Ariana Grande’s “Positions” Video Sends a Chic Political Message

In case you were wondering what Ariana Grande’s thoughts on the upcoming election were, the pop star made things clear this morning with the release of her latest video, “Positions.” The Dave Meyers-directed clip centers on an alternate universe where Grande is Madame President and gives the White House a much-needed refresh. The video shows President Grande awarding medals to postal workers, meeting with her all-female cabinet, and signing a bill into law. They’re tongue-in-cheek, but feature shout outs to real life events. Case in point: that moment where Grande makes a pizza in a lace corset from Dion Lee, is a nod to the hundreds of pies she sent to voters in Florida earlier this week as they lined up to cast their ballots early. 

Fashion played a vital role in shaping the video’s visual identity. Rather than emulate politicians, stylist Mimi Cutrell took Grande’s signature babydoll look and elevated it. Many have tried to imagine what a female president might wear, but Cutrell’s vision felt unique. No sheath dresses a la Veep’s Selina Meyer or double-breasted suits out of ’90s Donna Karan campaigns. Instead, she seemed to look to Jackie O. with a mix of prim pieces like Gucci’s knit mini dresses and pillbox hats. Mugler corset tops and Lanvin capes aren’t the standard Washington wardrobe, but Grande wore them with enough attitude to make you wish they were. Even dressed in demure Gucci pearls and knits, she projected power. 

Releasing a politically-themed video when an election is weeks away is a risk—making a statement of any kind could potentially alienate listeners or incite controversy—but Grande and Meyers’s upbeat take on the concept was charming. Given Washington’s state in 2020, it’s unlikely that anyone is dancing through the halls of the White House or even smiling. “Positions,” with its double entendre lyrics and lighthearted visuals, provides levity during a moment when it is sorely needed and a musical reminder to get out the vote.