The Best Dressed Stars At Coachella 2018
The 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicked off on Friday, April 13. But the festival should perhaps consider a slight name change: While Coachella is known for its annual lineup of incredible performers, the star-studded festival is just as famous for its one-of-a-kind fashion moments.
Known for its dazzling display of festival style, Coachella has seen a number of memorable style selections from both performers and festival-goers alike. Who can forget Rihanna's bedazzled Gucci bodysuit complete with a face mask that both mesmerized and haunted the dreams of all who saw it?
The answer is no one. No one can forget.
Likewise, Coachella 2018 has certainly not disappointed in its A+ lineup of artists (hello, Beyoncé) or its parade of outfits that will either leave you breathless, scratching your head, or both. Here's a look at some of the most memorable Coachella outfits from 2018 that will undoubtedly leave a mark on festival fashion history. All the world's a stage, but Coachella doubles as a catwalk.
For Alessandra Ambrosio, the world is a runway
Perhaps best known for her work as a Victoria's Secret Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio has walked the runways all over the world and struck some choice poses for famous names like Dolce and Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs — and now, Coachella. After all, when you're a bona fide supermodel, the world is your runway.
Ambrosio brought her model good looks to the Revolve Festival on April 15, 2018. Organized annually by the Los Angeles-based women's clothing site, Revolve, the festival has become a staple of Coachella — or, as Revolve's founders call it, "the new fashion week for millennials."
Fresh off the heels of her 37th birthday and a reported breakup from fiancé Jamie Mazur, the Brazilian-born supermodel put her best face forward at the festival-within-a-festival. Mixing the sexiness of pin-up with cool '90s grunge, Ambrosio sported a red and white polka-dotted choker dress, a distressed denim jacket, and a pair of geometric shades. Oh, and she may have single-handedly reinvented the fanny-pack by strapping a shiny red clutch across her waist. Just rewriting some fashion rules over here — no big deal.
Mom's night out for Cardi B
Cardi B rapped her way right onto the world's stage with the 2017 release of "Bodak Yellow," the inescapable and sharp-witted bad girl anthem of the summer. It seems nothing can slow down this money moves-makin', former reality show star — not even a pregnancy!
The star, who confirmed her pregnancy on April 8, 2018 by revealing her growing baby bump during a Saturday Night Live performance, was dripping in finesse while sharing her Coachella stage with acts like G-Eazy and 21 Savage before closing out the show with "Bodak Yellow." Baby belly on full display, Cardi B paid homage to a certain '90s supergroup with her all-white ensemble, featuring a mesh bodice, high-waisted harem pants, and a dramatic, long-sleeved cape.
That supergroup? None other than TLC — one of R&B's (and Cardi B's) biggest influences. The mom-to-be posted a picture of the famous trio wearing strikingly similar white ensembles before her Coachella performance, captioning the photo, "Mood! Boachella!!!!" Talk about a tribute!
Charli XCX is all that glitters
According to Shakespeare, all that glitters is not gold. But according to Smash Mouth, all that glitters is gold. Oh, and according to half of the internet, that dress is white and gold.
No matter your thoughts on glitter and gold, there's no argument that pop star Charli XCX was both glittery and golden during her Coachella performance with MØ. Wearing only a metallic-gold crop top and gold, sequined harem pants, the English songstress quite literally shined as she surprised fans and took to the stage with the Danish pop star for a performance of their hit, "Porsche."
This golden gal outfit was just once of Charli XCX's Coachella style hits. Before joining MØ onstage, the "Boom Clap" singer lounged poolside at Lucky Brand's Desert Jam party in a casual '90s chic ensemble consisting of staple pieces that should be in every closet — a white, cropped camisole, high-waisted, Lucky Brand denim jeans, an oversized denim jacket, and black ankle boots. From denim grunge to glittery gold, this girl knows how to pull off some looks.
Lion Babe is leader of the pride
Lion Babe's frontwoman, Jillian Hervey, certainly lived up to her band's name during their 2018 Coachella performance. Known for catchy R&B hits like "Treat Me Like Fire," "Wonder Woman," and "Got Body," the duo (featuring DJ Lucas Goodman) performed a funky, soulful set at the famous festival, complete with parasols, tropical plants, and an appearance from rapper Moe Moks.
Lion Babe's performance was a groovy good time, but it was Hervey who completely stole the show. The soulful songstress, who just so happens to be the daughter of beauty queen and actress Vanessa Williams, looked as though she had just come from the 1970s in a furry, figure-hugging, psychedelic bodysuit reminiscent of the go-go dancing era. As she flounced around on the Coachella stage, the Lion Babe singer's beautiful, unmistakable red curls bounced right along with her. After that killer performance, who else would love to see Hervey in Disney's The Lion King reboot? Someone get Jon Favreau on the phone.
Bebe Rexha is your '90s girl
Looks like Bebe Rexha was in on the memo! If the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival had a theme, it would be cool '90s grunge. Oversized denim jackets and high-waisted jeans were rampant at the festival — as well as every '90s girl's favorite accessory, the choker — proving that trends may come and go, but the dream of the '90s is alive (in Portland and everywhere else).
It appears that Rexha was clued in to the festival's unspoken vintage dress code. The pop star, known for her collaborations with performers like David Guetta, G-Eazy, and Louis Tomlinson, looked like the grunge girl of '90s dreams when she took to the stage to deliver a performance of "Monster" with rapper Eminem. Wearing a loose-fitting denim button-up over a black choker bodysuit, the blonde bombshell completed her '90s aesthetic by casually tying an oversized, plaid button-up around her waist. The '90s called — and they're coming back, baby!
Beyoncé had a date with Destiny
Sorry, but Coachella is cancelled. Beychella has commenced.
Remember the time in 2013 when there was apparently an important football game at the Beyoncé concert? Well, word on the street is there were other performances at the Beyoncé festival. No one really knows for sure, though, because all anyone could talk about after Beyoncé's incredible Coachella performance was — you guessed it — Beyoncé.
The New York Times put it best: "There's not likely to be a more meaningful, absorbing, forceful and radical performance by an American musician this year, or any year soon, than Beyoncé's headlining set at [Coachella]." Backed by an HBCU marching band, Queen Bey made history as the first black woman to headline Coachella. And boy, did she pull out all the stops.
The "Crazy in Love" powerhouse opened the show with a medley of her most recognizable hits, donning high-waisted, cut-off denim shorts and a yellow sweatshirt from the University of Bey. After performing solo for a while, Mrs. Carter changed into a black leather bodysuit and thigh-high leather boots before blessing audiences everywhere with a surprise Destiny's Child reunion (cue Adele happy dancing). Beychella forever.
Rihanna is off to the races
After the (mildly haunting) Gucci crystal bodysuit and face mask she wore to the 2017 Coachella Festival, the pressure was on for Rihanna to out-do herself with her 2018 Coachella style choices. So it's a good thing the singer and beauty mogul isn't afraid of a challenge.
Jahleel Weaver, the creative director behind the "Umbrella" singer's beauty empire, Fenty, told Vogue that Coachella style should "always be fun and disruptive." But fun and disruptive does not equal last-minute or spontaneous. According to Vogue, Rihanna and Weaver spent months planning the star's Coachella wardrobe — scoping out Fashion Week runways for one-of-a-kind festival looks.
If Rihanna wanted to make a statement with her style, she certainly succeeded — a few times over. Her Coachella looks proved themselves to not only be unique, but possibly the most buzzed about styles from the entire festival. From her pink and black mechanic-chic daywear, to an ensemble mash-up of designer names (and yet another face mask), Rihanna proved that she is a fashion force to be reckoned with. Time to start planning for next year!
Kendall Jenner had Lara Croft vibes galore
Hardly a week goes by without a member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan making headline news. Lately, said headline news has been pregnancy announcements, birth announcements, name announcements, and swirling rumors of infidelity — things that have yet to affect the youngest Kardashian-Jenner sister, who usually manages to keep a pretty low profile. Just a week after sister Khloe Kardashian gave birth to her first child, the supermodel made her way to the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, serving up some major Tomb Raider vibes as she made an appearance at the Revolve Festival.
The fresh-faced reality star showed up to the party sporting a pair of two-toned utility pants, a black crop top, and a cross body bag — proving that less really is more (and probably way more comfortable in the Coachella Valley sun). Watch out, Alicia Vikander! This Jenner sister looks like she's ready to give you a run for your Lara Croft money.
Kylie Jenner shows off her new mom bod
Legend has it that where you see one Kardashian-Jenner, you will see another. As it turns out, Kendall Jenner — a.k.a Coachella's resident Lara Croft — wasn't the only of the famous clan in attendance. Younger sister Kylie Jenner was there, too — in disguise (kind of).
While the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is famous for its array of — erm, unique fashions, beauty guru Jenner's festival outfits were nothing short of minimalistic. Her wardrobe featured a nude leather pantsuit ensemble, a cream bandeau (which she wore twice), and a curve-hugging, black Fashion Nova bodysuit that beautifully flattered the new mom's fit, post-baby figure.
But if you thought this girl wouldn't find a way to stand out from the crowd, well, you obviously haven't been keeping up with your Kardashians. Jenner arrived to Coachella armed with the neon wig wardrobe of Ramona Flowers' dreams. From flowing magenta locks to cornflower-blue mermaid tresses, the reality star proved she can pull off any color she puts on her head. To quote Jenner (who so perfectly quoted Mean Girls), she's not a regular mom — she's a cool mom.
Olivia Culpo is Mrs. Indiana Jones
Do you fancy yourself a festival-goer, but feel increasingly overwhelmed by all of this festival fashion talk? It's hard to relax and enjoy the music when all you can think about is piecing together a total Instagram-worthy ensemble. Take a big, deep breath of that hot Coachella Valley air and don't stress — Olivia Culpo has some words of festival fashion wisdom.
"I think festival style is all about having fun," the former Miss Universe told Women's Wear Daily. "You can dress up in whatever way you want. There are no rules. It's almost like Halloween."
See? Festival fashion is no biggie — unless you've got 2.6 million eyes on you, of course. Luckily, Culpo knows how to dress for any occasion. While all of her Coachella choices were on point, Culpo's best outfit was undoubtedly the feminine, Western-inspired ensemble the beauty wore during an appearance at the Revolve Festival. Wearing a sheer and lacy Ermanno Scervino dress, Gianvito Rossi boots, Ariana Boussard-Reifel jewels, and a wide-brimmed fedora, the model looked exactly like a female Indiana Jones, the hero you never knew you needed.
All hail the cut out queen, Laverne Cox
Love looks good on Laverne Cox! The Orange is the New Black star dished about her love life to People at the American Express Platinum House Party during Coachella's opening weekend. And in a world where it seems all your favorite celebrities are splitting up left and right (looking at you, Channing and Jenna), it's nice to be reminded that love in Hollywood isn't completely dead.
"I'm in love," Cox revealed to People. "He's amazing on so many different levels. I've never experienced that before." Awww.
Not only was Cox absolutely glowing during her festival appearance, the Glam Masters host served photographers some seriously sexy looks. Wearing a pair of cut-off short shorts, fishnet stockings, a purple duster coat, and a cut-out crop top, Cox proved that she's not afraid to show a little (or a lot of) skin. The star tied together her bad girl glam aesthetic with a pair of black lace-up boots and a dramatic burgundy lip.
Amber Rose makes a statement with style
Amber Rose has been known to make a few headlines with her eclectic personal style and unapologetic way with words (she famously got the Kanye West to apologize after a Twitter spat). And Coachella 2018 was no exception. The newly-single star, who broke up with boyfriend (and Coachella performer) 21 Savage in March 2018, was the talk of the town for her unique — and meaningful – festival style.
Rose kicked off her Coachella adventure looking a lot like a life-size Barbie doll. Wearing a hot pink jumpsuit, a sparkling choker, and (true to her name) rose-colored glasses, the star's impressive tattoo sleeves were on full display. But the Barbie-pink ensemble was far from the activist's most statement-making festival style. Instead, that honor goes to Rose's black and red cheerleading uniform, featuring the word "sluts" sprawled across her chest. It's an eye-catching Coachella look with a purpose — Rose, an outspoken feminist, has been the organizing force behind the Amber Rose SlutWalk since 2015. According to the SlutWalk's website, it's on a mission to raise awareness about sexual injustice and gender inequality, all while "shifting the paradigm of rape culture." You go, girl.