The latest trends in fashion have taken a bold turn, as demonstrated by the vibrant and daring outfits sported by attendees at Auckland’s Laneway Festival. Gen Z’s unique style evolution was in full swing, showcasing a mix of short skirts, bike pants, jorts, and bikini tops that left little to the imagination. Chunky leather boots, lace dresses, and sheer fabrics added an edgy flair to the festival looks, reflecting a desire for self-expression and individuality.
The Influence of Charli XCX at Laneway 2025
Among the sea of festival-goers, the influence of headlining artist Charli XCX was unmistakable. With her recent Grammy wins and the success of her album Brat, Charli XCX has sparked a cultural movement that celebrates authenticity and embracing imperfections. Her signature style of chunky boots, cheeky skirts, and unconventional pairing of bikinis outside the beach setting resonated with fans at Laneway, where an estimated 50,000 attendees gathered to enjoy the music and showcase their own interpretations of the Brat aesthetic.
A Fashion Statement of Empowerment and Protest
For some attendees, their choice of attire went beyond mere fashion statements, serving as a form of empowerment and protest. Francis McWhannell and Andy Olive used their outfits to make a statement about LGBTQ rights, with Olive describing his look as a defiant protest against the Trump administration’s policies. McWhannell, on the other hand, expressed a sense of empowerment in dressing according to his feelings, donning a corset under a faux fur-trimmed bucket hat. These bold sartorial choices highlighted the power of fashion as a means of self-expression and activism.
Embracing Individuality and Self-Expression at Laneway
As festival-goers danced and reveled in the music, the spirit of individuality and self-expression shone through in their outfits. Whether it was Taylor Nobbs sporting swimwear as standard rave attire or Kelsey Wilde and Shelly Liang embracing Charli XCX’s message of freedom in their choice of clothing, each attendee showcased their unique style with confidence and flair. The chunky boots, daring silhouettes, and vibrant colors on display were a testament to the diverse and inclusive nature of fashion at Laneway, where beauty truly knows no boundaries.
In Conclusion, Laneway Festival 2025 was a celebration of fashion, music, and self-expression, with attendees embracing the spirit of Charli XCX’s Brat movement in their outfits. From bold statements of protest to playful expressions of individuality, the festival showcased the power of fashion as a form of empowerment and creativity. As the sun set on another day of music and style, one thing was clear: at Laneway, the only rule is to be unapologetically yourself.