The Cruise shows are in full swing, delivering ample inspiration for summer looks, both on the runway and off. Amidst the flurry of fashion events, singer Miley Cyrus made a striking appearance at the Dior Cruise show held midweek in Los Angeles. She sported a relaxed denim ensemble, but it was her hair that stole the spotlight: a chunky, chopped blonde bob with visible dark roots and uneven layers. The undone texture and messy waves instantly recalled the indie sleaze aesthetic of the 2000s, a style famously championed by supermodel Kate Moss.
Back in late March 2026, Cyrus's hair appeared longer and more compact. Now, the ends are dramatically feathered and layered, with the darker roots blending into the blonde in a way that feels effortlessly edgy. The side-swept fringe, barely there, frames her cheekbones. Paired with aviator sunglasses and a black blazer layered over the denim, Cyrus channeled a rock-chic vibe that closely mirrors Moss's legendary festival looks from 2007 and 2010 at Glastonbury.
Miley Cyrus is no stranger to reinvention. From her Disney Channel days to her Bangerz hip-hop era, through glam pop and country rock, she has constantly evolved. But this particular shift towards early 2000s indie sleaze feels deliberate. Indie sleaze, known for its grungy, low-fi photobooth aesthetics, messy hair, and rebellious attitude, has been making a resurgence in recent years. Celebrities like Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, and original queen Kate Moss have defined this style, and now Miley Cyrus is tapping into its nostalgic appeal.
The Indie Sleaze Aesthetic: A Brief History
Indie sleaze emerged in the mid-2000s, characterized by a mix of indie rock culture, thrifted clothing, and an unpolished, “I woke up like this” demeanor. Kate Moss became its unofficial poster child. Her hairstyles during that period were particularly influential: the messy, shoulder-length blonde waves, often with darker roots, paired with minimal makeup and a leather jacket. Glastonbury Festival shots from 2007 and 2010 show her signature messy blonde bob with dark roots, oversized shades, and a carefree attitude. It was a rejection of the perfectly coiffed, glossy image of the early 2000s.
Miley Cyrus's new look directly references that era. The length is similar, the layering is equally choppy, and the dark root growth is intentionally pronounced. The hairstyle is versatile: it can be tousled and windblown for a festival vibe, or smoothed down for a more polished but still grungy appeal. In her Dior show appearance, Cyrus kept it undone, with finger-combed waves and a slight fringe hitting her cheekbones. The black aviator sunglasses were the final touch, completing the Moss homage.
How to Recreate the Miley Cyrus / Kate Moss Hairstyle
For those inspired to replicate this look, hairstylists recommend starting with second- or third-day hair for better texture. First, thoroughly brush dry hair to remove any knots. Then, apply a volumizing spray or texturizing mousse from roots to ends. For extra fullness, bend at the waist and shake out your hair with your fingers, allowing sections to fall naturally. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves on the mid-lengths and ends, then use your fingers to break up the curls and add tousle. A bit of salt spray can enhance the messy texture. The key is to avoid perfection – embrace the undone, slightly disheveled look.
The dark roots should be left as is, or enhanced with a root smudge if your natural color is lighter. This growth effect was a hallmark of the indie sleaze era, partially out of necessity (less frequent salon visits) and partially as a style statement.
The Makeup: Understated and Natural
Miley Cyrus's makeup at the Dior show also followed the minimalist indie sleaze approach. The base was natural, with light coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer. Eyeshadow was soft, neutral, and blended just below the brow bone for a slightly smoked effect over the entire lid. A touch of translucent lip gloss completed the look, with minimal blush or bronzer. The goal was to let the hair be the statement.
This beauty moment fits perfectly into the current revival of 2000s and 2010s trends. From low-rise jeans to baby tees, and now indie sleaze hair, pop culture is cycling back to styles that feel authentic and gritty. For Miley, it is another chameleon-esque transformation, but it also ties into her long history of paying tribute to the icons of rock and grunge. In her recent lives and public appearances, she has often referenced the 1970s Laurel Canyon aesthetic, but this shift towards the 2000s indie scene feels fresh and unexpected.
The Dior Cruise show itself was a celebration of Western Americana aesthetics, with a runway set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. Designs featured fringed suede, denim, and prairie dresses. Cyrus's look – a cropped denim jacket, high-waisted jeans, and a simple white tee – blended seamlessly with the collection. Her shoulder-length bob with dark roots was exactly the kind of casual rock star presence Dior aimed for.
Analysts note that this is not the first time Miley Cyrus has referenced Kate Moss. In past photoshoots and performances, she has adopted similar poses and styling. But this hairstyle is the most direct visual nod yet. It positions Cyrus as a torchbearer for the indie sleaze revival, appealing to both younger audiences discovering the era through TikTok and older fans nostalgic for the original aesthetics.
The hairstyle also marks a departure from the more elaborate, polished looks Cyrus has sported recently. The longer, sleek styles of 2025 and early 2026 are gone, replaced by something that feels more relaxed and approachable. The change has sparked widespread commentary on social media, with fans comparing her to Moss and debating whether this signals a new musical direction as well. While Cyrus has not announced an album, her style shift often precedes a new creative phase. Perhaps a rock-infused or more raw acoustic sound is on the horizon.
From a historical perspective, the indie sleaze era of the late 2000s and early 2010s was a reaction to the polished pop of the earlier decade. Bands like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Libertines created a sound that was lo-fi and unpretentious. Fashion followed suit, with skinny jeans, band tees, messy hair, and sneakers. The aesthetic was captured by photographers like The Cobrasnake, who shot countless backstage and party scenes. Miley Cyrus, born in 1992, was right in the target demographic when indie sleaze was at its peak in 2007-2008. Her adoption of this look now feels like a full-circle moment.
For those wanting to achieve the exact hairstyle, a trip to a hairdresser requesting textured layers, a blunt fringe just above the eyebrows, and a color with darker roots and lighter balayage ends is recommended. Maintenance involves using dry shampoo for volume, texturizing spray, and minimal heat styling. The beauty of this look is its ease – it thrives on imperfection and movement.
The Dior Cruise show was held at a historic venue in Los Angeles, adding to the socialite and celebrity guest list. Cyrus's arrival was one of the most talked-about moments, with fashion editors and influencers noting the precise Kate Moss reference. With the ongoing revival of 2000s fashion, this hairstyle will likely become a trend. Already, salons are reporting an increase in requests for “Miley’s messy bob” or “the indie sleaze chop.”
In summary, Miley Cyrus's appearance at the Dior Cruise show represents a carefully curated nostalgia trip. Her new hairstyle, with its dark roots and undone layers, captures the spirit of the 2000s indie sleaze movement and pays homage to its most famous ambassador, Kate Moss. Whether this signals a new album, a tour, or simply a style refresh, it is a powerful reminder of how fashion and beauty can transport us to another era. The look is accessible, versatile, and deeply rooted in the culture of rock and rebellion.
Source: Vogue Germany News