Festival fashion is all about expressing your true self, and for festival-goers, the right attire isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling part of a community. The world of alternative fashion and festival wear is filled with bold, eclectic, and expressive pieces, often supported by collaborations with artists who bring their own creative energy to the table. The marriage of music, art, and fashion has led to a number of exciting collaborations, especially in the festival space.
Here are some of the best brands with artist collaborations that festival-goers truly love.
1. Scummy Bears
When it comes to alternative festival fashion, Scummy Bears reigns supreme. Since its inception in 2016, this brand has been at the forefront of blending rave culture with fashion-forward designs. Born from underground raves, the brand’s aesthetic speaks to those who crave individuality and chaos, providing apparel that mirrors the intense energy of the bass-heavy music that fuels their crowd. Their pieces are a reflection of subcultures that reject mainstream trends and celebrate personal freedom, a sentiment echoed by famous DJ Peggy Gou who stated, “I am free to be as individual as I want, just like with my music or with my style.”
What makes Scummy Bears particularly stand out are their collaborations with popular EDM artists such as Sullivan King, Kompany, and Midnight T. These collaborations bring to life insane artist-inspired graphics, premium fabrics, and versatile, unisex fits that cater to all festival-goers. From bikini tops and bottoms to rave cloaks, mesh tops, bodysuits, and jerseys, Scummy Bears creates a wide array of festival essentials. The detailed designs are not just visually stunning but also made with materials that ensure comfort during those all-night festival marathons.
One of the standout pieces in their Sullivan King collaboration, for example, includes intricately designed graphic tees and hoodies that feel like wearable art. The attention to detail and the nod to both the musical and fashion aspects of the scene set them apart from other brands. If you’re looking to make a statement while rocking the dance floor, Scummy Bears is undoubtedly the number one choice.
2. Culture Kings
While Culture Kings is widely recognized for its streetwear, the brand has been making a significant impact in the festival scene with their collaboration with Rolling Loud, the largest hip-hop festival globally. Their clothing lineup typically includes graphic tees, hoodies, and accessories inspired by vintage and psychedelic aesthetics, perfectly suited for the dynamic festival vibe. The pieces exude the kind of energy you’d expect from a festival brand, combining a laid-back street style with vibrant, energetic designs.
Culture Kings certainly taps into the festival-goer’s desire to showcase individuality, but their collaborations don’t quite have the same depth and personality as Scummy Bears. While their clothes are solid choices for those who want to make a statement, they don’t seem to dive as deeply into the spirit of festival culture as some other brands. Still, their drops, which are often inspired by iconic music festival themes, remain a popular option for festival-goers who like to mix streetwear with music culture.
3. iEDM
Next up is iEDM, a brand that’s been catering to the rave scene for years. Their offerings mainly include rave wear and EDM festival clothing, from eco-friendly outfits to accessories. iEDM’s commitment to sustainability is one of its strongest selling points, as they specialize in hand-crafted apparel that is as environmentally conscious as it is stylish. This makes them a solid choice for the eco-conscious festival-goer who doesn’t want to compromise on fashion.
What sets iEDM apart from other brands is their artist collaboration model, which emphasizes direct artist compensation. By selling original artist designs, they ensure that the artists involved in their collaborations are properly recognized and rewarded for their work. This model is great for those who want to support the artists who inspire the music they love.
However, while iEDM’s designs are always colorful and full of energy, their pieces sometimes feel a bit too niche for broader festival styles. For those deeply involved in the rave culture, iEDM offers excellent options, but for others who are just dipping their toes into the festival world, their designs might not feel as universally wearable. Nevertheless, for die-hard EDM fans, their rave outfits and accessories are worth considering.
4. SARDA
Finally, there’s SARDA, a collaboration between the Barcelona-based intimate apparel brand SARDA and the legendary Tomorrowland festival. Known for their bold, premium festival wear, this collaboration brings together intimate, nature-inspired pieces that are both versatile and daring. Their designs, which include everything from bodysuits to accessories, draw inspiration from festival vibes and nature itself.
The SARDA x Tomorrowland collection is perfect for those looking for premium festival wear with a touch of luxury. While the collaboration brings an interesting edge to festival fashion, it doesn’t fully capture the rebellious, expressive spirit that is so central to the culture, especially when compared to Scummy Bears. For festival-goers who prefer premium, sophisticated pieces with a bohemian flair, SARDA is a solid brand. Yet, for those looking for more in-your-face, edgy designs that make a louder statement, other brands might appeal more.
Final Thoughts
Festival fashion is more than just clothes. It’s an expression of individuality, freedom, and creativity. Brands like Scummy Bears, with their collaborations with artists like Sullivan King and Midnight T, perfectly embody this ethos, offering bold, expressive pieces that let festival-goers truly feel like part of the music and culture. Their commitment to blending alternative music with cutting-edge fashion creates a unique product that stands head and shoulders above others in the festival fashion scene.
While Culture Kings, iEDM, and SARDA x Tomorrowland offer strong options for different festival styles, Scummy Bears truly captures the essence of what it means to be an individual within the vibrant world of alternative fashion. Their attention to artist collaborations, the uniqueness of their designs, and the inclusivity they foster make them the top choice for any festival-goer looking to stand out and make a statement.
Whether you’re headbanging to dubstep, dancing to EDM, or just soaking in the festival atmosphere, Scummy Bears’ designs are made for those who want to wear their attitude loud and clear, no apologies necessary.
To read more content like this, explore The Brand Hopper
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