All photos by Gavin Aloen for MTV News
CHICAGO -- It's no secret the festival flower crown has become a thorny issue, inspiring dissenters and defenders -- equally passionate on both sides. Last fall, the Daily Beast declared it was time to "leave the flowers in the ground (or a lovely vase) where they belong." But I've always found them sweet and fun.
When MTV landed at Lollapalooza this weekend, I realized I definitely wasn't alone: There were more than a few fans donning the decorative head wreath. So we decided to ask these festival queens (and kings) why they still rock the crown. The responses were inspired.
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'I want to be Frida Kahlo for Halloween so this will be part of my costume, and I thought, 'Hey, why not wear it to a music festival?'
Gavin Alaoen -
'My crown makes me feel like a flower child.'
Gavin Alaoen -
'I wore it to the Gay Pride parade in New York, and it was so much fun -- it collects memories. So on the one hand, it's extremely basic but being basic is so much fun ... and I can't do this when I'm 35.'
Gavin Alaoen -
'I'm kind of a hippy at heart, so I like to bring it out that way.' What does she say to all the people who want this trend to die? 'YOLO!' [Laughs]
Gavin Alaoen -
'People who hate flower crowns have clearly never felt like a fairy princess.'
Gavin Alaoen -
'I made it a few years ago and I bring it to every concert I go to, so it's kind of a reminder of all the music festivals I've gone to. People [who hate on] flower crowns need to try it -- they're fun.'
Gavin Alaoen -
'Flowers are always going to be trendy! They're always going to be around, so you might as well wear them in your hair.'
Gavin Alaoen -
‘One thing I love about flower crowns is there’s really no controversy – they’re cute, they’re fun – there’s no cultural appropriation. ... Anybody can wear one.' (Anybody can shop for a crown at Kenzie's Etsy shop too.)
Gavin Alaoen -
'I found this [crown] at another festival, so it's just an acquired memory for me. I've been wearing it to festivals and shows that I go to; it's got its own history.'
Gavin Alaoen
