Canadian singer-songwriter with the best-selling album of the 21st century. Pioneer of global pop-punk. Ageless fashion icon. That’s Avril Lagivne.
Avril Lavigne wearing Anouki jacket @anouki. Knit top, Alabama Blonde @alabamablonde. Pants, Queen Russia @queenrussia. Shoes, No Name Shoes @nonameshoes. Ring, Camilla Seretti by Sahar Manley @camillaseretti @rollsroycesahar
When I think of Avril Lavigne, I can immediately name a series of her signature images. Straight blonde hair, “hooked” with a pink highlight. Thick black eyeliner. White shirt, black tie. Below are skates. Throughout the first decade of the 21st century, the punk rock image of the Canadian singer was nailed into the minds of music lovers around the world.
That was fashion, but in music, Avril Lavigne had an even more formidable record. “He was a boy. She was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious? He was a punk. She did ballet. What more can I say?” . These are the opening lyrics of her hit Sk8er Boi . It was 2002. Avril was wearing a backwards baseball cap, jeans, and skateboarding. The catchy lyrics and the upbeat punk rock music made the song a global hit.
Avril Lavigne, Canadian artist with best-selling album of the 21st century
The rebellious image from that first album also became Avril Lavigne’s musical and fashion personality. Let Go (2002) with two main songs Complicated and Sk8er Boi made the 1984-born singer become the best-selling Canadian artist of the 21st century. Right from this debut album, Avril was recognized as the main artist to explore the pop punk genre, paving the way for female singers with punk style in the early 2000s.
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Avril Lavigne showed her musical talent at the age of two. Avril, the name given to her by her father, means April in French. “When I was a kid, I used to sing myself to sleep. And my brother would bang on the wall because he was so annoyed,” she recalls of her childhood.
Two decades of paving the way for pop-punk
2022 marks two decades since Let Go debuted and swept the world. To this day, the songs Avril Lavigne wrote as a teenager are still an online phenomenon. How does Avril feel?
“It’s so surreal and so proud,” she says. “Those songs are huge for me. It’s great to see people, or old enough, or nostalgic enough to make them their own. But you know what’s the best part? People on TikTok are sharing how much they love Sk8er Boi . What the song means to them.”
Bodysuit, Cecilio Castrillo @ceciliodesigns. Leather pants, LOL Official @lol.official. Boots, Dr. Martens @drmartensofficial. Gloves, Charles & Ron @charlesandron
Two decades on, Avril Lavigne’s music still resonates with many generations. How has Lavigne’s music changed over time? She said: “We all change and evolve over time. Each person has different experiences, which form their outlook on life and the world. We fall in love, then we get heartbroken. Many people come and go through our lives. There are many things to say about those experiences.”
“Actually, before releasing Let Go, I was into classic rock. But then, all of a sudden, I found myself making something else. And that’s where I found myself.”
Avril Lavigne paved the way for female singers pursuing pop-punk and alternative rock music. Today, many singers inherit and develop the foundation she established. These include Paramore, Skye Sweetnam, Fefe Dobson, Lillix, Kelly Osbourne, Krystal Meyers, Tonight Alive…
Immortal punk and future plans
After the resounding success of the album Let Go (2002), Avril continued to release her second studio album Under My Skin (2004). The album sold 10 million copies worldwide. Next, there was an explosion with The Best Damn Thing (2007) with the single Boyfriend . In 2019, Lavigne released her sixth studio album Head Above Water . Avril has continued to bring punk into her music for more than two decades.
In early 2021, she featured on Modsun’s song Flames . Avril Lavigne said: “I started writing songs during the pandemic. Everyone had time to reflect and reflect on themselves. I was feeling lost, having just gotten out of a relationship. And I needed to write music to capture that experience. Not long after that, I met and collaborated with John Feldmann and Modsun. Co-writing the song came naturally.”
Full outfit, Philipp Plein @philipplein
In 2020, Avril Lavigne planned to tour Asia. And then, the pandemic happened. “Performing live music is always the best thing, and one of my favorite things in the world. I still look forward to the day I get to go back to Asia to sing for my fans,” she confided. Touring is her way of bringing her voice to the world. But in the opposite direction, cultures have also influenced Avril in a very… lovely way.
“It’s hard not to be influenced. Whenever I get the chance, I like to go to Japan. It’s unlike any other country in the world. At home, I have a whole room dedicated to Hello Kitty!”
Avril Lavigne, the ageless fashion icon
The fashion icon (which I listed at the beginning of the article) is a style that many fans learn from Avril. In the hearts of her fans, she is an ageless fashion icon. You will realize that the Avril of today is not much different from two decades ago.
“Funnily enough, I never think of myself as having an iconic style or signature piece. It just comes together naturally when I release a new album,” she says. “But I love seeing how my fans around the world see the signature elements of my style and make them their own.”
“Actually, I like to dress comfortably and according to my mood. Before, I used to wear combat boots. Then once a year, I wear heels. Fashion Week 2022 saw many brands celebrating individuality, style, culture and freedom.” And then, in a clear voice, she excitedly said: “I love shopping in Japan and Asia. They are always ahead of the trends. I am very inspired by the Asian fashion scene.”
When asked what life experience she would share with 15-year-old Avril, what would she say? “Slow down a beat and take it all in.” After two decades in the arts, Avril said she has learned a lot.
“Always be yourself. There is no need to feel guilty about being true to yourself. The world and the internet can be a tough place, but when you know yourself, you don’t care too much about what other people think.”
Latex crop top, Dead Lotus Couture @deadlotus.couture. Undershirt, Ezgi Cinar @ezgi_cinar. Denim, Diesel @diesel. Earrings, House of Emmanuele @houseofemmanuele. Boots, Philipp Plein @philipplein
