By Kaliyah Green
Every spring, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees, influencers, and celebrities to the California desert. The culture that surrounds Coachella is a phenomenon where popular music careers are born and new fashion trends are set.
Fashion has always been a very important part of Coachella’s identity. In the 2010s, trends such as boho chic, crochet co-ords, flower crowns and fringe boots became popular at the festival. It became a place where celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid made history by wearing flattering clothes in the heat according to eonline.
However, nowadays many people think that the fashion at Coachella is very boring, unimaginative and too commercialized. The market has been inundated with the same old clothes as a result of the influence of TikTok stars and fast fashion labels.
What used to be considered a trendsetter has become a follower. Today, viewers often arrange their outfits based on Instagram photo shoots, sponsorships and the latest hot topics. The carefree and creative attitude of the early days of Coachella in the early 2010s has given way to specific outfits and accessories. Some people don’t think that this is a great idea because they see a lack of authenticity.
That said, Coachella 2025 still delivered some standout fashion moments. Lady Gaga’s theatrical wardrobe was a highlight, featuring avant-garde costumes that paid tribute to designer Alexander McQueen. Julia Fox opted for a futuristic look, while Jennie from Blackpink rocked cowboy-inspired Prada designs.
This year, the festival fashion trends leaned heavily into Western aesthetics, leather ensembles and sheer fabrics. The festival is changing, but it is still making trends.
Regarding performances Coachella has definitely seen some of the most iconic sets in festival history. The 2018 performance of Beyoncé’s “Beychella” is a revolution and Daft Punk’s 2006 performance has redefined live electronic music.
The next big names will still be a part of headlines, but there are some attendees who feel that the new lineup is less surprising and less powerful than before. There is no significant transformation of the boundaries of the performances or booking risks that provoke some to think that Coachella might be too cautious to reach a wide audience.
“I think it was a sad thing to see in our generation because we all love music and have such strong relationships with these artists,” junior journalism major Brionne Thompson said. “When they go to these expensive concerts, they’re recording the entire time, or none of them know the lyrics.”
Despite these mixed reactions, Coachella still provides unforgettable moments. The festival’s stage design, visuals and surprise guest appearances ensure that it remains a must-attend event. While some argue that the spontaneity and raw energy of past years have faded, others see Coachella’s evolution as a reflection of broader changes in festival culture.
The festival is now a touristy hub, different from its former status as a counterculture haven. Whether this is a retrogression or a new phase of its existence is subjective. Nonetheless, one aspect remains unaltered: the Coachella festival sets the trend; only the strategies have changed.
