April 30, 2008 – The 9th annual Coachella festival took place last weekend (April 25, 26, and 27 ) in Indio, California where it was deathly hot but worth every dehydrating moment. It was an arts and music festival but fashion was definitely on stage as well.
The boys of Coachella kept it simple and sported just khaki shorts, and many went topless. The girls worked harder and planned their outfits out each day. From their hair down to their sandals (predominately gladiator), the girls did whatever it took to look fresh and cute.
American Apparel was definitely the brand of choice but there were, of course, girls that wanted to be different and not match the hordes. Those girls shopped at secondhand stores, trying their best to wear all vintage and look cute nonetheless.
Musically, there was something for everyone this year at Coachella, from headliners Jack Johnson, Prince and Roger Waters to obscure European indie bands and DJs with perfectly orchestrated sets. Drawing electronic music, indie rock and pop acts the festival fostered days of sun-drenched dancing.
The festival was dominated by male acts but one highlight was M.I.A who stole the show this year. During her performance, she changed up her songs, and played some new ones that we couldn’t wait to download when we got home. Her electronic sound is so addicting, and it for sure kept everyone entertained. On Saturday afternoon, Uffie dominated the stage, and had crowds of fans cheering her on. Another must see was Tegan and Sara who performed on Friday afternoon. And, of course Portishead, who reunited for Coachella fronted by Beth Gibbons.
I would have liked to see more girls represented on stage – we know the talent’s out there, so maybe next year the organizers will try a little harder. Nevertheless, it was worth every sweltering, musically-tinged minute – and if the girls weren’t rocking the stages, they were definitely making their presence known in the tents and on the concert lawns.
