The popularity of music festivals is growing every year, and with celebrities often in attendance, style photos of festival fashion are more coveted than ever. Who could forget Kate Moss in those short shorts and Hunter boots at Glastonbury a few years ago, or Alexa Chung in her Barbour jacket last year — now the most desired jacket and pair of boots on the planet?
Unlike our music-loving celeb favourites in the U.K., those of us based in North America don’t normally have to worry about mud slides or sporting durable waxed jackets. Our summers are hot; with festivals so sweaty we’re left begging to be drenched in water. With Hillside, Osheaga and Lollapalooza all coming up, let’s talk about looking cool in mid-summer heat.
You’re going to want to wear as little as possible. So, if the uniform is going to be teeny-weeny shorts and a bikini top, how do you up your style ante without overheating? It comes down to accessories: specifically, standout jewellery, since your feet will be covered in dirt (and who carries a big purse at a festival, anyway?). We’ve tracked down five of the best Toronto-based designers to rock; wear ‘em separately or all together, either way, you’re going to have the style paparazzi in a frenzy.
Lara Vincent
If there’s ever a time to embrace your inner hippie, it’s at a music festival. Lara Vincent’s hand-made floral headpieces ($100-$400) are perfect for prancing around like the gorgeous love child that you are.
Where to buy: Magic Pony, 680 Queen Street West, 416-861-1684
Highway 1
Named after the legendary route along the California coast, — and inspired by its natural surroundings — you’re sure to be spotted from a mile away and pulled on-stage when wearing one of Highway 1’s massive statement necklaces ($125-$850) made from positively charged, vibrant gemstones.
Where to buy: Delphic, 706 Queen Street West, 416-603-3334
Speech
Rebel rock and rollers love Speech. The current collection, “A Paradise Lost,” is all prickly rose stems, skulls and nails in unpolished and oxidized metals. Perfect if you consider yourself more hardcore than hippie. Prices start at $110-$150.
Where to buy: Carte Blanche, 758 Queen Street West, 416-532-0347
Forrester
The coolest things to hang around your neck this summer are a bunch of crystals. Thanks to Forrester’s incredible price range ($20-$70), you can stack ‘em on and feel even better about supporting a sustainable and eco-friendly designer.
Where to buy: Lavish & Squalor, 253 Queen Street West, 416-599-4779
Jaime Sin
When she’s not DJing or promoting parties around the city, Jaime Sin makes jewellery. Working with metals, this spring she’s made everything from the runway jewellery for Jeremy Laing’s spring collection to a series of sterling silver flying penis necklaces! Total conversation starters, for sure. Prices range from $69-$310 for the sterling silver collection.
Where to buy: Delphic 706 Queen Street West, 416-603-3334