The new girl squads here to take Taylor Swift’s crown
The A-list girl gangs we’re queueing up to be a part of
Believe it or not, the word “squad” was invented way before Taylor Swift came into our lives – but in 2015, when her single Bad Blood was released, it changed how we viewed celebrity friendships forever. Instead of a chance pap shot of two stars at a Hollywood bash together, we were suddenly privy to Instagram pictures of some pop star’s cosy slumber party, an actress or three enjoying a weekend away in Mexico, or a huge 4 July party with everyone wearing matching onesies.
Gigi Hadid, a key member of TS’ squad, once admitted that the group spent most of their time talking about, well, themselves. She said, “It’s a conversation we often have. We want to be the generation and the group of friends known for supporting each other. ‘Squad Goals’ is a big social-media thing, and that’s what we want to inspire in other groups of friends – to be proud of the power you all have when you’re together, which can be amplified so much by each person.”
So, apparently, the first rule of the Swift Squad was to constantly talk about the squad. Sadly, after the successful promotion of Taylor’s single, the rot set in and the gang’s slow demise began. Interviews with various members seem to suggest the girls weren’t actually all that close, and Taylor’s absence at supposed BFF Karlie Kloss’ wedding last month spoke volumes. No bad blood though, right, Tay?
The new squad rules
Fast-forward three years and we have entered the realm of the squad 2.0. These groups of intelligent, charismatic women are doing good in the world, spreading positive messages, and most importantly, not humble-bragging that they’re a member of an amazing squad.
Here we’d like to formally acknowledge Reese Witherspoon as the leader of all the non-squad squads. In 2012, after feeling tired of not seeing any female leads in the cinematic landscape, Reese set up her own production company.
‘These groups aren’t humblebragging about being in a squad’
Reese teamed up with Nicole Kidman to tell one of these stories, in multi-award-winning TV series Big Little Lies. The two stars optioned the screen rights to the best-selling novel and gathered a phenomenal cast of actresses to take on lead roles – creating our fave new girl gang.
Seeing Nicole and Reese joined by newer stars such as Zoë Kravitz and Shailene Woodley, and fellow veteran Laura Dern – as well as actual Meryl Streep joining them for the second series – we can’t help but be inspired just watching the show, let alone seeing them all championing women in the film industry.
The Funny gals
For some reason that will never be clear to actual women, females aren’t allowed to be funny. That’s what we’ve been told for decades, and yet when Kristen Wiig and her screenwriter pal Annie Mumolo penned the 2011 epic Lol-fest
Bridesmaids, the world shut up about it… sort of. Bridesmaids grossed almost $300m at the box office and the actresses who led it have taken the mantle of badass comedy girl gang and run with it. Maya Rudolph, Melissa Mccarthy, Rose Byrne and Rebel Wilson: these women are no longer just the sassy sidekick – they’re writing their own books, films and sitcoms, and handing the hilarious, threedimensional parts to their mates.
Amy Schumer is one of the many funny ladies who manage to straddle a few of the new squads. Most recently, she’s been waving the flag high for politics. And she’s not alone.
THE POLITICAL ONES
The image of Amy Schumer punching the air after having been arrested at a protest last month struck a chord. She had attended the “#Cancelkavanaugh” event at Capitol Hill to protest Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court following accusations of sexual misconduct. Marching alongside model Emily Ratajkowski, Amy was just one of many celebrities to show up and have their voice heard. Lena Dunham said of the protest, “So many women I love are in DC today. They represent hundreds, thousands and millions of other women.”
With celebrities able to connect to their fans through social media, the power of the internet can really help in times of political turmoil. Stars are realising that by banding together, they can make change. You only have to think back to the Time’s Up movement – stars such as America Ferrera, Michelle Williams and Rashida Jones led the way for women to speak out against years of abuse and bullying, while Zoë Kravitz, Kristen Bell and Emma Watson were just some of the many A-list faces spotted at the Women’s March earlier this year. Importantly, none of them were using their politics to promote their latest film. Scroll through their feeds and you’ll see them all championing different causes – and encouraging us to do the same.
THE SUPERMODELS
Even models, who some might have previously considered a tad vacuous, are getting in on the act. Yes, there will be countless semi-naked shots on their Instas that aren’t exactly progressive, but models such as Kendall Jenner, the Hadids, and Hailey Baldwin are constantly celebrating each others’ achievements. And let’s be fair, they can’t help it if their girl gang is seriously photogenic.
And the best thing about these squads is they will only get bigger.
THE NEXT GENERATION
You know who’s scary? Teenagers. They have grown up with social media in their pockets, and there are many who’d rather get an Instagram ‘like’ than a real-life compliment. So, when you see one let loose on the world that remains dignified, intelligent and chooses to spread positivity, it’s a real win for everyone. Teen stars such as Dance Moms sensation Maddie Ziegler, Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown and Willow Smith are using their privileged positions to try and educate their followers, all while navigating being actual teens themselves. Can you imagine?
So, while the word “squad” might be making you feel a bit sick by now (us too, don’t worry), we’re on board with Hollywood’s newest and finest. And we can’t wait to see what they do next.