The desert heat is rising, and so is the glamour. As the first weekend of Coachella 2026 kicks off in Indio, California, the valley has been transformed into a high-stakes fashion runway for the UK’s most famous reality stars.
Leading the pack are Love Island icons Millie Court and Chloe Burrows, who have officially touched down in the desert, proving that while seasons change, their status as the ultimate “it-girls” of the ITV franchise remains untouched.
As a real-life news editor tracking the pulse of celebrity influence, it’s clear that this year’s festival isn’t just about the music—it’s about the brand deals, the high-fashion “roadside” shoots, and the inevitable awkward run-ins fueled by years of villa drama.
Best friends Millie Court (29) and Chloe Burrows (30) didn’t just arrive at Coachella; they staged a cinematic entrance.
The duo rolled into the festival’s first weekend in a classic pink convertible Cadillac, stopping roadside for a series of desert-themed photos that immediately went viral.
Chloe Burrows opted for a daring, high-octane look, rocking a barely-there lace-up leather corset paired with matching micro-shorts.
The look blended “Biker Chic” with “Mad Max” aesthetics, a trend that has dominated the 2026 festival circuit.
Meanwhile, Millie Court showcased a softer, boho-glam vibe in a chic beaded halter top, brown cowboy hat, and tiny suede shorts.
The pair, known for their infectious energy, posted a series of videos to Instagram.
Chloe jokingly announced her mission to “perform her new song” on stage, while Millie countered with a more relatable festival goal: “My mission is to get Chloe as drunk as possible.”
However, the glittering outfits couldn’t entirely mask the underlying tension within the Love Island alumni circle.
Also spotted en route to the Coachella grounds was Lucinda Strafford, a former close friend of Millie and Chloe.
Lucinda channeled a “Retro Western” look, stopping for petrol in a black and white polka dot bikini paired with pink denim jeans and a matching cowboy hat.
While fans have speculated about a “feud” between the trio, Lucinda recently attempted to clear the air.
Speaking earlier this year, she attributed their drifting apart to geography rather than animosity. “I live in Brighton and they live in Essex,” she explained, though many industry insiders wonder if a desert reunion will be more “sweet” or “salty.”
The potential for awkwardness doesn’t stop with Chloe and Millie. Samie Elishi, the reigning winner of Love Island All Stars 2026, was also seen glamming up for the California sun.
Samie’s appearance comes just weeks after confirming her high-profile romance with Tyrique Hyde, following their romantic getaway to Morocco.
Samie leaned into the “Netted Sheer” trend, wearing a brown see-through top over a triangle bikini and denim. Her arrival at the festival marks her first major public outing since her split from All Stars partner Ciaran Davies just three weeks after the show’s finale.
The real headline, however, is the frosty relationship between Samie and Lucinda. The two were embroiled in a bullying row during their time in the All Stars villa. Lucinda claimed she felt “isolated,” a statement Samie has vehemently denied.
“There’s no relationship there. I think she knows that,” Samie told reporters recently, adding that the word “bully” was a heavy and false accusation. With both women attending the same exclusive parties in Palm Springs, all eyes are on the VIP tents for a potential showdown.
From an editorial perspective, the Love Island cohort at Coachella 2026 is setting the tone for summer fashion:
- The “Barbiecore” Evolution: Pink denim and pink vehicles (like Samie’s party bus and Chloe’s Cadillac) show that the vibrant hue is still a staple.
- Texture Play: Netted tops, beaded halters, and suede shorts indicate a move away from simple fabrics toward more tactile, three-dimensional outfits.
- The Roadside Aesthetic: Forget the main stage; the 2026 “shot” is all about the journey—petrol stations and highways are the new red carpets.
Coachella 2026: More Than Just a Festival
As Liberty Poole joined the ranks in a sexy red bikini and denim shorts, it became evident that Coachella remains the premier destination for reality stars to solidify their “lifestyle” branding. Whether they are hitching rides in convertibles or avoiding each other in the Sahara Tent, the Love Island stars are the unofficial heartbeat of the festival’s social scene.