Concert-Core: The Commercialization of Concert Fashion
Graphic by Justine Fisher
Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to secure even general admission tickets to a concert from a top artist. Concert tickets have become a hot commodity – and many modern day pop stars have developed a cult-like following seemingly perpetuated by the media.
Since everyone wants to flaunt their ability to secure tickets to a highly sought after show, fans flock to social media to post pics after their big night. The contemporary pressure to share concert photos in an effort to “look cool” has revolutionized concert fashion.
Gone are the days of throwing on a T-shirt and jeans to see your favorite artist perform live. Today, fans prepare outfits weeks in advance, making special trips to the mall or thrift for “pinterest-worthy” attire. Content creators have entire videos dedicated to shopping for a concert fit – and popping “Taylor Swift eras tour outfits” into the search bar on any social media site is sure to give way to a limitless volume of outfit options. Concerts have become mini Met Galas!
As a lover of fashion, I’m not totally opposed to this novel shift. I think there’s something so magical about fans banding together to celebrate an idol’s artistic prowess through clothing. Friendships are fostered through the opportunity to compliment a fellow fan on an outfit or trade bracelets featuring song lyrics while waiting in line for barricades. Creating DIY merch with friends before the show is a core memory, while playing “dress up” by mirroring an artist’s style for the concert is downright adorable.
What concerns me, however, is the inherent link between this movement and the rapid increase in overconsumption. The trend cycle is moving faster than ever, despite the growing interest in sustainability cropping up along the edges of the fashion industry. While some high end brands are attempting to make eco-friendly choices on the corporate end, fast fashion companies are the go to sites for fans shopping for a one night only fit to wear to Sabrina Carpenter’s show.
As people flock to sites like Cider and Zara for an Instagram-worthy concert outfit, we have to wonder how productive this trend truly is. I love concerts – and getting all dolled up for them – but I hope to see an influx in making practical purchases before shows. Concerts are an opportunity to develop your capsule closet or to buy a statement piece to share with your besties for future music festivals. Let’s see so many concerts, it’s an opportunity to look super cute and shop sustainably while doing it!