Addison Rae Embraces Mermaidcore in Thom Browne at 2024 CFDA Awards

Addison Rae evoked her new single “Aquamarine” at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards on Monday in New York. The singer and influencer’s latest track nods to the 2006 fantasy film of the same name, which follows a mermaid who becomes human.

Fittingly, Rae wore a plaid sequined mermaid skirt designed by Thom Browne, pairing it with a gray corset top, a pearl necklace and a shell-shaped clutch. She wore her blond tresses in waves, while her makeup consisted of sparkly silver eyeshadow and a stained lip.

Rae currently works with stylist and model Dara Allen, who also serves as the fashion director of Interview Magazine. Allen curated Rae’s recent looks at the 2024 Academy Museum Gala and the MTV Video Music Awards, as well as her wardrobe for the “Aquamarine” music video.

Rae’s red carpet attire at the CFDA Awards also channeled the Mermaidcore trend, which began circulating TikTok in 2023. The aesthetic is characterized by aquatic-inspired details including pearls, scaly sequins and deep sea hues like turquoise, blue and purple.

Zuhair Murad recently revived the trend for his spring 2025 collection. The Lebanese designer incorporated “soft, sunwashed colors of light coral, salmon and sand” and seashell necklines, per WWD’s Rhonda Richford.

The 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards will take place at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on Oct. 28, with Cynthia Erivo hosting. Honorees at this year’s ceremony include Coach, Michael Kors, Annie Leibovitz and finally, Erykah Badu, who will receive the coveted Fashion Icon Award.