decoding the "villain era": why it's more than just a trend ❤️‍🔥

my brand is built on this concept, but I have some...thoughts on it.

You’ve probably seen it pop up on your feed a few times a year: “I’m in my Villain Era.” But what does it actually mean? I’m coating my lips in my favorite Fenty Gloss Bomb (no sponsorship here, but I’m available @BadGalRiri), delving into this hot concept and revealing why it’s become a defining element of my brand.

What is a Villain?

When you hear the word, “villain” who comes to mind? How do they dress? What does their aura exude, and how are they perceived? Most importantly, how do they respond to these perceptions?

Maybe your thoughts drift to animated characters like Ursula from The Little Mermaid, Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians, or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. Perhaps a reality TV diva like Tiffany Pollard emerges, or even your favorite Goddess who is also considered a demon. Regardless of your opinions of these icons, these figures share similar traits that make them the antithesis of celebrated heroes, saints, and angels.

“The Villain” is more than just a character; it’s an archetype deeply embedded in the collective subconscious, carrying a specific frequency that’s instantly recognizable.

Villains usually share the following compelling traits:

• Driven by their deepest desires, they relentlessly pursue what they want

• They glamorize their look to captivate other’s attention and intimidate foes

• They set strict boundaries, allowing no one to overstep their comfort zone

• Fully aware of their worth, they demand the respect they deserve

• Unapologetically expressive, they speak and act without the fear of judgment from society. I mean, they are already outcasted.

• They don’t mind standing out or being unlikable because they revel in being distinct from the crowd (because they were forced to).

• They challenge the status quo, questioning and disrupting the norms set by society.

• They aren’t afraid to face the “fan favorite” or the “white queen”. Purposeful confrontation is welcomed.

• They are extremely observant of human behavior and find thrill in uncovering the shadows of others. Their shadows are constantly on display and made fun of, anyhow.

• They alchemize their experiences into unadulterated empowerment.

  

Every light casts a shadow, and no exploration of the villain archetype would be complete without acknowledging the darker aspects: the temptation to let power eclipse relationships, the drive for revenge to assert control, and the ruthless exploitation of other’s shadows–to name a few. If archetypes resonate with you, this may remind you of The Ruler.

So why do people declare to be “in their Villain Era”? Is it about gaining power? Burning the town to the ground in the name of revenge? Well, this isn’t a storybook so pump the breaks Maleficent. While it’s gained traction on social media, the concept already has roots in our psyche. Remember those iconic moments in media where characters claimed the title to make a statement?

Villains in Movies

In Girl, Interrupted, Lisa Rowe discovers the diary of Susanna Kayson. She reads aloud all of Susanna’s secret judgment cast upon her so-called friends and roommates. The scene is painful to watch, like much of the film, but this is a pivotal moment that reveals Lisa’s pain of feeling betrayed by a friend. Rather than cower in the corner, Lisa steps up, positioning herself as the group’s protector, determined to (literally) shine the light back on Susanna to expose her shadows. In the iconic line, “I’m playing the villain baby, just like you want", Lisa welcomes her role as the “bad girl” of the group, even if it means living in her truth, challenging an adversary, and guarding society’s outcasts.

What about Cassie from Euphoria: a character who existed under the shadow of the more magnetic Maddy Perez, only to spiral on stage during the season finale school play. In this public breakdown, it’s revealed that Cassie not only betrayed her best friend by sleeping with her predator ex bf (when they were broken up); but also that her own sister harbored deep-seated insecurities about living in her shadow (talk about the mirror effect 🪞). There is so much to unpack on this character, that I’ll get into another day, but to sum it up: Cassie steps fully into the Villain archetype by embracing her new role as the the school’s pariah.

The Shadow Side of Villains

Stepping into the the Villain archetype is a delicate dance on the edge of power. Often, this era is born from a place of deep hurt. It’s not about hiding your pain, but rather standing tall and refusing to be diminished by it. Villains can sometimes tread a fine line, teetering on the brink of a shadow pitfall. If you aren’t strategic, you risk letting power dominate your relationships, seeking revenge to maintain control, or exploiting others for your own gain. These are the downfalls of unchecked power, where your own strength becomes your undoing if not tempered with the balance of shadow work.

The Villain Era

Embracing this villainous era means reclaiming the space you’ve let others trample over, standing tall when you once bowed down, and fiercely dedicating yourself to your image because you’re done with apathy. This isn’t an act, or just an era; it’s a deliberate decision to transform your life in ways that will leave those who’ve wronged you awe-struck. It’s about stepping into your power to elevate yourself–not to scorch the earth, but to rise above the mistreatment.

While an era is often defined as a chapter in history, this is the storybook of your life. If adopting the Villain Era helps you to feel empowered, attracts healthier relationships, and unlocks transformative opportunities, then why not make it your lifestyle?

(An important note: this transformation may not be the most effective or suitable if you’re currently navigating depression, an unsafe living or learning environment, or any other underlying mental health challenges.)

10 Ways to Unleash Your “Villain Era”

♡ plus my favorite book recommendations ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡