Kaya is the rave fashion queen, who writes our monthly style column, Rags to Raves

Festival season is upon us. I kicked off my festival season on bank holiday weekend with Gala Festival in Peckham. Unlike classic festivals that span a whole weekend, usually involving a wrestling match with a pop up tent and some warm tinnies, a one-day festival provides all the debauchery without the smelly body odour. Basically, it is a bloody hoot and Gala was the perfect appetiser for a packed summer ahead. Festivals are one of my favourite things to dress for. One 100% hedonistic and 0% judgmental, you can be as wild or as understated as you like. My level of 'extra' ranges from zero to hero. Some days you can find me in just a big t-shirt and boots with some simple accessories, a go-to outfit for when I'm feeling uninspired. Other days, usually somewhere like Secret Garden Party (RIP), you can catch me head to toe in sequins, glitter, feathers and fur in as many colours as I can possibly manage.

For me, my hair has always been a statement piece. For the last 4 or 5 years I've used my hair as an accessory to jazz up my look (I used to have dreadlocks down to my hips). Now I have shaved my head I am looking to headwear and hats for this festival season, as well as wacky coloured hair dye, to add that extra pop. Hats, headwear and wigs are fully underrated in my opinion. Not only do they look sick, but also are a saviour when it comes to day 3 on the sesh, you've only had a wet wipe wash in your tent and the dry shampoo just isn't cutting it anymore. Cue the wig.

There's a saying - 'you can't polish a turd, but you can stick a wig on it and roll it in glitter', basically my life motto at a festival. Glitter at a festival can be your best friend and your worst enemy. When it comes to camouflaging the lack of sleep and showers, there's nothing quite like it. When it comes to trying to remove it, there's nothing quite like it. The cockroach of the cosmetic world, it can be challenging to take off and I find remnants of glitter in my tent and flat for years after. But it's worth it! Many companies are now developing biodegradable glitter, which are just as sparkly but eventually decompose.

You should always wear what you feel comfortable in at a fezzie. Personally, I take summer festivals as an opportunity to experiment with my style. I really enjoy being able to express my creativity and brandish my more flamboyant side, but there are evenings when I'm cold and tired and a warm jumper and wellies is all I crave - and that's okay too! See this month's favourites below for some festival inspiration in the run up to the party season.

 

This Month's Favourites

 

Confetti Crowd

 

A girl gang collective featuring four super sparkly and colourful divas, Confetti Crowd are festival goals all year round. Made up of Heidi, Lulu, Tiger and Heli, these ladies are the personification of glitter. Each a creative in their own right, Heidi a singer and Heli, Lulu and Tiger all owning their own sassy, colourful brands - Confetti Crowd's Instagram has amassed over 71,000 followers to date. Not only are these girls rainbow queens but they are huge female empowerment activists and use their platform to talk about important issues (other than festival fashion) from sex to mental health.

Instagram

 

In Your Dreams

Glitter aficionado's In Your Dreams have been dominating the sparkle scene for some time now. Popping up at festivals and events from London to Ibiza, their make up artists create unique and effervescent looks using intricate face panting alongside their range of glitters and face gems. In Your Dreams also sell pre-made jewelled headpieces so even the most inept of us are able to recreate our ultimate glitz goals. Check out their new range of biodegradable glitters available.

Website | Instagram

 

Meadows in the Mountains

Featuring up and coming, underground acts, this mysterious and atmospheric festival in Bulgaria’s Rhodope mountains boasts a community-based ethos where hedonism and originality is celebrated. With unusual acts, all manner of odd shenanigans going on, it is a perfect setting to tune out everyday life and plug into free-spirited debauchery – with a pretty epic soundtrack. Promoting social harmony and self-expression, Meadows in the Mountains is a place where all are welcome to participate in a cosmic adventure. 

Website | Instagram