Do Not Sleep on Rave Wear

Written by Devin Reiman, Contributing Writer Photographed by Abby Cima, Staff Photographer | Modeled by Hannah Matthews Styled by Robyn George, Fashion Editorial Assistant | Makeup by Macy Chen

EDM fashion allows people to express themselves and their creativity while surrounded by individuals with similar interests, creating a community and safe space for people to be free and in control of the way they look and feel. Rave clothing started becoming popular in the early ‘90s, around the same time as underground events became a global phenomenon.1 The electric style of EDM music and the vibrant, light-up aesthetic of its fashion are inextricably linked. As rave music developed over time, so too did rave clothing. Both the music and the EDM aesthetic of dizzying bright colors and holographic designs will leave you in a trance.

The rave craze has inspired club and streetwear outfits in various ways. Looks incorporating LED lights are especially popular because of the rise in accessories such as light-up masks, color-changing headgear, LED eyelashes and of course, glow sticks.2 For an even more daring look, LED color-changing outfits are the way to go.

Fashion designers all over the world are incorporating these funky styles into their designs.3 Japanese designer Tatsuro Horikawa’s Spring/Summer 2017 collection was inspired by the ‘90s techno era. The collection included a much brighter color palette compared to his other designs.4 Similarly, Russian fashion designer Gosha Rubchinskiy’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection was inspired by ‘90s Russian ravers. The runway included an array of club-friendly items, from graphic tank tops to fluorescent pink track pants and tie-dye T-shirts.

Reflective fashion has also become popular recently. The reflective mate-

1 New York Spaces Covering all Thinks New York!, “What is rave style clothing?: New York Spaces,” July 13, 2022. 2 “Follow the rave fashion trends for 2022,” Rave or Sleep March 10, 2022. 3 F., By and Fashionlady, “Everything you need to know about the holographic fashion trend,” Indian Fashion Blog, Jan. 17, 2019. 4 R Li, “Ready to rave 6 collections inspired by club culture,” Grailed, Feb. 12, 2019. rial used in these outfits is similar to what road workers use on their uniforms to ensure vehicles can see them at night. You can imagine this effect under the flashing lights of a rave; the fabric evokes lights and camera flash, giving your outfit a striking neon glow. Reflective clothing makes the perfect attention-grabbing outfit that allevies any worry of being lost in the crowd.

Celebrities helped bring EDM fashion into the mainstream. In 2015 Miley Cyrus started incorporating tinsel, brightly colored fur, leotards and pompoms into her style.5 Miley’s love for holographic material and space buns made her the face of the movement. She was inspired by Kandi charms, brightly colored beads with designs or wording of some sort.6 People often exchange Kandi at raves as a sign of appreciation, love, unity and respect. Miley even worked with designer Jeremy Scott to create a rave-inspired art collection.7 The collection, “Dirty Hippie,” featured bright accessories made of various trinkets. Scott, Moschino’s creative director, creates “out there” looks inspired by pop culture and bright colors. At New York Fashion Week 2014, Miley wore one of Scott’s two-piece sets covered in bright yellow, pink and turquoise swirls. To top it off, she included colorful beaded necklaces and a headpiece.

The e-commerce and retail world has also caught on to the popularity of music festival wear for every occasion. iHeartRaves, an online store that specializes in popular rave clothing perfect for festivals and beyond, was founded in 2011 by a rave couple.8 From bikinis to tank tops, iHeartRaves’ online clothing store carries hundreds of affordable rave outfits for all genders. Their mission is to inspire creativ-

5 N Stelio, “Miley Cyrus gleefully riding the wave of new rave culture,” The Sydney Morning Herald, Jan. 22, 2015. 6 J Tessene, “Kandi etiquette: The guide to trading for first timers,” EDM Identity, July 8, 2022. 7 tyler.trew.7, “Miley Cyrus channels rave culture with ‘dirty hippie’ kandi art collection,” Your EDM, Sept. 13, 2014. 8 “Rave outfits, Rave Clothing, rave wear,” iHeartRaves, (n.d.). ity and self-expression through different forms of EDM fashion, and they sell a wide range of clothing, from sparkly and bright to dark and more alternative aesthetics.

This sustainable way of shopping has become popular among consumers interested in festival wear. Knitty Knitsuk, a Depop shop, creates hand-knitted and crocheted sustainable items that allow you to live out your Vanessa Hudgens Coachella dreams.9 Tara Khorzad London, another Depop store, sells items with every print from zigzag and fire designs to Rubik’s cube prints. These funky pieces allow individuals to express themselves freely and loudly.

Although EDM apparel was originally designed with the intent of being worn to raves, today’s festival clothing can double as streetwear. A simple change from platform boots to combat boots can make any EDM-inspired outfit seem more cool and cozy. From neon prints and artsy beads, this fashion aesthetic has continued to be a form of self expression for ravers, celebrities and everyone in between. ■