From the exaggerated and the extraterrestrial, to the futuristic and the downright outrageous; let’s take a look at the fashion highlights of Burning Man 2017.
This year’s Burning Man – the ten-day-long pop-up ‘community’ in Nevada’s Black Desert – has come to a close. The gathering (a far cry from its humble beach origins in 1986) now attracts around 70,000 ‘Burners’ to its dusty city.
Since 2004, the gathering has rooted its values in ten written principles that comprises of concepts like de-commodification, radical self-reliance, communal effort, and civic responsibility. It is, however, the notion of radical self-expression that sees the Burners push the limits of fashion through a vast array of Mad Max-cum-extraterrestrial circus style outfits. The temporary city is described as ‘the place to find out who you are, then take it a step further,’ and this is certainly reflected in the long history of Burning Man’s fashion.
The focus on art and self-expression, combined with an increasingly famous following, has fuelled the attendees’ desire to stand out amongst the thousands of Burners camped out in the desert. The dream to be BM’s best dressed has manifested in a sea of unicorn horns, fur, chain-mail bodysuits, fishnets, goggles, thigh-high platform boots, fringing, cut-out spacesuits, glow-in-the-dark gear and headpieces… or a bold amalgamation of all of the above. For the more daring, clothing seems to be increasingly optional, with sheer tops, mesh dresses and nipple pasties abounding in this year’s barely-there festival-wear.
Aussie dancer/influencer Mimi Elashiry channeled warrior-princess vibes in a shredded leather tutu-style skirt and red braids.
Burning Man veteran Shanina Shaik donned a rose gold, metal-mesh two-piece paired with lace-up knee high boots.
Paris Hilton went full sheer in a tropical print maxi skirt, nipple covers and braided locks.
Model Sara Sampaio was a gorgeous dragon lady in a reptile-inspired dress (if you can call it that…) and Mad Max style vehicle.
And whilst the looks of Burning Man tend to be anything but that which could be construed as chic – or even remotely wearable for most – the futuristic fashion will undoubtedly crop up across Australia’s many upcoming festivals.
What was your favourite look from this year’s Burning Man? What fashion staple do you expect to dominate the Aussie Festival scene this summer? Stay tuned for more festival fashion news!
