It is the Finish of Pageant Trend as We Know It
In some unspecified time in the future within the final decade, “competition style” grew to become code for “what to put on to Coachella.” Sure, there are different festivals each summer time, however let’s be trustworthy, the Palm Springs-adjacent music occasion of the season is synonymous with over-the-top style, influencer events, and superstar sightings. What started as an indie music live performance in 1999 shortly devolved right into a multi-weekend extravaganza that is extra about getting pic for the ‘gram in entrance of a Ferris wheel than trying out new artists. The truth is, widespread curiosity in Coachella appeared to start within the early 2010s—proper as social media took off. Coincidence? Most likely not.
After all, there are nonetheless music lovers and real followers amidst the Coachella crowd, however Instagram feeds all over the place inform a special story. With every passing yr, the attendees, see-and-be-seen vibe, and outfits received progressively extra decadent. To not point out, “competition fashion” (a.ok.a. Coachella fashion) has an extended historical past of cultural appropriation and problematic style tropes. By 2019 (the final Coachella earlier than the pandemic started), the competition had reached peak opulence, changing into a swirling, capitalist kaleidoscope of #Revolve influencers and bottled water brand-sponsored activations.
The previous few years of Coachella-free life lived (largely) indoors and away from massive crowds has introduced some much-needed perspective to the frantic FOMO many people skilled each spring earlier than the competition’s two-year hiatus. For the primary time, it appears like everybody’s in on the joke in 2022. TikTok movies tagged #coachella this yr had been equal elements self-aware and spectacle. Even the social media platform du jour (TikTok) is extra about voice and perspective than picture (à la Instagram). I noticed simply as many send-ups of the pressure-cooker that’s competition style tradition as ‘match checks on social media.
Even celebrities appeared extra subdued than in earlier years. Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner, notably, confirmed up in… tank tops and dishevelled denims? Not precisely groundbreaking by weekend brunch requirements, however a notable shift from the lace corsets, crochet, and cutouts rocked previously. We additionally received a cute cottagecore second from Sydney Sweeney (which felt extra Silverlake Flea than stylish concert-goer), some cool ’90s grunge from Doja Cat, a retro Pucci-inspired pants set from Storm Reed, and a surprisingly lengthy jean skirt and ruffled shirt that will make early Dolly Parton proud because of Coachella mainstay Elsa Hosk.
To be trustworthy, I am not mad about it. In a world the place sustainability, inflation, and the ever-collapsing development cycle are prime of thoughts, it was contemporary and thrilling to see competition outfits that regarded like they’d been thrown collectively from what was already hanging in closets. Possibly I am giving celebs an excessive amount of credit score, however even the phantasm of re-wearing, upcycling, and acutely aware consumerism felt like a pleasant change of tempo as in comparison with the pre-pandemic competition scene.
Plus, the performers introduced sufficient sparkle, assertion, and sequins (Harry Kinds and Shania!) to fulfill anybody anticipating sartorial drama from their competition expertise. There was nonetheless a lot to have a look at, however well-known concert-goers wore outfits that had been delicate, low-key—and dare I say, wearable—this yr. So, is competition style over? Once more, most likely not. However, a Coachella vibe shift is lengthy overdue. Anticipate much less problematic equipment and extra classic, dishevelled pants, and tiny tops sooner or later. And for those who’re craving the crochet units and Doc Martins of years previous, look no additional than the patron saint of Coachella, Vanessa Hudgens. She all the time delivers.
