Read more: Shy Snider’s Havoc makes provocative, “anti-fashion” band merch

Below, we spoke with brand founder Alice about her formative music influences, creating a brand that empowers women, and her dreams of dreaming alt vets like Taylor Momsen and Hayley Williams.

Where did you grow up? Was there an alternative subculture happening there?

I grew up in a city in Italy called Pescara. My introduction to the alternative scene came through my older brother, who’s a drummer in different local gigs, and shared his passion for music with me. During my teenage years, I further immersed myself in this world by playing electric guitar, jamming out to bands like Nirvana, Avenged Sevenfold, Soundgarden, etc. Every time that I discovered a new alt band, it was love at first sight. 

What was your first introduction to grunge/punk clothing? Was it through music or photos you saw?

It wasn’t just about the tunes — it was the whole vibe, you know? Watching MTV music videos like “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne and jamming out to bands like blink-182, I couldn’t help but be drawn to their pop-punk style. Let’s not forget those iconic ’80s glam-rock bands like Mötley Crüe — their lookbooks were like treasure troves of inspiration! So, whether I was rocking out in my room or flipping through those glossy pages, each glimpse into the world of alternative fashion felt like discovering a piece of myself. It’s that same spirit of boldness and individuality that I channel into my women’s wear brand today.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

Growing up, my musical taste was as eclectic as it gets! I was exposed to a wide range of genres, from the gritty sounds of grunge and punk to the soulful melodies of indie rock and the infectious beats of electronic music. Bands like Nirvana, My Chemical Romance, and Sex Pistols were constant companions during my formative years, providing the soundtrack to countless memories. Whether I was headbanging to heavy riffs or getting lost in dreamy atmospheres, music was always there to inspire, comfort, and challenge me. 

What did you do before the brand, and what led you to that moment in 2020 when you decided to start Alice’s Lips?

Before diving into the world of Alice’s Lips, I was determined to turn my passion for music into a career, so much so that I moved to England with my electric guitar and my partner Andrea, with whom I had a Nirvana cover band. I started attending the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, earning my degree in music performance with a focus on electric guitar. During that time, I used Depop a lot: I lived in a very small studio apartment, and space was limited, so the extra money always came in handy. I enjoyed finding vintage clothes, and it seemed like people appreciated my sense of style! It was a pleasant surprise and made me reflect. Could there be something more to this? Combining my love for music and my passion for fashion, I took the leap and launched Alice’s Lips in 2020 with my partner Andrea. It was like bringing together the best of both worlds! 

The name is a nod to our Nirvana cover band days. Alice’s Lips is inspired by the iconic Nirvana cover of “Molly’s Lips,” paying homage to our musical roots and the spirit of alternative culture that fuels our brand. It’s amazing how a simple jam session can lead to something so meaningful.

Who do you make this clothing for?

Whether you’re a rebel at heart, a free spirit, or someone who simply refuses to be boxed in by society’s expectations, Alice’s Lips is for you. It’s about celebrating diversity, embracing nonconformity, and letting your style speak volumes about who you are.

There’s certainly a lack of women in the alternative space, both making music and running businesses — and beyond the alternative space as well. What’s been the most challenging, and the most rewarding part, of running a female-powered brand?

The most challenging aspect of running a female-powered brand in the alternative space has been navigating the preconceived notions and stereotypes that often accompany the industry. Breaking through barriers and proving that women can be just as influential and successful in alternative music and business has been a continuous journey. Overcoming skepticism and carving out a space for ourselves in a traditionally male-dominated arena has certainly posed its challenges.

However, the most rewarding part has been the opportunity to inspire and empower other women. Seeing the impact of our brand on individuals who find strength and confidence in our clothing is incredibly fulfilling. Creating a community where women feel supported, celebrated, and represented is what drives us forward. Every milestone, every positive review, and every connection made along the way reaffirms our mission and reminds us of the importance of female representation in the alternative space and beyond.

What’s your favorite piece? 

It’s hard to choose a favorite among all the amazing pieces we offer, but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be the “Can’t Kick Me Down Cardigan.” This cardigan holds a special place in my heart, not only because it’s one of our most sought-after items but also because of its unique blend of style and comfort. What I love most is the soft grunge look created by the drop shoulders and subtle safety pins detailing, adding an edgy touch to any outfit.

Tell us about working with Avril Lavigne. How did that happen, and what was it like?

Working with Avril Lavigne has truly been a dream come true and a surreal experience for me. Avril has been my biggest inspiration since I was a kid, and I vividly remember plastering my room with giant posters of her and blasting her music nonstop. So, to have the opportunity to collaborate with someone who has played such a significant role in shaping my artistic journey is beyond words.

The whole experience has been incredibly overwhelming in the best possible way. From the initial contact to seeing our visions come to life, every moment has been filled with excitement and gratitude. Collaborating with Avril not only allowed me to work alongside one of my musical idols but also provided a platform to showcase our brand to a wider audience.

If you could dress anyone, who would it be?

Spoiler: Keep dressing Avril Lavigne. Collaborating with her was a dream come true, but there are many amazing artists in the industry that I’d love to collaborate with! From the fierce and edgy Taylor Momsen to the vibrant and eclectic Hayley Williams, dressing these iconic women would be an honor and a thrill. Their boldness, individuality, and fearless approach to fashion perfectly embody the spirit of our brand. Who knows what opportunities may come our way next? Whether it’s dressing another iconic artist, collaborating with like-minded creatives, or pushing the boundaries of fashion even further, the future is full of endless potential and excitement.

Read more: 24 of the most exciting rising artists to watch in 2024

That said, we asked our readers to name the best debut albums of all time, and they fired back with wide-ranging answers that encompassed many genres and decades. Find the top fan picks ranked below.

5. The Killers – Hot Fuss

Twenty years later, the Killers’ Hot Fuss is still a total blast. Besides the perennial shout-along “Mr. Brightside,” cuts like “Somebody Told Me,” “Smile Like You Mean It,” and “Change Your Mind” resonate just as deeply as they did back then. The album was, understandably, front-loaded with anthems that defined a generation, but time has been kind to its back half, too, which shines with lesser-loved songs that are equally radio-friendly. In the end, Hot Fuss was thoroughly representative of the indie-sleaze movement that defined a time and place in NYC — a golden era that’s starting to wrap back around.

4. The Used – The Used

The Used knew they had something special when they played “Maybe Memories” — the opening track from their 2002 self-titled debut, which became a landmark release for the emo and post-hardcore scene — over the speakers at a bowling alley and saw people’s reactions in real time. At that point, the members hadn’t traveled out of Utah often. Staying in Venice Beach while recording, plus getting to team up with workhorse producer John Feldmann, who’d frequently do all-night sessions, resulted in a “magical time,” in the words of Bert McCracken.

3. Avril Lavigne – Let Go

Avril Lavigne made a deep impression with Let Go, which she released when she was only 17. Through a series of evocative singles like “Sk8er Boi,” “Complicated,” and “I’m With You,” she captured teenage attitude in a way that made people take her seriously, inspired by the anger of angst of Alanis Morissette. Her fashion sense — the album cover features her wearing baggy pants and highlights — was also genius, even though she was just wearing old soccer shirts and stealing her dad’s neckties. “I would wear the same shit over and over. No one ever fucking does that now,” Lavigne says of the era.

2. My Chemical Romance – I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love

Helmed by Thursday’s Geoff Rickly, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love foreshadowed My Chemical Romance’s breakthrough — though no one could predict that they’d reach such massive heights. Filled with a collection of ambitious tracks, the album leaned into the realms of hardcore, prog, and pop punk but was bolstered by the strength of their storytelling. They had a message and purpose from the start, famously forming in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. “The world changed that day, and the next day we set about trying to change the world,” they said.

1. Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory

Of course our readers voted Hybrid Theory as the best debut album of all time. Released at the turn of the millennium, Linkin Park knocked it out of the park on their first try, as its legacy and impact have since reached towering heights. The record found its audience quickly, thanks to the band being able to convey misunderstood youth and pent-up rage. With Chester Bennington’s inimitable voice, who sent songs like “Crawling,” “One Step Closer,” and “In The End” to the heavens, the band flowed between rap, metal, electronica, and alternative rock with style and skill. In the wake of Bennington’s passing, Hybrid Theory hits even harder than the day it was released.

Lavigne says, “I’ll be doing the Greatest Hits from all of my albums and along with some of your favorites, perhaps some special requests? And of course all of my friends are joining me!!!” For Simple Plan, she says, “They toured with me on my very first tour, so it’s only fitting we are doing it again!” For All Time Low: “My boys! We’ve been friends for a while now and have talked about trying to tour together for years, so glad we finally get to do it for real!” She also adds that Royal & the Serpent are “two of my favorite artists that I can’t wait to bring out with me.”

Read more: Every Avril Lavigne album ranked: From worst to best

Last year, Lavigne and All Time Low teamed up for the new song “Fake As Hell,” and they also played “Sk8er Boi” together at last year’s When We Were Young. Lavigne’s latest album is 2022’s return to pop punk Love Sux.

Avril Lavigne 2024 North American tour dates
Wed May 22 — Vancouver, BC — Rogers Arena ^
Sat May 25 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre ^
Sun May 26 — Ridgefield, WA — RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater ^
Tue May 28 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheatre ^
Thu May 30 — Inglewood, CA — Kia Forum ^
Sat Jun 01 — Las Vegas, NV — MGM Grand Garden Arena ^
Sun Jun 02 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre ^
Wed Aug 14 — Ottawa, ON — Canadian Tire Centre +
Fri Aug 16 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage +
Sat Aug 17 — Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC — Festival International de Montgolfières ~
Tue Aug 20 — Buffalo, NY — Darien Lake Amphitheater +
Wed Aug 21 — Hartford, CT — The XFINITY Theatre +
Fri Aug 23 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center +
Sat Aug 24 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center +
Tue Aug 27 — Wantagh, NY — Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater +
Thu Aug 29 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion +
Sat Aug 31 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live +
Sun Sep 01 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion +
Tue Sep 03 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre +
Wed Sep 04 — Nashville, TN — Ascend Amphitheater +
Fri Sep 06 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center +
Sat Sep 07 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre +
Mon Sep 09 — Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater +
Tue Sep 10 — Chicago, IL — Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island +
Thu Sep 12 — Minneapolis, MN — The Armory +
Sat Sept 14 — Winnipeg, MB — Canada Life Centre +
Mon Sept 16 — Edmonton, AB — Rogers Place

^ With All Time Low and Royal & The Serpent
+ With Simple Plan and Girlfriends
~ Festival Date

Read more: 10 criminally underrated blink-182 songs

Naturally, we asked our readers what the best pop-punk albums are of all time, and the answers were overwhelming. Find the top fan picks ranked below.

5. blink-182 – Take Off Your Pants and Jacket

Following up a blockbuster like Enema was no easy feat. On their fourth studio album, however, blink-182 accepted the challenge and focused on what worked. Their juvenile humor reigned — say the title out loud and then peek at the record’s joke tracks, like something about a dog — whereas the songs stayed fast and punchy. Think of all the classics (“First Date,” “The Rock Show”) that you still hear to this day, along with their more serious numbers like “Anthem Part Two” and “Stay Together for the Kids.”

4. New Found Glory – Sticks and Stones

New Found Glory’s 2002 breakthrough, Sticks and Stones, possessed an allure that made it ideal for summertime and shopping malls. Ever since its release, the record’s influence has run deep, from the Story So Far taking their name from one of the songs to massive anthems like “My Friends Over You” cracking the Billboard Hot 100. In fact, it’s hard to find a band who haven’t been touched by its chugging riffs and catchy choruses. Decades-old earworms like “Understatement” and “Head on Collision” even make their setlists to this day.

3. Avril Lavigne – The Best Damn Thing

Avril Lavigne’s third studio album, The Best Damn Thing, is one of her most beloved. Whereas her 2004 record, Under My Skin, sounded darker and heavier than her debut, this release embraced a more buoyant pop-rock slant that made it perfect for the radio. “Girlfriend” is a perennial anthem that was created on the fly, whereas belt-out-loud ballads like “Keep Holding On” highlighted her growth and songwriting chops. If you listen to her latest album, Love Sux, there’s definitely some shared DNA, but The Best Damn Thing will always come out on top.

2. Green Day – Dookie

Green Day recently caused mayhem when they played Dookie front to back at an intimate Vegas show ahead of their headlining slot at When We Were Young. Next year, they’ll celebrate 30 years of the beloved classic — the album that launched the Bay Area crew into the stratosphere and made them one of the biggest punk bands ever. It marked a divisive time, as purists called them “sellouts” and barred them from playing 924 Gilman St., while others saw their major-label debut as a sign of greater things to come. Whatever your stance, Dookie changed everything and helped to define the ’90s.

1. blink-182 – Enema of the State

Enema of the State is the album that flung many headlong into the world of pop punk. With producer Jerry Finn at the helm, blink-182 created a record that took them to great heights. New recruit Travis Barker added seriousness to their playing with his breakneck speed, which balanced out their crude humor and set them apart. The album also brimmed with tearjerkers (“Adam’s Song”), mega-hits (“All the Small Things”), and anxiety anthems (“Going Away to College”), which made Enema of the State the perfect brew of teenage angst. All these years later, it remains the gold standard of modern pop punk.

“‘Fake As Hell’ is a song about recognizing what’s real and saying goodbye to what’s not — it’s about cutting ties with people and things that don’t lift you up and help you progress,” All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth says. “It’s a wave goodbye to whatever’s in the rear-view mirror and a new perspective on the road ahead. Collaborating on this one with Avril is a dream realized, and getting to watch her do what she does best in the studio was crazy inspiring.”

Read more: Every Avril Lavigne album ranked: From worst to best

The song comes amid All Time Low’s ongoing tour with Gym Class Heroes, Grayscale, and Lauren Hibberd. Listen and see all remaining tour dates below.

All Time Low 2023 tour dates
September 15, 2023 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
September 17, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
September 20, 2023 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY
September 22, 2023 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
September 23, 2023 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
September 24, 2023 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
September 26, 2023 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
September 27, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
September 28, 2023 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
October 01, 2023 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore
October 03, 2023 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live – Ballroom
October 04, 2023 – Dallas, TX – The Factory in Deep Ellum
October 06, 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
October 07, 2023 – San Diego, CA – Observatory SD
October 11, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
October 14, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
October 16, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
October 17, 2023 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
October 21, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young Festival 2023
October 22, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young Festival 2023

From 2001 to 2004, MTV ran a series of tribute specials known as MTV Icon in which they honored famed musicians by having younger, contemporary artists cover their work. Over the years, the network featured acts including Aerosmith, the Cure, and Janet Jackson, and for the 2003 iteration, they recognized Metallica.

Read more: Every Avril Lavigne album ranked: From worst to best

For the Metallica MTV Icon, acts ranging from Korn to Snoop Dogg covered the metal heroes — as did the pop-punk princess, Avril Lavinge. The singer-songwriter was just 18 years old at the time and still coming off the 2002 release of her debut album Let Go — but she traded in her alt-rock sound to go heavier and grungier by taking on “Fuel” for the special.

To perform the song off the band’s 1997 album Reload, Lavinge sung in a deeper register, yelled a bit more than she was used to, and totally rocked out on stage, joined by a ripping band. During the special, you can see Metallica themselves in the audience, head-banging and air-drumming along to the set. And afterward, MTV even asked for their thoughts on the performance — which Lars Ulrich called “great” and a “mind fuck.” James Hetfield added, “Pretty interesting to hear my lyrics sung by a female — not bad.”

Not bad is right. Watch a clip of the performance below.

Though Lavigne is widely considered to be the princess of pop-punk, her discography covers a wider range of genres. From her roots in alternative and post-grunge to experimenting with more electronic stylings on her self-titled record, Lavigne has spent her decades-long career growing as an artist by blending different influences into full-bodied albums. Permeating through them all has been her rich vocals and a dash of feminine rage. 

Read more: Fan poll: 5 greatest pop-punk vocalists of all time

While feminine rage has historically been articulated, written and otherwise communicated by and for men, Lavigne made visible the true range of the tradition on her own terms. This led her music to define a generation and help pave the way for woman-driven and punk-influenced pop music. 

Every Avril Lavigne album ranked

Epic

7. Avril Lavigne (2013)

Lavigne’s self-titled album found her making the music she wanted to, regardless of reception, and perfectly encapsulates her love for experimenting with her sound. This sentiment is best represented in the track “Hello Kitty,” an electronic fever dream. The release was also the first time Lavigne included featured artists on a project. Thus, a bold and carefree experimentation with genre defines both this record and the musician behind it. 

BMG

6. Head Above Water (2019)

A gargantuan tone shift in Lavigne’s music came with Head Above Water. After being diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2014, she spent two years bedridden and recovering. At the same time, Lavigne’s voice seemed to grow stronger, which she saw as a sign from God to keep making music. She explored the range of her voice and rediscovered the power of her own vulnerability with Head Above Water. The title track, featuring Lavigne’s robust vocals towering above peaceful piano and swooning strings, is one of her most monumental ballads to date. 

RCA

5. The Best Damn Thing (2007)

The Best Damn Thing can best be described as the little sister to Love Sux. The album saw Lavigne dive headfirst into pop rock following the releases of the alternative Let Go and Evanescence-esque Under My Skin. Nothing exemplifies this more than “Girlfriend,” the album’s lead single and Lavigne’s first No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But The Best Damn Thing isn’t just a pop-rock album — Lavigne also managed to pepper in some passionate ballads like “Keep Holding On,” again highlighting her ability to effortlessly shift genres (and belt out a ballad) without compromising on quality. 

RCA

4. Goodbye Lullaby (2011)

Lavigne’s fourth studio album, and her last release through RCA Records, took on a more melodic tone. An array of deeply introspective tracks featuring stripped-down instrumentals are cut with infectious hits like “What The Hell” and “Smile.” Lavigne’s trademark attitude in these songs lends a sense of humor and letting go (so to speak) to an album primarily devoted to the singer grappling with complicated emotions during a transitional period in both her life and career.

Elektra/DTA

3. Love Sux (2022)

After experimenting with a few genres over the years, Lavigne returned with Love Sux to remind everyone that she is still the mother-fucking (pop-punk) princess. With a little help from blink-182’s Travis Barker, Machine Gun Kelly, and blackbear, Lavigne brought her signature attitude into the modern age of pop punk. Tracks like “Bite Me,” “F.U.” and “Love It When You Hate Me” define the album: a refreshing and deeply infectious illustration of pure feminine rage. 

Arista

2. Under My Skin (2004)

The dreaded “sophomore slump” was no match for Lavigne. On Under My Skin, she experimented with a darker, post-grunge sound and ended up with an album that helped define a generation. Lavigne’s musical maturity, displayed through her impressive vocals and dynamic lyricism, can be seen in tracks like “Nobody’s Home” and “Fall To Pieces.” With the album being released just two years after her debut, Under My Skin showcased how far she had come in a short amount of time, as well as how much potential she still had as an emerging artist.

Arista

1. Let Go (2002)

There is simply no other place to put Let Go than right at the top. Lavigne was just 17 when she dropped her debut album, which is impressive in its own right. As a young woman in alternative rock, she controlled her own narrative and showed her range as an artist by dropping both the unforgettable “Sk8er Boi” and the evocative ballad “I’m With You” as singles. The result is an album where Lavigne inexplicably managed to capture early 2000s-era teenage angst in a way that resonates with listeners of all ages — even two decades after its release. 

Read more: 10 most criminally underrated Bring Me The Horizon songs

With so many show-stopping vocalists to choose from, we asked our readers to choose the greatest pop-punk vocalists of all time. Largely, artists from the last 30 or so years were represented the most, and the top five fan picks are ranked accordingly below.

5. Gerard Way – My Chemical Romance

Gerard Way channels Freddie Mercury with his theatrical pop-punk vocals, which make each of his songs feel epic. The My Chemical Romance bandleader uses that power to make choruses haunting, creepy and unparalleled. From the operatic “Helena” to the anthemic “Welcome to the Black Parade,” Way’s vocals always manage to make each track an immersive experience.

4. Billie Joe Armstrong – Green Day

You can recognize Billie Joe Armstrong‘s syrupy vocals anywhere. The Green Day bandleader is known for largely his lower range and doesn’t necessarily belt like some of the others on this list, but that it’s what’s given many of the band’s hits their palpable grit. Green Day’s songs have more of a punk sheen than pop because of Armstrong, but that’s their appeal.

3. Patrick Stump – Fall Out Boy

There’s something distinct about each pop-punk singer’s vocals, and when it comes to Patrick Stump, he brings a soulful swagger with him. The Fall Out Boy bandleader’s ability to deliver a piercing falsetto that’s jazz- and blues-tinged makes songs like 2005’s “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and 2007’s “This Ain’t a Scene” particularly cinematic.

2. Hayley Williams – Paramore

Beyond being a great pop-punk vocalist, Hayley Williams is generally just a talented singer. Toying with her tone, timbre and delivery, the Paramore bandleader has one of the most versatile voices out there. Whether she’s pouring her disappointment into her sharp, wailing vocals on the Twilight soundtrack hit “Decode” or belting her rage into a track about someone’s ex in 2007’s “Misery Business,” Williams’ tone never falters and always leaves us wanting more.

1. Avril Lavigne

The “motherfucking princess” of pop punk earned the top spot on this list. For over 20 years, Avril Lavigne has seamlessly moved between defiant pop-punk tracks and tender ballads. But her vocal prowess transcends genre: The Canadian singer delivers clean vocal runs whether she’s singing snappy tracks like the 2007 hit “Boyfriend” or the 2002 emotive ballad “I’m With You.” Her versatility is what’s made her more than a princess, and instead the queen of pop-punk vocalists.

Read more: Avril Lavigne: “Music takes over your whole life; I had to dedicate my entire life to my music”

In the video, you can see messages written on the protestor’s skin, including “The Clock Is Ticking 0745 Days Left” and “Save The Green Belt,” which references a controversial area in Ontario that developers have their eye on. Lavigne brushed the moment off, telling the protestor to “get the fuck off” the stage with a laugh before security escorted them away. “Now, nobody try anything this time. I’ll [mess you] up,” she teased later in the night while accepting the Fan Choice Award.

Watch footage of the viral moment, as well as her acceptance speech, below.