8 Things We've Noticed About Coachella 2026 | Willow & Blake

Our designer Liv is noticing the aggressive return of crochet clothing. Yes, we heard that "Boho chic" (heavy on the quotation marks for chic, okay?) was coming back. But we didn't expect this.

What's next? Burgundy felt wide-brimmed hats?

And readers—have you ever worn a full crochet dress? One of the most interesting temperature sensations in the world. All the suffocating heat of a knit, all the exposure and wind chill of being naked. Truly befuddling.

hehe

Designer Noah wants to remind Coachella goers that his culture is not their costume.

But seriously—cigarettes are in the mainstream. It's probably Charli XCX's doing. Or maybe it's just a general pessimism about the state of the world that's leading to a sense of "fuck it" in the zeitgeist.

This feels like a return to the golden days. Pap shots of Kate Moss at Glastonbury in her gumboots, cig in hand. Or Pixie Geldof cranking one in a tube top and white, denim mini shorts.

The billboards at Coachella are famously "unhinged". Creative Director Bri's sent through this one for Major Lazer—hands down, it'll be the most memorable of the year.

Apologies to any graphic designers reading. Now we're doing literal screenshots on OOH. And it's working.

And copywriter Clara recommends this video for a comprehensive round up on the Coachella billboards and what they mean.

Account manager Sam noted the hype around Karol G (the first Latina artist to headline) and K Pop acts BIGBANG and TAEMIN.

These artists have made the festival feel more global and exciting—and potentially highlighted that the previous palette of headliners and acts has been somewhat limited.

More of this, please, Coachella.

Not to get too into the nitty gritty of branding in a post about cranking cigarettes, but our senior copywriter and strategist Alyce has been crunching some numbers.

Business of Fashion reports that Rhode led the social conversation at Coachella, with 68.4% of posts about Coachella and beauty referencing the brand.

This was obviously strategic, to release a collection designed with Justin alongside his headlining set (more on that later). Are the products anything that new? No. But this synchronicity of brand and culture means they're still on our lips.

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry are at Coachella together. Copywriter Clare is bemused.

On one hand, can't the man enjoy some music with his space chica? We weren't this freaked out when AOC got drunk and danced on a rooftop. That was cool. That was sexy. That was fine.

On the other hand...we no likey. The line between politician and celebrity is evaporating and it's making us queasy. Then again, Trump's advisors are Rocky Balboa and some guy with a brain worm, so this is hardly the most extreme of issues.

Okay, Justin, you're dismissed. Enjoy your midlife crisis in peace.

Marketing manager Anthea is giving kudos to Spell, an Aussie brand who jumps on Coachella every year. It's the perfect time for them to push their distinctly 2016-esque boho look. This year in particular they're capitalising on collective nostalgia—they've even reintroduced the Rio de Janeiro Instagram filter.

Some of their drop-waist looks are nearly convincing us that the 2010s were a time worth revisiting.

Hmm. Food for thought. Crochet, maybe we dismissed you too quickly?

Sabrina Carpenter has cleverly updated her aesthetic from retro 50s/60s to 60s/70s. In her headlining set we saw cute 60s drop waists, Bob Mackie-esque fringe and Ann-Margaret-in-Viva-Las-Vegas coded knitwear.

This has meant her brand stays strong (still retro and referential) but feeling fresh. After her level of cultural saturation, this is an intelligent design choice to make sure audiences don't forget or fatigue.