Splendour in the Grass 2014, Byron Bay Australia.
Photography by Mel Carrero
Story by Jaimi Lee Fitzgerald
All imagery was shot for Spell courtesy of Common Ground Byron Bay.
Early on day 1, and Splendour turned on the style; denim cut offs worked back with flannel shirts and gumboots, sheer lace two pieces layered over floral & floating robes en mass moving through the dusty air. Happy faces everywhere amidst the seclusion of the Byron parklands as the early afternoon sun welcomed in Friday’s punters. With a forecast of almost 3 full days of classic Byron Bay mid-Winter sunshine – there was already excitement in the air.
For the second year in a row Spell set up shop in the ‘very small mall’ to bring you all things ‘Spell’ – lace, floral, feathers, leather, turquoise, and all manner of classic Spell vintage-inspired treasures… So many good vibes floated into the store as we had visitor after visitor, so many gorgeous smiling faces. We loved sharing your stories, dressing you in festival get up and checking out your individual style – you chicks know how to do festival fashion. You inspired us all day long!
I love when it gets a little bit hot and dusty at a festival, your black rocker boots get that perfectly ‘worn in’ look, your white layered lace looks just the perfect amount of ‘out of place’ & your black poncho hat actually serves a purpose. This years Splendour style was all about layers – you know, that lace mini dress with the leather jacket or the 70’s inspired bells, with the tied up denim shirt – as the warm days turned into chilly nights. Day 1 was a trip back to the old school with RnB legend, Kelis, playing the early evening set and getting the crowd all dancing with her classic, ‘Milkshake’ – don’t lie and say you didn’t move it! The fun vibes continued into the night as girls pulled out their electric blue faux fur & gorgeous aztec ponchos to watch hip-hop duo Outkast play to a packed out amphitheater stage.
Day 2 saw double denim take a backseat for double Fleetwood Lace – I couldn’t get enough! Festivals are such a fun time to test out some crazy style’n and you chicks certainly did that & pulled it off oh-so-well. Gorgeously painted faces with dirty silver jewels & tasseled kimonos tied around the waist to create a skirt, Spell split skirts that moved in the wind worked back with vintage customised cut off tees. We loved seeing Fleetwood lace everywhere, making a mockery of all the mud and dust. Rock chick vibes were in the air as favourite Sky Ferreria rocked the Mix-Up stage like she was closing the festival as a headline act – yeah girl! The sun set and the night got dancey as hell under the stars as festival favourites Rufus & Vance Joy closed off their respective stages.
Chicks in crochet, animal print, vintage tees & 70’s Lennon sunnies saw out the sparkling blue-skied last day of the festival. It was all about the afternoon acts as Sam Smith drew in crowds that caused the infamous Splendour Sunset traffic jam as people migrated between stages & bought masses of smiles past the Spell store late in the afternoon. We girls love a good accessory and this festival the hottest accessory was the hot boyfriend – guys stepped up the fashion stakes and rocked out in some epic outfits reminiscent of Woodstock.
Thanks for the fun times Splendour ’14, you certainly know how to do a festival in style. The blur of loud music, dusty fields, rock chic tees, tasseled dancing and good vibes has me all excited for next year (just a little sleep first), until next year Splendour…
xx Jaimi Lee