Björk’s Futuristic Coachella Looks Were Inspired by Drones

For the second half of the performance during week two, Björk changed into a high-tech Clara Daguin dress that featured 1,430 hand-embroidered LED lights that reacted to sound (it was controlled by a microprocessor with a built-in microphone). She also wore supporting pieces like a silver skirt by Weisheng Paris, custom latex by Venus, and a Solangel bodysuit.

Punctuating all of these looks were dramatic headpieces designed by Merry, which also called back to the drones. “The masks were inspired by sonic behavior,” says Björk. “Me and James have talked through the years a lot about visuals based on sound.” The extraterrestrial-like masks were 3D-printed from different types of resin, by the company Secca in Japan. “The first week’s masks were inspired by sound waves, biological spirals, and sonic booms,” says Merry. “The second week’s masks were inspired by fishbones, orchids, and plant stamens; I wanted this mask to react and change color under specific UV/blue stage lights, making it transform during the performance to have a bioluminescent underwater feeling.”

Björk’s conductor Frimann, meanwhile, wore striking looks by Valentino and Rick Owens on stage with her. “I always aim to have Björk’s and Bjarni’s look relate to each other, via interesting and innovative looks that reflect both their individual styles and their shared artistic vision,” says Gudmundsdottir. “It’s refreshing to see someone like Bjarni in the classical world who is open to exploring different forms of self-expression, including fashion.” Post-performance this weekend, Björk then ended the evening in a hand-embroidered green Valentino look, from its spring 2023 couture collection.

Overall, the stylist says her favorite part about Coachella weekend was seeing Björk’s one-of-a-kind vision come to life. “To see the looks come to life on such a big stage like Coachella, worn by someone as iconic as Björk, is a thrilling experience,” says Gudmundsdottir. “It is always an exciting and inspiring challenge to work with her. She’s a dream client to have, is incredibly knowledgeable about fashion, as well as being willing to experiment. For me, it was truly a dream come true.”