From Bernie Sanders’s opening for Clairo to Brian May’s surprise duet with Benson Boon, Coachella Weekend delivered headline-making moments onstage for music lovers everywhere. Uniquely, much of the media this year centered on two older men- Sanders and May- whose presence and popularity stood out at a festival typically aimed at a younger crowd. Beyond Addison Rae’s music release day, fashion trends debuted in Coachella Valley under the triple-digit heat.
The first weekend of Coachella blended music, activism, and standout style. With runway trends going to festival grounds as micro shorts returned, Western wear faced some critique, and gothic glam cast an edgier vibe across the sunny landscape. Performers and attendees alike turned the desert into a high-fashion runway, sparking varied conversations among fans and fashion critics about this year’s biggest style statements.
Fashion festival trends reflect the revelation of boho chic. Hair feathers, as seen by influencer Lauren Wolfe, add a touch of a whimsical vibe to the outfits. The feathers vary in colors and styles; they can be braided into hair or worn as hair extensions. Bohemian vibes were achieved through the layering of belts over micro shorts. Worn during Weekend 1 by many, including Kate Hudson, micro shorts have continued their notable comeback as designers like Miu Miu, Gucci, and Coach featured them prominently in their Spring/Summer 2024 collections. Retailers such as Free People and White Fox Boutique have capitalized on the revival of micro shorts, causing their popularity at Coachella.
Fashion critics have joked about whether attendees mixed up Coachella and Stagecoach (an annual country music festival), as Western wear was very popular during Weekend 1. Cowboy boots and hats decked out by influencer Reagan 777. Some switched out cowboy boots for furry boots, a choice that influencer Alix Earle made despite the scalding heat. Beyond the attendees, the performers were also decked out in eye-catching looks. Benson Boone traded in his signature sparkly jumpsuit for a two-piece ensemble paying tribute to Freddie Mercury while performing Bohemian Rhapsody with Brian May. May rocked an open-buttoned shirt and tight jeans, wielding his iconic “Red Special” guitar. Maria Zardoya, the lead singer of “The Maria’s”, brought goth-chic vibes to Coachella with an ivory ensemble accessorized with a rhinestone cross and a stack of necklaces. GloRilla shone brightly during her performance in rhinestone-encrusted tights with a matching crystal-covered bodysuit and a microphone wrapped in yellow crystals. These outfits, without a doubt, stole the show and the media.
The entirety of Lady Gaga’s show was an intricate fashion show, with every single look being absolute perfection. Throughout her three acts, Lady Gaga transitioned between the dark character, Mistress of “Mayhem,” and a more angelic figure multiple times, paralleling the contrasts between her decade-old records and new releases. However, critics labeled her gothic fashion as “satanic.” One X user wrote: “‘Satanic rituals during Lady Gaga’s performance at Coachella is being praised… This is NOT art. This is NOT theater. This IS Demonic and must end.” Still accompanied by lace, feathers, and billowy capes, Lady Gaga proved her deserved spot as an ongoing fashion icon.
One of the weekend’s most surprising style standouts was not a headliner or influencer. It was none other than Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. In addition to imploring young people to oppose President Trump’s policies, the 83-year-old independent demonstrated his diverse personal style. Senator Sanders is infamous for his casual personal style, particularly for his presidential inauguration look, which included homemade mittens. Coachella weekend, however, Sanders expanded his style and stepped out in a gold-buttoned blazer, dark trousers, and a blue Oxford cloth button-down shirt.
As much as Coachella remains a music festival, Weekend 1 once again proved to be a cultural moment of politics, fashion, and performance art. From ambitious onstage transformation to daring street style, Coachella 2025 set the tone for a summer season of individuality, creativity, and unexpected icons.
Matcha enthusiast, Reality TV Binger, and lover of all things vintage
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