Sabrina Carpenter, the pop star known for her bubbly personality and catchy tunes, often gets compared to a Bratz doll, even a Polly Pocket. Her petite stature, blonde hair, and penchant for babydoll dresses paired with platform heels contribute to this image. But a recent photograph of her sporting a shin-length plaid skirt, a far cry from her usual style, reveals a different side to the artist. This image, unexpected and intriguing, sparked a connection to a different kind of lyricist—Sylvia Plath.
AN Devers, a feminist writer, once described Plath’s signature kilt as a reflection of her inner conflict and artistic intensity, saying, “She wasn’t cutting edge in her fashion, she left that to her work.” Devers explained that Plath’s meticulously chosen clothes, enduring and timeless, were a symbol of her inner turmoil, a contrast to her outward appearance.
While Carpenter may seem a world away from Plath, her recent foray into a more sophisticated style, especially with the brown and bookish skirt, suggests a hidden depth. It’s a far cry from the playful and sometimes even provocative image she portrays on stage, singing from a Barbie Dreamhouse-style set, making suggestive jokes, and even having a song titled “Nonsense”. This unexpected turn towards a more somber aesthetic begs the question: Is there a poet lurking beneath the pop star persona?
Carpenter herself has a tongue-in-cheek response to the doll comparisons, saying, “If you want to call me a Polly Pocket, a Bratz doll, I don’t care. You’ll meet me and then you’ll be like, ‘Damn, she talks a lot more than the dolls do’.” Indeed, her lyrics often showcase clever wordplay, intricate rhymes, and a knack for crafting rich double entendres, elements that resonate with those who see her as a poet in disguise. While Carpenter may not be the next Sylvia Plath, her recent stylistic shift and her undeniable lyrical talent certainly offer a glimpse into a more complex and multifaceted artist.
