At St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2026, an eclectic crowd signalled loyalty to indie princesses and Soundcloud rappers.
A near sold-out crowd amplified a sense of festivity through themed dress at Laneway Festival on Thursday.
If last year’s Brat summer forecast big boots and micro
shorts, Chappell Roan conjured something a little more fantastical. Attendees donned elvish ears, lace-up corsets and dramatic, sparkly makeup. There were countryside flourishes – Midwestern princesses crowned in camo caps and cowboy hats. Plenty of pink too, which indicated belonging to a particular pony club.
Allegiances were also pledged, stylistically, to other acts. People partied at PinkPantheress in her signature plaid. Geese fans moshed in shaggy haircuts and monochromatic merch. Cheeky bottoms were abundant, mirrored on the stadium stages by the frontwomen of Wet Leg and Wolf Alice.
But of course, each crowd was also eclectic and non-conforming. The transformed Western Springs, like many festival grounds, allowed music fans an opportunity for unabashed self-expression. Practicality had a hand in influencing ensembles too – sun-smart scarves, hats and cover-ups, cross body bags and folding fans carried in hand.
Photographer Felix Jackson was there to capture some of the best looks from the day, from handmade costumes to maximalist accessories.
Photo / Felix Jackson
A homespun stripy set inspired by the circus added levity to Isabel’s day, where she looked forward to seeing Chappell Roan’s headline performance.
Photo / Felix Jackson
The Oklou fan dons a Alexis Stiteler tee, Yohji Yamamoto skirt piece and big boots for stomping.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Wearing matching bikini tops and big belts, Ruby and Rita adopted Y2K stylings for dancing at Wisp Rita and Bladee.
Photo / Felix Jackson
This trio leaned into a do-it-yourself attitude. Dani wears a hand-painted onesie by Dani Shenanigan and feathered pirate hat, Willow styles jorts with a tiny crop, lace bralette and layered necklaces and Charlie chooses wind-sweeping pieces thrifted from Wanganui op shops. They all wear big boots to boogie in at Chappell Roan.
Photo / Felix Jackson
A light and bright ensemble from August is all handmade, including his sweet, stuffed bunny bag.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Photo / Felix Jackson
Twenty-two-year-old Avalon overloads on accessories. Clad in red and black, she was most excited to see Alex G.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Tasmia and Eereena shopped Depop to prepare for the festival and both don heavy jackets and maximalist plaids for their time at PinkPatheress.
Photo / Felix Jackson
In op-shopped, blooming floral prints and bright scarves, Beb looks undeniably sunny. She’s most excited to see Cavetown and Chappell Roan.
Photo / Felix Jackson
This shining ensemble from Red is designed for raving and caught the rays on a stunning sunny day.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Dressed in punkish plaids from Cider, Asha could have stood alongside PinkPatheress on sage.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Jay (who wears a plaid beret) created outfits for both herself and Teddy. The lush purple bodysuit is arranged artfully for innuendo.
Photo / Felix Jackson
This mismatched set is one Jordan made herself, swapping a detached scarf for an in-built hood.
Photo / Felix Jackson
This homemade hat was towering amongst the crowd, and added theatricality to Chlo’s ensemble. Of course, she was at Laneway to see Chappell Roan.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Charms and soft toys hang from Christie’s outfit. Even her hat enjoys some embellishment.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Neon green Stolen Girlfriends Club pants and a bright pink T-shirt makes for an eye-catching combination. Josh also wears Salomon sneakers, spotting on plenty attendees properly equipped for walking.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Photo / Felix Jackson
Both Pixie and Bunny don lace and high contrast makeup looks. Bunny’s jeans are also heavily decorated with pins.
Photo / Felix Jackson
Prepped for Cavetown, Jeremy wears a set covered in Venus flytraps and a crochet mushroom hat made by his little sister Regine.
Photo / Felix Jackson
The corset top Jessica wears with a cowboy hat and mini shorts has been upcycled with gems and butterflies.
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