tracklist while her hair falls with sparkling strands of tinsel. With this stage persona of blinged out summer outfits, Zara Larsson has found a clear vision for her fashion to compliment her music.

The dancing queens of Sweden may have once been ABBA, but Zara Larsson has proven to give them quite a competition. Opening for Tate McRae on the U.S. leg of the Miss Possessive Tour, Larsson introduced an iconic moment in which dancers lifted Larsson above them as she sang the pre-chorus to the hit single “Midnight Sun” before transitioning into a dance that has since gained TikTok popularity. With a VMA nomination for best choreography for her lead single “Pretty Ugly,” it had become clear that Larsson had rebranded as a popstar backed by dancing. Her strength and grace in dance only accompanies her voice. The Midnight Sun album has presented Larsson plenty of moments to fall into lip-syncing to keep up with her performance. Despite the technicalities of the high notes and belts, Larsson continues to amaze fans with live vocals to push the limits of artists as an athlete herself.

Her lyric “summer isn’t over yet” was just a line in her hit single “Midnight Sun,” but it was with that specific theme of the album lyrics and beat that presented the summery, feminine looks to create a harmonious feel between both the art and the artist. Her strength as a live performer to reflect her feel-good dance songs has only reinforced her dedication to her art. A pop princess has been born again as Zara Larsson takes center stage with an authentic and cohesive reflection of her music and nostalgic summer aesthetics to support.

Written by Thea Findlay, Photography: Chioma Chukwuemeka, Social Media: Ava Whelan, Styling: Ritika Sanadi

Zara Larsson's Revival