Festival Fashion: PINS Glastonbury special

Image: PINS 

Glastonbury is just days away, arguably the biggest festival in the world. Not only is it a game changer in the musical realm but for festival fashion too. In our genre hopping search for the ultimate festival fashion tips, we felt Manchester four-piece PINS were best fitting for our Glasto slot. 

We were wowed earlier in the year by the band's eye catching sense of style that went hand in hand with their coolly executed Sunday mass set at St Phillips Church in Salford. That day saw them pull from their recently released Wild Nights LP (watch the video to 'Young Girls' from that below), a gloomy piece of stoned pop that will align them with the higher tiers of festival line ups in future.   

In order to get a keen grasp of their style, we caught up with the girls while they're currently touring the US. We also got more PINS than we bargained for with Faith (vocals/guitar) and Lois (guitar) on hand to provide an insight into their festival wardrobe.  

What three items of clothing do you take to every festival?

Faith - Doc Marten's. What are people thinking when they wear heels? Doctor Martens are sensible and cool, best of both worlds. A big parka jacket to keep you cosy when the sun goes down, and if like me you can't hold on to an umbrella for more than a day without losing it then you will need a hood. And of course sunglasses to hide those tired eyes.  

Lois - I agree with the Doctor Martens, you can wear them all day long. Also a simple black shift dress, a bag that's big enough for everything you need and acquire. 

How much are you influenced by the conditions there; or do you just run with the same style regardless?

Faith - I think we all dress accordingly; I take my favourite leather shorts every wear, if it's cold then I'll slip some tights on, if it's warm then I'll get my pins out. I have a pilgrim hat too which is good to keep off the rain or shadow me from the sun. I think a multifunctional wardrobe is good for festivals. 

Lois - There's a feeling at festivals that anything goes, so sometimes I'll take something unusual that I wouldn't wear at home. 

Your ultimate fashion icon? 

Faith - I don't have an icon as such, I think it's weird. I like looking at pictures of Marc Bolan, Debbie Harry, Madonna, Pam Hogg, Edie Sedgwick, David Bowie... They all have or had great style.

Lois - I like taking inspiration from all different places, I do like sixties and seventies style, from Mia Farrow, to Kate Bush, to the whole punk movement, Vivenne Westwood, Catwoman, and Blondie. For more modern looks I think Agness Deyn and Chloe Sevigny have great style.

Ultimate wardrobe staple?

Faith - A leather biker jacket, it goes with everything and makes you look tough. I like the the Ramones style, skinny jeans and leather jackets, it looks perfect on boys and girls. 

Lois - I'm a little black dress person. You can wear it with anything, just throw it on and go. 

Most expensive item you've bought?

Faith - Most of my clothes are second hand. I like vintage and thrift - I buy stuff and just alter it myself to make it fit. Maybe the most I have spent is like 100 quid on some Raybans; I prefer spending my money on guitars than clothes. Having said that, I've always fancied a Chanel bag so if anyone wants to swing one my way... 

Lois - Probably my coral leather jacket, it was £80 and I've had it for years. But I wouldn't often throw that sort of money about. Usually, if I see something really expensive that I want I'll have a go at making it myself.  I always end up losing or damaging everything on tour so it's not really worth it.

What's the item of clothing that you're most embarrassed about?

Faith- literally just threw away a pair of tartan shorts that I bought for 4 pounds in a thrift shop the other day, they smelled so bad even after I washed them, they had to go. Gross. 

Lois - I always have a few things in the wardrobe that I've got from a charity shop that I can't decide if it's really 'ahead of it's time' or just a no go. So they'll sit there for a few month whilst I'm figuring it out.  I had a gold dress I got from a charity shop in New Zealand, it was with me for years before I realised... It was AWFUL.  Didn't wear it once, but didn't want to give up on it either.

Finally, you can go on the lash and clothes shopping with any three historical figures with an unlimited budget, who are you taking and what will you all end up wearing at the end?

Faith - Well, if it's dead or alive then Michael Jackson, he always looked slick, red leather jackets, white shoes, hats and single gloves. I'd let Patti Smith take my shopping and drinking in NYC, I bet she knows the best places and I bet she is into thrift, she has always looks effortlessly cool.

Perhaps not historical figures yet but I'd love to go shopping with Lindsey and Julie from Deap Valley in LA. We would all end up dressed in hot pants, tassels and sequins, sipping margaritas on the beach. 

Lois - David Bowie, Grace Jones and a wildcard, but Marie Antoinette - she was pretty lavish and we can have a drink out of her signature Breast cups.  I have no idea what we'd be wearing at the end but i'm sure it'd be dramatic.

Thanks girls!

Not heading to Glastonbury? Find a festival to flaunt your very own style using our special section right here.