New York’s streets will be full of costumed faces, ready to celebrate Halloween weekend in their finest. Outside Madison Square Garden, nearly 21,000 Harry Styles fans will be lining the streets in their finest, disco/70s-chic costumes, ready to party and sing the night away. The event: Harryween.
Harryween, which is described as a fancy-dress occasion and black tie event, is a collection two Madison Square Garden shows that celebrate Harry Styles’ Love On Tour. It’s a 41-show tour celebrating Styles’ sophomore album, “Fine Line.” Styles’ fans aren’t content to wait for Halloween. Each tour stop was filled with Styles fans dressed in black tie, psychedelic streetwear, and any other style that reminds them of their favourite artist. These fans don’t dress just for Styles after being uncertain for almost a year whether Styles would be available due to the coronavirus pandemic.
They are now dressing together.
After the December 2019 release “Fine Line”, the tour was originally planned to be held in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic halted all planned tours and left fans unsure when normalcy would return. Styles’ followers had little time and turned to the only thing they could control: their clothes.
“I think that if it weren’t for quarantine there wouldn’t be this level of commitment from everyone to go all in on their outfits,” Bailey Stabler, a CBS News fan, said.
The 22-year old attended a Detroit show and intended to wear a tailored mint-green suit. This was four months before she got tickets. Styles’ fashion and other looks from girls on social media were the main inspirations for her outfit.
Stabler stated that there have always been a few girls who dress up as their favorite singer or song, especially during One Direction days. “But I have never seen it at this level, with almost the entire arena dressed up.”
Stabler described the “domino effect” of people dressing up for concerts as a “domino effect.” First, fans started posting pictures of what they would wear to the shows. The costumes ranged from simple to more elaborate. Stabler stated that everyone was “completely committed” once the tour dates had been rescheduled. It’s an amazing sight to behold. “Honestly, I have never seen a more beautiful crowd.”
Styles concerts are dominated by a particular fashion style that, although it is different, cohabitates with a certain aesthetic. Many of the themes are centered around fashion from the 70s.
Hailee Miller with her husband outside Love On TourHAILEE MULLER
The overall look is a muddle of contradictory and cohesive elements. You will find feathers and cowboy hats as well as sequins and bell bottoms. There are also high heels and full banana suits. There’s a vibe.
Stabler is not the only one to have taken inspiration from TikTok and time off.
Hailee M. Miller was an assistant fashion designer . She spent almost three years creating matching outfits for her husband and herself to go to a Love On Tour concert. Miller, who lives near Las Vegas, purchased the tickets to celebrate her 21st birthday. She said that hand-making her outfits was something she enjoyed while staying at home, now 22. Miller flew to California to find the right Emilio Pucci-inspired print to match their looks. This idea was something she said she had during quarantine.
Miller explained to CBS News that he started by drawing an inspiration board. Then, he made the pattern and cut the garments. He then sewed the pieces. It sounds ridiculous, but it is true. I tried to make these outfits and spread a positive vibe toward them.
Miller attributes Styles’ role in fashion as an icon to encouraging freedom and artistic expression at his shows. Styles has helped so many people dress freely as they wish. His fans are comfortable, and they want to be there with him.
Style fans are taking concert attire to new heights. However, this influence is not uncommon around pop stars, especially those who appeal to younger audiences. Michelle Washington, a style expert, says that Style’s fans have influenced many artists, particularly those who appeal to female audiences.
Washington mentions Elton John, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks as artists whose direct or indirect influence can all be seen through Styles’ looks.
Washington stated, “Music is always telling zeitgeist,” Washington stated that musicians will wear a certain way and it will affect how we socially portray ourselves. During the 60s and 70s that was the space race, and we certainly saw it in mod fashion. Now we live in a different era and Harry is reflecting the zeitgeist.
Washington also pointed out the increased inspiration from artists who have primarily young audiences. Styles, who started his career in One Direction’s boy band, has maintained a large audience of teens and young adults, even though his music has included more themes about drug abuse, heartbreak, and sexual identity.
Gabrielle Saydee is a 24-year old designer who has been to eight shows on this tour and still plans to get tickets for Styles’ final performance in Los Angeles.
To look their best, she and her friends designed matching outfits. They also added tops and other additives to each show. Saydee says her 70s-inspired looks are her favorite because they are similar to “Fine Line” aesthetics. Styles performed “Happy Birthday” at Madison Square Garden with Saydee’s friend. This moment went viral on TikTok.
The tour was originally postponed. Since then, the hashtags related to Styles’ concerts have been viewed millions of times. Girls even created their own outfits.
Perhaps the most passionate participants are those who couldn’t get tickets to concerts, but still comment and make “what if?” videos on TikTok or wait hours at the box office for a chance at entry.
Fans are consuming video clips and photos of Styles’ concert online in an attempt to match their intensity.
EmmaSmart is a 28-year-old Styles fan who created a TikTok viral roundup of Love On Tour outfits entitled “I Adore what You Wore To Love On Tour.” These videos are posted after every concert and feature the best outfits in each city. They have been viewed thousands of times.
Smart stated that the best response is when people express gratitude for me showcasing different styles, body shapes and representations. This has been so well received because it almost feels like everyone is showing up at these videos that I post online to grant permission to each other. Permission to feel ‘extra’ or excited. Permission to feel good for a second about ourselves.
She said that Harry Styles uses fashion to express joy after experiencing the unimaginable times she’s been through, and that the fans are happy to have a reason to celebrate. “This tour has been delayed for almost two years. Why not wear a floor-length, feather-trimmed gown?”
The streets are beginning to show signs that Harryween is coming, just 30 hours before the event. On 34th Street, there is a four-block line as people without tickets attempt to get some merchandise. Other people from outside the city have arrived early to take photographs in front the Madison Square Garden sign. It displays a poster featuring Styles and the words “Sold Out”, in bright lights.
The energy is what makes crowds so interesting. People can be heard talking about the outfits they saw on TikTok last week, and whether or not their high-heeled boots are able to withstand the rainy streets. Or if it is worth waiting in the long line at Party City for a backup boa.
Styles’ fans can listen to him since One Direction, or they first hear his voice in the latest radio hits. All concertgoers and supporters who spoke to CBS News agreed that Love On Tour was their favorite thing. They also loved the sense of community that they felt from the people around them.
Stabler stated that all you heard was people complimenting one another’s outfits, and saying how beautiful they were. “Unlike other concerts, no one stops someone from complimenting them. It was the most heartwarming and pleasant thing I have ever seen. Most fans will take Harry’s advice to “Treat People with Kindness” and spread kindness wherever they can.
Styles concerts are more than an event for Saydee. They have been a place where she has made some of her closest friends. Even for fans she has never met, the time spent together creating outfits makes Saydee feel connected to people all over the globe.
Miller stated, “Never in all my life have I received so many compliments like at my concert.” I felt that my work was appreciated. It was amazing to see everyone in line just talking to one another. It’s a large community, and it’s the people that I want to surround myself with.”
Smart stated that one of her favorite things about concerts is the way Styles brings together so many people with his music.
Smart stated that his favorite part is “seeing how all these people, who live in different states and grew up in various ways, in different generations that hold different truths but all love the same thing, is my favorite thing.” They’re all gathered in arenas all across the country with their masks on, their favorite outfits, and to enjoy the same experience together. It’s so human.
