Coachella is renowned for its fantastic performances and its even more fantastic fashion, but how did festival fashion evolve into what it is today?

The 1969 Woodstock festival was billed as “3 days of peace and music,” where like-minded youth came to meet.

Many of the youth subcultures of the 1960s sought to rebel against the conformity and gendered styles the of 1940s and 1950s.

Psychedelic patterns, distressed and destroyed denim and crochet tops were staples, and many patrons did not shy away from partial or full nudity. Also, many people wore handmade pieces from various cultures such as African and Indigenous American, which led to many instances of cultural appropriation.

The 1970s in London saw many unhappy with the state of race relations, and many attended festivals put on by Rock Against Racism.

The attendees were heavily influenced by the punk movement. Studs, safety pins, leather jackets and work boots such as Dr. Martens were the staples.

Glastonbury and Live Aid became the major festivals of the 1980s. The neon colors and sky-high hair of mainstream music made its way to festivals, diluting the rebellious nature of previous eras.

Lollapalooza began in 1991. The 1990s was wrought with new subcultures such as grunge, alternative rock and Britpop. Rebellion was again a major feature of fashion and followers of grunge would be seen in oversized, tattered clothing and skateboard friendly styles. Britpop followers wore various items featuring the Union Jack, bucket hats and Harrington jackets.

Celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Kate Moss helped shape 2000s festival culture, and brands capitalized on the desire of patrons to look like their celebrity idols.

The 2010s brought the commercialization of festival fashion. After Beyonce’s 2017 performance, a renewal of politicized fashion came back to festivals.

While festivals have changed throughout the decades, their fashions have always showcased youth culture and politically charged rebellion.

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