Fit Check: Head in the Clouds Manila

Despite the heavy rainfall and occasional lighting, you could see 88rising’s iconic cloud of balloons from a mile away on the weekend of the company’s first Head in the Clouds festival in Manila. 

To fans, the stage decor signified the return of live events in the Philippines and their chance to finally watch artists they’ve streamed for years or serendipitously stumbled upon on TikTok. This included local acts like Zack Tabudlo and SB19; fan favorites Atarashii Gakko!, Jackson Wang, BIBI, eaJ, and Zedd; and, of course, 88rising mainstays Rich Brian, Joji, and NIKI.

Beyond the music, it was also an opportunity to get off their couches, ditch the PJs, dress up, and meet other people with the same love for all things Y2K. How has festival fashion changed in the last two years? We tried to find out. Here’s the fit check. 

VICE: What was your inspiration for dressing up today? 
Julia: Well, I knew it was gonna rain today and tomorrow so I wanted [to wear] something that can get wet, so this is actually a swimsuit. 

What’s your usual fashion philosophy? 
Julia: For me, it’s usually comfort over everything. You want to feel good, to look good. Then Justine was just saying something about dressing up in bright colors.

Justine: Yes, dopamine dressing. 

What’s that? 
Justine: Dopamine dressing is when you wear a lot of colors or [just] whatever you want to wear, because whatever makes you happy, makes you happy. 

Who did you want to see at the festival?
Julia: Tonight, [we came for] Jackson, tomorrow, BIBI.

What was your inspiration for dressing up today?
Pik: For my outfit, I was really thinking about being colorful, fun, and just enjoying. 

So did you two coordinate your outfits?
Pik and Pae: Yeah, we planned it together. 

Pik: I thought about Head in the Clouds, and [decided] to dress up like a colorful cloud. 

What was your inspiration for your outfit today?
Rochelle: My inspiration was to [dress] hot and also, my favorite color is pink. I wanted to go all out today. 

Dylan: Well for me, I’m wearing my work clothes. I work at Lululemon in Hong Kong, and these pants are from Lululemon. 

How would you describe your own personal style? 
Dylan: I switched up my style. I used to be into more of a skinny [style], now my style is more loose because I have big legs. I just want to feel chill and not wear anything too suffocating. 

Rochelle: I wanted to go all out and fit in with the weather too because it’s so freaking hot. 

Who are your style icons from the artists performing at Head in the Clouds?
Rochelle: I really love Jessi. She’s like a hot girl bitch, so I love that. 

Dylan: I think Jessi and Jackson Wang. 

What’s your inspiration for your outfit today? 
Darelle: I think my inspiration for my outfit today was Y2K fashion. Then I also played around with the color pink a lot. 

Who are you looking forward to seeing the most? 
Today, I’m really looking forward to seeing Jackson Wang, Joji, and Rich Brian. 

So you’re a K-poppie?
Yes, yes, of course.

Any tips for people out there? How should they express themselves? 
For music festivals like this, maybe just really play around with your style. And also, add a pop of color so that you get to enjoy the feel and vibes of the festival. 

What was your inspiration for your outfit today? 
Kristelle: Because of the name “Head in the Clouds” and the [event’s] publication materials I looked at online, I wanted to wear something that looks cloudy, a bit sky blue, and pink. When I saw this [dress] I immediately felt like it was the one. 

Who are you watching today? 
I’m waiting for Rich Brian and Joji today, then NIKI  tomorrow. Then Zedd is a bonus. I also recently discovered Warren Hue, so I’m also really excited about that.

How would you describe your style? 
I feel like I just wear anything depending on my mood and I get inspiration from the places I go. So if I go to a music festival, I want to wear something that represents that. 

So even your makeup?
Yeah, because I really feel myself when I know I look nice. 

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Follow Angelica Reyes on Instagram.