Amidst the vibrant and music-filled atmosphere of Coachella, Austin Galindo, a seasoned participant in the festival's artistic scene, shares insights into this year's fashion trends. Galindo, previously stationed at the jewelry booth for eight years, has now transitioned to the sewing machines for the 2024 edition of Coachella. As a professional designer, he is part of a team of approximately 60 individuals involved in the Coachella Art Studios project, discovered through his own jewelry business. Apart from his paid work at Coachella, Galindo enjoys attending shows during his off hours, often admiring and analyzing attendees' outfits.
According to Galindo, this year's fashion scene at Coachella is embracing a "cowboy chic" aesthetic, highlighted by the popularity of very long boots. However, he emphasizes that a constant theme at the festival is the prominence of revealing outfits, with "skin is in" being a perennial mantra. Additionally, attendees are gravitating towards flowy designs and breathable mesh fabrics, favoring comfort and style in the desert setting.
One standout creation from the Coachella Art Studios this year was a '70s-style bedazzled bodysuit, featuring a flared design with a front zipper closure, capturing the festival's eclectic and expressive spirit.
For Kaila Fick, a dedicated Coachella-goer from Redlands, visiting the craft booths has become an annual tradition since 2019. As a hairdresser with a passion for crafting and upcycling, Fick has witnessed the expansion and evolution of the Coachella Art Studios setup over the years. This year, Fick took advantage of the available materials to fashion a wedding garter using lacelike ribbons and a blue bow, envisioning it as a unique addition to her upcoming wedding attire.
In addition to the wedding garter, Fick brought along a decades-old Misfits T-shirt, aiming to rejuvenate it with safety pins in a nod to punk fashion. She also sought alterations for a quirky shirt featuring firefighting and Rastafarianism motifs, hoping to resize it for a better fit.
While Fick appreciates the alterations and creative advice offered at Coachella Art Studios, she acknowledges the underlying cost of participation, noting that the expensive entry ticket ultimately covers the accessible amenities and experiences provided at the festival.
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