Summer festival season in New Zealand is fast approaching, and although music takes the centre stage, fashion certainly plays a big part in making these festivals the hits they are today — and festival essentials can vary. From Rhythm and Vines, Laneway Festival, and Bay Dreams to Flochella and Splore, attending music festivals has become much more than the music. Coachella, setting the trend for fashion at festivals, has crept its way into New Zealand culture, making music festivals the place to show off your style.
Each festival has its own unique style, so to help you out here are the festival essentials you need for each one.
Rhythm and Vines
What: Rhythm and Vines is a 3-day international music festival held in Gisborne. It is the first festival in the world to welcome in the first sunrise of the new year.
When: December 29th-31st
You need: Gumboots.
Rain or shine, Rhythm and Vines is guaranteed to go off. This Gisborne-based festival has been known to attract a few downpours so make sure you pack a pair of gumboots just in case. These glossy grey Kokako gumboots from the Gumboot Boutique are guaranteed to coordinate with all your outfits.
Bay Dreams
What: Bay Dreams merges music and art in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, Mount Maunganui.
When: January 2nd
You need: Destroyed denim.
For those still keen to keep the partying going post Rhythm and Vines, Bay Dreams is there to keep you going for the next two days. Reigning in the new year, Bay Dreams is keeping is causal with what to wear. Destroyed denim from onexoneteaspoon is a classic festival ‘go-to’ for an event like this. Providing both comfort and style, high-waisted ripped jeans are the perfect Bay Dreams fashion item.
Laneway Festival
What: The Laneway Festival is your guide to finding what’s fresh and great and bringing it to unique settings and surrounds to be appreciated by music lovers.
When: January 29th
You need: Statement sunglasses.
At the end of January the summer sun is sure to be shining bright, so a chic pair of statement sunglasses like these from Karen Walker is a must for this festival. Being able to enjoy the music and good times, all the while looking your best in your shades is sure to make for some memorable pictures.
Flochella
What: Imagine yourself floating on Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) in Rotorua whilst Amy Shark, KINGS, Mitch James and special guests Jupiter Project perform live. In the heat of the summer nothing can beat going for a cool swim in the lake, so make sure you pack an inflatable and your favourite pairs of togs for the Flochella festival.
When: February 5th
You need: Inflatables (and togs).
Rotorua’s Blue Lake will be filled with all sorts of inflatable devices, from pink flamingos to tasty looking donuts. This inflatable unicorn is affordable and super cute.
Splore: Headpieces and Glitter
What: This is the festival to bring out the flower crowns and headpieces, and cover yourself in glitter. Splore is a three-day free-spirited festival encouraging everyone to be able to have fun, yet mindfully party, with a large emphasis on sustainability and being environmentally conscious.
When: 17-19th February
You need: Glitter
New Zealand’s first biodegradable glitter, Bio Glitter, has minimal impact on the environment but all the other properties as standard glitter. Glitter should definitely be on your festival essentials list!
