Notting Hill Carnival returns this bank holiday weekend (August 23-25) and promises a riot of colour, music and crowds. With the event's reputation for bold fashion, we've gathered advice from seasoned attendees to help you nail your look.
Broadcaster Miquita Oliver, a lifelong Carnival-goer, recommends embracing the freedom of the festival. 'It's the one time you can be a bit naked,' she says, urging people to wear sheer, short and stringy outfits. However, she warns against high heels: 'Always trainers. You want to be able to run around.' Her essentials include a bottle of rum and a good friend.
Upcycling designer Liberty Rose credits Carnival for launching her label Studio Seventy after she turned Gucci bags into a two-piece bikini and wrap skirt. She advises staying true to yourself and going colourful, and suggests not forgetting a fan, sunglasses and a fully charged phone.
Musician Bradley Miller, known as cktrl, views Carnival as a celebration of Windrush heritage. For men, he recommends T-shirts and singlets, but no shorts – 'real badman nuh model inna shorts' – and a decent but not too precious pair of shoes. His must-have accessory? A Jamaican flag.
Neon knitwear label AGR founder Alicia Robinson sums up the perfect Carnival look in three words: 'Sexy, tight and colourful.' Radio 1's Tiffany Calver echoes the sentiment, advising comfortable trainers and plenty of rum. 'The entire city feels like it lights up,' she says, adding that she'll be flying the flag of St Lucia.
