In the decades since the first Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival took place in Southern California in 1999, its cultural footprint has grown to encompass way more than music. This year’s event, which kicked off over the weekend, reflected that evolution: It was a days-long concert, but also a “White Lotus” reunion, a political rally and, as in years past, a fashion spectacle.
Sets by Jennie and Lisa, the Blackpink members turned solo acts, and Lady Gaga had people buzzing about the singers’ outfits almost as much as their musical performances. Lisa’s set also had people talking about its crowd, after some of her “White Lotus” Season 3 co-stars like Patrick Schwarzenegger and Tayme Thapthimthong were spotted in the audience. Other celebrities who mingled with the festival-going masses included Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, as well as Justin and Hailey Bieber.
While certain famous Coachella attendees tried their best to blend in, wearing anodyne T-shirts or trucker hats, there were plenty whose outfits glaringly stood out. Most times that came across as intentional, but in certain cases it did not — for example, when Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont took the stage to introduce the singer Clairo in his typical ensemble of blazer and button-down shirt. While usual for him, the look was atypical for the festival and one that, like the others on this list, will be hard to forget.
Lady Gaga: Most Presto Changeo!
There were almost as many outfits as songs in the singer’s Coachella set. While not as over-the-top as her theatrical red costume involving the massive skirt, an ensemble incorporating metal crutches and armor made by Manuel Albarrán struck a chord with many viewers who saw it as a throwback to attire she wore in the video for her song “Paparazzi.”
Lisa: Most Electric!
The high energy that co-stars and fans brought to the crowd during the singer’s performance was matched onstage in a glowing costume with a butterfly-like bodice designed by Asher Levine.
Jennie: Most Dudette Ranch!
Cowgirl met cyborg in the accessories that the singer and rapper wore as part of a crimson ensemble involving an animal-print jacket, a crop top and triple-belted hot pants.
Addison Rae: Most Dairy Queen!
In a pale prairie dress styled with blond wavy hair, the singer conjured an effortlessly glamorous milkmaid while performing with Arca. While onstage, Ms. Rae used her clothing to share the release date for her new album: At one point, she turned around to show viewers that, beneath her gauzy Chloe dress, she was wearing pink Victoria’s Secret Pink underwear with “June 6th” written on it.
Charli XCX, Benito Skinner and Julia Fox: Most Odd Throuple!
Sartorially speaking, there wasn’t much of a through line between the ensembles that the singer, the comedian and the actress wore at one of Coachella’s many sponsored attractions. Aside from peekaboo waistlines, that is.
LL Cool J: Most Butter Yellow!
The rapper was among a handful of guests who shared the stage with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the festival. Making his appearance even more notable was his choice to dress entirely in a palette that some have called the color of the season.
Tyla: Most Pirate of the Caribbean!
The singer’s performance this year was her first at Coachella. For the momentous occasion, she combined elements including crystal mesh, brocade, fringe and tattered fishnets to assemble an outfit that could have doubled as a costume for a Disney film.
Noah Cyrus: Most Victorian Valley Girl!
A high collar and ruffles were among the details that gave the singer’s white dress a bygone feel. Making it more of-the-moment was the nearly nude effect created by its lacy fabric.
Bernie Sanders: Most Bernie!
Though the senator’s appearance at Coachella might have come as a surprise to many, his ensemble of a navy blazer and a blue collared shirt likely registered as business as usual.
Belinda Carlisle: Most Vacation!
The Go-Go’s singer performed in a sparkly top and a swishy floral-print Le Superbe skirt that seemed the exact type of cheerful, easygoing attire one might pack for a trip.
Shaboozey: Most Red, White and Boozey!
The American West has influenced the sound and the look of the country singer, who goes by Boozey on Instagram, and whose embroidered Etro suit at Coachella blended reds, whites and blues.
