FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: BURNING MAN

Well hello there, c+k readers! Camille Styles here, and today we're taking a bit of a different approach to our Fantasy to Fête series by beginning with inspiration from a real party, albeit one that includes a major element of fantasy...

For the last few years I've watched with fascination as the Burning Man festival in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, becomes a bigger, more buzzed-about event. Built upon a set of principles like gifting, self-expression and participation, and fully devoted to experimental forms of art, this is one festival that I think I need to see to believe. I was thrilled when Town & Country devoted a spread to the glamorous crowds and creative artwork that descend on Black Rock, giving us a glimpse into the haute hippie utopia full of the fabulous as they seek something transcendental. No doubt the wardrobes in attendance are as striking as the art, so I thought I'd take a moment to fantasize about what I'd pack for such a weekend in the desert...
And do tell: have any of you been to Burning Man?

*images: event photos, quilt, bike, boots, cuff, lace poncho, canteen, bowler hat, fox mask

22 comments:

  1. Anonymous10.11.11

    So surprised that Town & Country did on spread on this. Love that you referred to it as "haute hippie utopia"! ~jen

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  2. Great post! I've been! For me, the outfits were absolutely one of my favorite parts of the experience!

    www.sisterdisco.com

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  3. I've never been, but have wanted to go - it seems like a great crazy life experience. One of my good friends went this past year and her stories were great and the fashion sounded amazing and out there!
    Much love,
    B

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  4. I've never been... but now I want to!
    {a {little} dash of ash}

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  5. Yes, wonderful!
    Am looking to go soon as well.

    Have an exquisite day.

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  6. I read this article in Town & Country. I am a little shocked at how the whole event is changing. Private jets? I think I liked the idea of it better when it was grittier. Regardless, I love that quilt you picked. Beautiful.

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  7. Fantastic post!! This was new news for me, I read it in Town & Country and I though they did a great job covering all of the changes with the event. Your pictures and "music fest" gear is perfect! Have a great day xoxo

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  8. Burning Man sounds amazing!! Officially on my to-do list! My favorite item you would pack has to be that gorgeous gold cuff

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  9. Nicely done, T&C, for reporting outside the box! I've never been but it would be quite an experience. Might have to put that on my travel radar!

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  10. Miss Pete10.11.11

    This is an interesting take on Burning Man. I would never have considered it "haute hippie utopia" and most of the focus I've seen is on "unfashion"(lots of naked or nearly naked people). It really seems like this new perspective (and private jets!) goes against previous notions of what Burning Man was about. {all IMHO}

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  11. I have never been---but have always been intregued by it. I bet it is stunning on so many levels. Great post--and I love that ring and quilt!

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  12. i too was surprised to see burning man in T&C - talk about worlds colliding! it seems like anything with this much buzz is bound to transform from a small, truly original thing to a fashion forum and destination for those who want to be a part of such a unique event. but that does change what it was into what it has become... kind of like coachella. for better or for worse?

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  13. camille, i love this round up. gorgeous items! this is funny cause i was just watching Chelsea Lately and her and Mindy Kaling were talking abt "just what the hell is burning man anyway?". what funny timing!

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  14. I'm embarassed to admit, I'm a little scared to go - I've heard some crazy stories! You're post makes it tempting, though. ♥

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  15. My big furry pink pig house shoes, old pink cotton robe and a nice fire does it for me

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  16. Anonymous10.11.11

    this event was once a avant guarde, subculture thing to participate in; it is really strange to hear people concerned about being fashionable. I like fashion, don't get me wrong, but that's not what Burning Man is or should I say was all about. If you've been there then you know that it is a dusty, dirty, grimey location. Dirt gets into everything you bring. It has a low-key, shall I say alcohol+ scene element, not for the faint of heart.

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  17. so fantastical! :) xxo -nb

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  18. This marked my 3rd year at Burning Man. The outfits and art are unbelievable. You are so inspired the entire time.

    My favorite part is the Temple.
    I have video from inside the Temple on my blog if you want to check it out.

    http://www.vanessavancour.com/2011/09/a-recap-of-burning-man-2011-video-and-photos/

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  19. Anonymous11.11.11

    I have never heard of or (obviously) been to Burning Man. But it has definitely caught my interest. I also love your roundup. The fox mask is fantastic.
    -Madeleine

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  20. I've never been to burning man, but going is a dream I have!

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  21. shocked that t&c did a spread on burning man! i've always wanted to go/talked about going but I feel like it's not for the faint of heart, haha. this feature was a fun way to fantasize about it though so thank!

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  22. Radical self expression really gives the space to be however, whoever, whyever, whenever. And that includes what you wear, from nothing to more accoutrements than a French princess. I've seen a lot, and am continually enchanted, amazed, surprised, enamored. You can wear whatever you want, for whoever you are wanting to be. Go. Just go. And leave your expectations back at home :)

    This was something I wrote from my first year...
    http://stoodio32.com/words-that-go-7-byron-go

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