Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry shuts down criticism that gig outfits are ‘too revealing’

'My body, my life, my choice'

Olivia Petter
Wednesday 14 August 2019 14:37 BST
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Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry shuts down criticism that gig outfits are ‘too revealing’

Chvrches singer Lauren Mayberry has spoken out after critics called her performing outfits “too revealing”.

The Scottish musician headlined Edinburgh’s Summer Sessions on Sunday night and issued a statement on Twitter on Tuesday in response to claims that her stage outfits were inappropriate.

"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,” Mayberry began her post.

"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.”

The 31-year-old went on to explain that she wants her performance aesthetic to be “inherently feminine and tough as f***”.

I don't need to pretend to be one of the lads because I am not one,” the “Here with Me” singer continued.

"How I dress is part of how I express myself creatively and how I want to communicate our message.

"It's about trying not to be ashamed of your own gender and identity, even when people tell you that you should be; about not being scared into hiding yourself because of the actions of others."

Mayberry said that critics have attempted to “weaponise” her gender against her since she entered the industry in 2012.

"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," the singer continued. "It never is. It's about claiming ownership of women's bodies and women's narratives.”

Mayberry concluded her statement by vowing to continue to dress as she pleases, “like a gothic Power Puff girl with Big Witch Energy”.

"Everyone else will just have to deal with it,” she added. “My body, my life, my choice.”

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