Everyone knows that festivals are only partly about the music. For some they are so much more: A chance to parade around in your hippest threads whilst getting drunk and talking to strangers. In this article Lauren Willson takes a look at the hottest outfits she found at the Silverlake Music Festival last weekend in Pattaya.
While the hipsters stayed in Bangkok head bobbing to the Black Lips, the hardcore head bangers, indie rockers and Incubus enthusiasts headed down to Silverlake Music Festival’s premier event. Big crowds mean big statements, and not always the verbal kind. Sometimes things are better left said with a hot pink urban turban.
With every spin of my muddy heel I saw headwear. From Minnie Mouse bows to fedoras to full-on afro wigs, a bit of flavor adorned almost every noggin.
Not only does headgear serve the practical purpose of keeping the sun out of your eyes and off of delicate facial skin, but it gives the crowd a slice of your personality. Go smart with a big brim or keep it silly and flirty with a bow headband.
Another must-have at any festival? A watch, duh. How else will you make it to the show with plenty of time to elbow your way up to the front lines. Many watches I spotted had a large face, a chunky plastic band, and were available in various neon shades. No need to get fancy. Same for footwear. Festivals are synonymous to mud pits, and in all likelihood that funky pedicure will be turned hue d’sludge.
Some fashionable couples graced the crowds, and I’m not talking about matching T-shirts. Lots of palatable colors such as muted turquoise, mustard yellow, dark blues, and earthy oranges corresponded nicely with the festival’s Earth and Solar stages. The look was a nice blend of rocker with classy, urban style. You can leave your gutter-punk grunge and all-black ensembles in the early 90’s and burst out in colors that don’t singe unprotected eyeballs. (Sorry, Katy Perry, but this ain’t your best look.)
From polka dots to geometric designs reminiscent of Diane Von Furstenburg in the early 2000’s, prints on top of prints were sported in simple and layered looks. It’s a festival, so no need to hold back with whatever you feel like throwing on top of your jumpsuit or short shorts. Go crazy, but make sure your outfit leaves wiggle room to throw your hands up and dance.
Now for the guys: practical pants varying in colors and rolled up a little past the ankle. As for shoes, I will deem them “man-Keds”. Simple canvas shoes with thick laces, either actually worn on the foot or with a folded down heel to make your step more of of a slide. T-shirt. Done.
I also took the time to admire the array of tattoos, a cultural norm in Thailand that’s spreading from the religious background of Buddhist monk tattoos to adopting the Western spin of body art. Both Silverlake Festival performers and members of the crowd had plenty of beautiful, intricate, unique tattoos to admire.
A love of anything French and Prince’s hit “Raspberry Beret” had me drooling over this girl’s headwear. Add in the casual yet classic white tank, a 50’s plaid skirt in pink tones, some 70’s beads, and you have got one chic chick.
The setting sun makes brims unnecessary, so just flip your cap from front to back and keep on rocking.
Every festival has it’s faux-pas, and I’m afraid this one goes further than fashion. This poor soul forgot mud pits are for standing in, not sitting.
Who says you have to be young to enjoy a night of rocking? These aging rockers lounged in style and grace.
Nothing wrong with supporting the event you’re going to! Throw on a Silverlake shirt, and of course the hippest passes of all are the ones that get you backstage 😉
Coconuts Bangkok’s feature story on the Silverlake Music Festival, with more photos and video, is HERE.
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