Throughout Spring and Summer, we at FAULT have been going backstage at some of the world’s biggest festivals to give you an exclusive insight into what happens behind the scenes at this Summer’s showpiece events. From SXSW in Austin, Texas (covered in-depth in FAULT Issue 18) to Sonar in Barcelona via  Glastonbury, Park Life and – very soon! – Secret Garden Party, we’ve been clocking up the miles to give you the inside track on what have undoubtedly been the best festivals of the year so far.

*Now we’re giving you the chance to WIN FREE FESTIVAL OUTFITS for the rest of the Summer season. All you have to do is pick a style you like and we’ll select 5 winners at random to receive their ideal looks by international post. Just comment on this post for a chance to win – or read below for our suggestions…*

STYLES

1. NEON BOHO – the signature Glastonbury bohemian look – with a twist. SEE MORE FROM THIS STYLE

2. TROPICAL BEACH – eclectic mix of print + colour. SEE MORE FROM THIS STYLE

3. NEON BLOOM – ultra feminine florals + intense colours clashed with denim (skinny jeans/shorts). SEE MORE FROM THIS STYLE

4. MEN’s – skinny jeans, faded/acid wash denim and classic summer holiday wear. SEE MORE FROM THIS STYLE

As we all know, though, there’s so much more to a great festival experience than the music. The overall vibe of the festival is crucial –  and that starts with the people in attendance. A bad crowd can ruin a great band whereas a good crowd can turn a great performance into an incredible experience. Finding your niche in the now-overflowing festival market can be tough, and there are always exceptions to every festival ‘type’. As always, however, the great unifier at large events – from ballgowns or jeggings at a party to suits or slacks at a seminar – is usually the fashion on display.

Showing off your sense of style suggests a sense of belonging to a particular festival crowd. Individuals tend to unite at big festivals under the banner of mutual appreciation for a certain type of experience: whether you’re a rocker at Glastonbury, a techno-head at Sonar, a hipster at SXSW or someone who really, REALLY likes dressing up at Secret Garden Party…

Fashion is so important for turning any festival from an outdoor concert into a celebration of musical appreciation – and that is why we are so pleased to have teamed up with savvy British retailer New Look  to showcase not just the best of contemporary festival outfits but also to look back over the years at some of the most inspiring and influential festival fashion trends of the past 45 years.

Starting with the notorious ‘Summer of Love’ at Woodstock, 1969, this graphic charts the sartorial selections of festival-goers from all the major Summer stomping grounds until the present day:

 

 

COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN.

COMPETITION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON 31st JULY – GOOD LUCK!