The Return of Coachella Culture: Where Did It Go and Why Is It Back?
Image Courtesy: Women’s Wear Daily
Coachella, one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, has always been known for its niche fashion and culture. It is supposed to be a melting pot of crochet skirts, cowboy boots, and metallic accessories, all blended perfectly into the yearly trends. However, we have collectively decided that Coachella hasn't “hit” the same since 2016. The festival gained a negative connotation due to the presence of social media influencers. Yet in 2023, Coachella fashion and culture have made a triumphant comeback with guests embracing the festival's original spirit.
After 2016, the rise of social media influencers brought a new meaning to Coachella fashion. People were more focused on taking perfect Instagram pictures than enjoying the music and experience. There was this societal expectation to curate the image of a perfect weekend in the desert because personal branding became more important than celebrating music and culture. It became a competition of who had the most unique and expensive outfit, and the original essence of the festival was lost.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
This year's Coachella, however, heralds a shift back to the original culture and fashion that made the festival so iconic. Many influencers embodied the original spirit of Coachella culture through the nostalgic resurgence of the vintage bohemian styles, which first defined the festival with a relaxed and carefree atmosphere.
The fashion at Coachella 2023 was a mix of old and new. Guests embraced the classic Coachella staples such as fringed jackets, floral crowns, and flowy dresses, but also added the cultural trends of this year. Many were seen wearing knitwear, medallion belts, and rundown cowboy boots. Many influencers even incorporated sustainable fashion into their outfits with recycled materials and natural fibers. This shift towards sustainable fashion not only aligns with the festival's focus on art and culture but also reflects a growing trend in the fashion industry.
The return of Coachella culture also played a significant role in this year's festival. It seems as though the music and art were celebrated weeks before the festival date, and the festival's diverse lineup and artists were appreciated. The festival's focus on art and creativity was highlighted through installations such as the colorful and interactive "Spectra" by NEWSUBSTANCE and the thought-provoking "Paradise" by Office Kovacs.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Coachella 2023 featured a variety of food vendors, highlighting the festival's dedication to celebrating diverse cultures. From Mexican street food to vegan options, attendees were able to experience a range of cuisines and flavors.
The revival of Coachella fashion and culture in 2023 is a welcomed change from the influencer-dominated festival culture of recent years. Coachella fans were able to appreciate the festival for what it was originally intended to be, a celebration of music, art, and culture. The focus on sustainable fashion and diverse cultures reflects a growing awareness of environmental and social issues, and a desire to create a better festival environment going forward, one that is not surrounded and embodied by what celebrities are doing, but by what real people are doing.
Strike Out,
Writer: Sophia Yunaev
Editor: Noelle Knowlton
Tallahassee