Coachella 2025: Music, Fashion, and the Evolution of the Festival Experience
Lisa from BLACKPINK at Coachella 2025 (photo by L'Officiel)
Coachella 2025 wrapped with all the fanfare, spectacle, and style we’ve come to expect—yet this year’s festival felt like a significant shift. Beyond the music and parties, there was a new layer of intention: a deeper integration of wellness, elevated fashion narratives, and a notable return of global icons to the desert stage. Across both weekends, Indio buzzed with excitement, amplified by the convergence of creative expression, bold style, and some truly unforgettable musical moments.
Lady Gaga’s long-anticipated return to the Coachella main stage was nothing short of theatrical. Her five-act performance took fans on a visual and sonic journey through her new album Mayhem, blending her signature campy glam with raw vocals and darker aesthetics. Even when a technical mishap caused her mic to cut during “Abracadabra,” Gaga didn’t flinch—she snatched a handheld mic from a backup dancer and charged ahead with a flawless live vocal. It was a moment that reminded everyone why she’s one of the most captivating live performers of our time.
Lisa from BLACKPINK made her solo Coachella debut and solidified her place as a global pop force. Her set was a fusion of hyper-feminine power and futurism—metallic bodysuits, glowing details, and choreographed visuals that seemed straight out of a sci-fi fantasy. Her charisma and precision lit up the stage, and the internet was ablaze with clips of her commanding presence well into the next day. For many festival-goers, it was a top-tier highlight.
Coachella 2025, Image by Edward Nolan
Closing out the festival with a nostalgic yet forward-thinking edge, Post Malone brought unexpected warmth to Sunday night. While his country-leaning set took some fans by surprise, his collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Jelly Roll struck a chord, both literally and emotionally. He balanced grit with vulnerability, delivering a performance that felt intimate, even on a massive stage.
But one of the biggest surprises this year came courtesy of Green Day. While not originally billed as a headliner, the punk rock legends showed up in full force, putting on a high-voltage Coachella set that thrilled long-time fans. Even more buzzworthy was their secret 31-song cover show at Pappy & Harriet’s, where they performed deep cuts and tributes in an off-the-cuff, no-frills bar setting—a perfect reminder of their enduring raw energy and rebellious spirit.
On the fashion front, Coachella was as much about personal branding as music. The Y2K revival remained strong, with low-rise denim, exposed thongs, and bejeweled crop tops dominating the fields. Western wear had a fresh twist—think vintage fringe meets Prada boots—and sheer fabric ruled the night, often layered over micro bikinis or paired with chunky combat boots. Notable fashion moments included Florence Pugh’s electric orange eye makeup paired with a sheer corset dress, and Megan Thee Stallion’s desert-ready look that mixed camo, chains, and thigh-highs, perfectly capturing the sexy-meets-tactical vibe of the weekend.
Coachella Fashion 2025, Photo by Tova Carter
Celebrity sightings were constant, and many attendees came to Coachella not just to hear music but to be seen. Emma Chamberlain’s crew coordinated their outfits with cool effortlessness, while Cynthia Erivo stole the show in an avant-garde black lace gown paired with sculptural sunglasses. TikTok was flooded with influencer “Get Ready With Me” content, revealing the prep and fashion stakes behind even a single festival look.
Lady Gaga at Coachella 2025, Photo by WWD
What truly distinguished Coachella this year, however, was the rise of its wellness offerings. In the early hours before the heat set in, groups gathered for guided meditation, breathwork, and yoga in the Desert Sky tent. A standout addition was Camp Poosh which offered everything from toning workouts to iced matcha tastings and clean skincare booths. FS8 brought its hybrid Pilates-meets-strength-training classes to the polo fields, reflecting a growing interest in health and longevity even in the middle of party culture.
Coachella 2025 wasn't just a festival—it was a full-body, full-sensory experience. With its blend of next-gen music, directional fashion, and mindful living, it pointed to the future of what these massive cultural gatherings can be. One thing’s for sure: it wasn’t just about who headlined the stage—it was about who showed up, how they expressed themselves, and the new kind of energy they brought to the desert.