Rave World
Rave worlds are places where the music gets people moving and having a good time. This cultural phenomenon has been around for years and features in some fashion collections from designers such as Vetements, Martine Rose, Virgil Abloh, Matty Bovan, and others.
Fashion
Fashion in the rave world is an expression of fantasy and freedom. Ravers wear clothing to express themselves, feel comfortable in their skin, and stand out.
Rave culture is constantly developing and evolving. Ravers often draw inspiration from current fashion trends to create their styles, creating an exciting mix of both.
In the 1990s, rave clothing mainly comprised phat pants in vibrant colors and glossy fabrics, bell-bottomed pants with cropped shirts, neon tees, and vibrant sweatshirts. But lately, the aesthetic has become more minimalistic; today, the most popular styles feature touches of black and white.
The fur trend has made a comeback in the rave world. From sweat-filled alleys and warehouses to runways and fashion houses, fur is everywhere with fun usages such as pom leg warmers and beaded leg warmers. Germanier SS23 takes fur to new heights with playful fur applications like pom-pom leg warmers and beaded leg warmers.
Another popular trend in the rave community is all-over prints featuring galaxies, illusions, and mermaids. These designs provide a striking visual for parties on the dance floor and have become an instant hit!
Raves are also starting to appreciate earthy and pastel colors as they offer a more organic aesthetic that contrasts against bright neon pieces.
Finally, strappy bottoms and bras have become increasingly popular in the rave scene. Not only do they add an elegant touch to any outfit, but they can also keep you cool during summer days.
The fashion industry has grown in the rave world, and multimillion-dollar brands catering to rave, cybergoth, and kandi styles can be found all over. While these businesses rely on influencers for content curation and sharing with online followers, more is needed to maintain the individuality and creativity that was once part of this community.
Music
Ravers value music as an integral part of their lives, helping them connect with friends and escape the monotony of daily life. Music also de-stresses them by encouraging them to dance to their favorite tunes.
Raves offer diverse music, such as drum and bass, breakbeat hardcore, techno, and industrial dance. While some genres are more popular than others, each has its distinct sound. The most prevalent type is drum and bass, which features an intense 4/4 rhythm with many subgenres like liquid (known for its harmonic vocals), classic dancefloor, jump-up, and Neurofunk.
Techno is another genre of electronic dance music popular at raves, having been around since the late 1980s. It shares similarities to house music but with a faster tempo and greater emphasis on bass sounds.
DJs typically play this music at raves and music festivals. Unfortunately, it can be loud and difficult to hear.
At raves, the primary goal is for guests to dance. Depending on the venue, this may also involve light shows. People typically don glowsticks and string lights for added effect; alternatively, LEDs, strobes, and other light toys can be utilized for creative dance moves.
Ravers often dance to the beat of the music with their hands or feet, a form of freestyle dancing. They are renowned for their intense concentration and focus on following along with the rhythm while performing.
Some ravers engage in “gloving,” a form of light-oriented dancing wherein participants wear gloves with different settings to produce various colors or patterns. These lights, usually colored LEDs, can be used creatively and uniquely for different styles of performances.
Some ravers use MDMA, a psychoactive drug commonly used at raves. This drug can create euphoria and help people forget their troubles. But it has potential risks if not used correctly; dehydration, hyperthermia, and other issues could arise if not consumed appropriately. So it’s essential to drink plenty of water while attending a rave.
Venues
The rave world is an underground subculture that emerged in the 1990s, consisting of illegal parties at warehouses, clubs, or other public or private venues where DJs play electronic dance music (EDM). Although these venues have been banned in some countries, rave parties remain highly popular among young people today.
Raves have become increasingly popular due to their welcoming environment where people can let loose and have a good time without judgment or scrutiny. Furthermore, many raves feature live music from emerging DJs and producers; some even take drugs to enhance the effects of their dance music.
Raves have roots in psychedelic music genres from the 1960s and ’70s but have grown into large-scale events attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees annually. For example, Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas attracted over 300,000 fans over three days in 2012.
Europe’s iconic rave locations include warehouses built during the heyday of underground techno. One such venue in The Netherlands is Warehouse Elementenstraat, a beloved hangout for Dutch electronic artists throughout the 90s.
Another venue transformed into a party destination is Kraftwerk Berlin, an abandoned power station now hosting electronic festivals and art installations. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, reinforcing its place as part of Berlin’s club culture.
Other unique venues that have hosted raves include an underground party at the mouth of a sewer tunnel in London, an abandoned prison in Estonia and an industrial plant in Paris. But none quite compare to attending Peacock Society Festival at Parc Floral de Paris in 2018.
The rave world is an intriguing phenomenon that draws people from all corners of the planet to have some fun. Unfortunately, drug abuse and health issues can cause issues for ravers and those nearby. Therefore, communities have responded to raves by regulating their activities and enforcing existing fire codes, alcohol laws, and licensing requirements for large public gatherings.
Culture
Rave culture is an international dance music subculture that has gained widespread acceptance around the globe. This subculture draws people from all backgrounds, drawing elements from multiple cultural groups.
Raves are spontaneous parties held around the world on weekends. Their specific purpose is to bring together many dancers for an energetic experience with electronic music.
Raves often feature artifacts like kandi (beaded bracelets), totems, and other distinguishing accessories that allow attendees to identify themselves amongst other ravers. Unlike other music events, raves tend to be non-judgmental and provide a sense of belonging for attendees.
These events are frequently linked with drugs, and ecstasy has become a part of their culture. Unfortunately, ecstasy has even been blamed for tragic deaths at raves in the United States.
Due to the increasing drug use at raves, many communities have taken action against promoters and DJs. Law enforcement agencies and local governments are now enforcing fire codes, liquor laws, and health & safety ordinances; additionally, they require rave promoters to pay for building or liquor licenses, medical services, and security at their events.
However, raves’ popularity has remained strong in recent years. These events have become significant sources of revenue for the EDM industry and are now heavily promoted and commercialized by corporate companies.
Due to this, raves have become more expensive to attend, and many clubs have moved their events from underground to mainstream status. Tickets to modern EDM festivals can cost hundreds of dollars for general admission or up to thousands for VIP packages.
Other popular genres like hip-hop and trap music have heavily influenced rave culture. Although these songs differ from EDM in many ways, they share specific characteristics like their driving beat and use of percussion instruments.
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