Each year, Coachella has a way of turning festival dressing into a seasonal production, where every outfit is meticulously assembled and planned down to the minute. As one of the world’s most famous music festivals, we’ve become accustomed to its familiar set of visual codes—bohemian textures, sun-faded tones, skin-baring silhouettes, and eclectic embellishments that push slightly past practicality at times.
Then there’s the other side of it: what’s happening on stage. In an emotionally-charged debut at Coachella, K-pop legends G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung reunited for the 20th anniversary of Big Bang, performing fan-favourites like Bang Bang Bang and Fantastic Baby. Similarly, Shinee’s Taemin made his solo Coachella debut, delighting the crowd with six new tracks. Their stage costumes were also not to be missed. Between Big Bang’s custom Chrome Hearts looks and Blackpink’s off-duty fashion, there was plenty of outfit inspiration to glean from this year’s Weekend 1.
Outside of Indio, these references travel quickly. Above all, Coachella dressing takes into consideration the scorching weather and blazing sun, and in many ways, it mirrors the conditions closer to home more than it doesn’t. In Malaysia, where the weather does not negotiate and humidity does most of the styling, those same pieces slot in with ease (just minus the desert dust and plus a layer of moisture you didn’t ask for).
Below, here’s what the celebrities wore at Coachella Weekend 1, and what works for Malaysian weather.
Jennie’s Bug-Eyed Sunglasses
Jennie Kim made a case for supersized accessories, complementing her Willy Chavarria baby tee and Khaite midi denim skirt combination with a pair of oversized, espresso-coloured sunglasses from Quay. After years of slim rectangular frames holding their ground, the Spring/Summer 2026 runways at houses like Miu Miu and Saint Laurent carried traces of bug-eyed sunglass silhouettes, and Jennie’s choice sits neatly within that shift. It’s a particularly persuasive move coming from the Blackpink star, who’s had a long-standing association with Gentle Monster and a newly-minted role as global brand ambassador for Ray-Ban. But more importantly, the look reliably translates to those under the tropical sunshine—and with this much sun in Malaysia, you might as well go big or stay home.
Lisa’s Matching Crochet Set
Lisa brought a familiar Coachella code back into focus, pairing the Layered Crochet top with the Wing Crochet skirt from Australian fashion label Haelo World. Perhaps it was Justin Bieber performing his greatest hits or Young Thug bringing out Camila Cabello for a surprise performance of Havana, but this year’s Weekend 1 had an ambiance of a Coachella from years past. Crochet has always been part of that visual memory since its bohemian heyday, from Vanessa Hudgens’ flower crowns and knitted bralettes to Kendall Jenner’s cutout crochet dress and space buns from 2016. “This was the vibe at the time, okay? You need to understand,” Jenner later said of the ensemble, and we dare say, she’s not wrong. While crochet has remained a recurring fixture in festival fashion, in Malaysia, the fabric’s breezy, open-weave construction also makes it a warm-weather staple, offering a laid-back, beach-adjacent style.
Rosé’s Vintage T-shirt & Mini Skirt Combo
You can never go wrong with a good graphic tee—just ask Rosé. For the first weekend of Coachella, the Blackpink idol was spotted jamming out to Sombr’s set in a low-rise polka-dotted mini skirt from Kijun and an oversized burnout ringer tee with the words “Nice Try” emblazoned on it. The faded shirt was tucked into one side to temper the oversized fit, its relaxed, boyish shape sitting in contrast against the flirty satin skirt—a pairing that lands in Rosé’s signature register of undone minimalism. It’s also a simple formula for day-to-night dressing, shifting from casual daytime wear to something more elevated with nothing more than a change of shoes.
Katseye’s Sweeping Halterneck Dresses
If it’s one thing Katseye gets right every time, it’s a coordinated look. The global girl group took to the Coachella stage in cotton candy-coloured custom looks by Vietnamese designer Quach Dac Thang. After the Gnarly performance (not to mention, a surprise guest appearance by K-pop demon hunters Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), Katseye emerged in a more refined take on bohemian dressing for their after party. Members Sophia Laforteza and Lara Raj wore halterneck maxi dresses from Jaded London, complete with cutouts and beaded detailing at the waist. Its open-back design allows for a structured neck and shoulder line, while remaining light and breathable through the body. In longer, flowing dresses, the halterneck takes on a more dressed-up register for a night out.
Bini’s Retro Disc Belts
All eyes were on girl group Bini, after making history as the first Filipino group to perform at Coachella. They, for one, did not disappoint, entertaining the crowd with hits like Pantropiko and Blush in whimsical mermaid-esque stage costumes designed by Raf Villas. Off stage, the group swapped out their water siren style for Y2K-inspired boho chic outfits. With disc belts sitting low across their looks, Bini leaned into the return of chunky accessories, now more form over function. Over a mini skirt, it sharpens the proportions and draws the eye upward, while on an A-line midi, it breaks up the length and adds a bit of movement. In Malaysia, where outfits tend to stay light, it’s an easy way to add structure or texture without adding layers.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.
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