June 2024: There’s nothing these two don’t know about Glastonbury. Robinson Pelham co-founder Vanessa Chilton has been a regular attendee since 2004, and stylist Rachel Fanconi made waves last year with her incredible styling and on-point outfits for the one and only Jo Whiley.

Rachel is in the midst of getting Jo’s looks ready for this year’s festival later this month too, but we managed to quiz Rachel and Nessie on their festival dos and don’ts. Whether it’s going to be wet and soggy or wall-to-wall sunshine, the music will play, and the fashion moments will be embraced.
Be it feathers, glitter and sequins, or the current on-trend cowboy look, jewellery elevates an outfit and can take you from day to night without worrying about storing items.

Vanessa and Rachel share their advice, top tips, and select the go to Robinson Pelham pieces to add sparkle and fun this festival season.

1. Jewellery – The Festival Edit

Rachel Fanconi

• A stack of Robinson Pelham Spinner rings and Constellation bracelets, tap into the current trend for all things personalised and astrological and would add the perfect finishing touch to any nouveau boho look.
• A cool curation of EarWishes and WishBacks are the easiest way to switch your look from rock n roll to hippy bliss – my personal choice would be a little bit country, a little bit rock n roll – an homage to summers of old. I’d also maybe add a gold Victory Ear Wish, a Rainbow EarWish  together with a third eye stud with a rainbow long WishBack  and a stack of orb cuffs in rainbow colours.
• Avoid feather boas which just leave a huge mess for someone else to clean up. Instead, opt for Robinson Pelham’s feather earrings for a chic country western homage.
• Identity necklace is the ultimate stealth luxe choice that you can dress up or down – wear as it is or add the stunning new Stereo playing pendant (just about to go on the website) for a megawatt rock star feel.
• Robinson Pelham’s turquoise ear curations are on-point for a little yee haw fabulousness. A combination of the massive turquoise/diamond hoop and the turquoise WishDish worn with an Akida hoop is low key cowgirl perfection.
• Wafty Rainbow Child dresses need the new Wish Necklace – a gorgeous optimistic hit of colour and sparkle and even better layered with Utopia in juicy fruit tones.

Vanessa Chilton, co-founder, Robinson Pelham

• My top pieces for Glasto (and any other festival this summer) include an entire ear stack of goodies from the EarMenu. This year, they will include feather and crossbones Wishback, turquoise Wishdishes 
• and Spock (pear shape studs in bright enamel set with diamond pear shapes) with Orb hoops and EarWishes including the dragonfly, short feathers, long feathers, Starry Night and Third Eye Ray.
• I also like to have a couple of necklaces too – short and long. Length is key as I always wear a bum bag slung over one shoulder across the body and filled with essentials. I like to wear jewellery that you can keep on day and night.
• This year, I’m planning to wear my Robinson Pelham North Star pendant and layer it with my Fortune Heart pendant around my neck with varying lengths of Utopia for colour.
• Identity necklace with a Rainbow Bar sometimes makes an appearance. One of my friends has this necklace and she wears it every Glastonbury without fail.

2. Stylist’s secrets for pulling off the perfect festival look

Rachel Fanconi packing essentials

• Be comfortable obviously.
• Layer: don’t be tricked into thinking you won’t need a warm layer. Make sure you have some cashmere and a trusty waterproof jacket try Marfa Stance or Colin Horgan.
• Add some sparkle that you can wear with everything for instant elevation – Robinson Pelham is perfect for this!
• Also, for boho glam dresses that you roll up and stuff in a backpack, try Hansine and Farm Rio
• Brilliant architectural pieces by Karina Bond and Chet Lo can be scrunched in a ball and still retain their shape.
• An upcycled jacket from Mrs Lang @mrslang  (located in Deal) would be a practical choice but also guaranteed to sprinkle a bit of festival magic!
• Bring a combat trouser. Zara have some great wide leg options or just root a pair of Maharishis out of the attic (also on Vestiaire from about £115 upwards).
• A hat is always a must and this year’s Glastonbury will be a sea of cowboys. Up your game with Austin from or Free People’s Fame style in straw.
• Cowboy boots (naturally) will be unavoidable. Best from Terry de Havilland, Penelope Chilvers or offthehooklondon.com but don’t forget socks and stylist’s favourite Compeed blister plasters.
• Trainers…….comfort is queen, head to Flower Mountain, Sole Bliss, Wushu or Salomon.
• It could be a wellies year – better safe than sorry! Burberry’s sturdy rubber boots (priced at £650 and selling out fast on Net-a-Porter) will see you through anything. Alternatively, the Ugg see-through Drizlita style, now reduced to £41.99 on Ugg.com, offers a touch of full fashion madness, and you can show off your pedi at the same time!
• Tabitha Webb’s slogan tops feel like a must for this one.

Vanessa Chilton packing essentials

• I always pack one of those big, recycled zip bags stuffed with clothes for every eventuality. Jackets, dresses, boots, trainers, wellies, macs, hats, tops. My husband often complains that the car is too full, but I know from experience that not bringing enough can mean you are caught short if the weather changes.
• I get cold, so layers are key for me. When we head off for the afternoon/ night I always have at least two extra layers with me so that I don’t freeze. Often it will be my pink Colmar jacket or one from Free People tied around my waist and I’ll also be wearing a smaller bright, sparkly top/ jacket.
• Shoes are either my short bright turquoise Lucchese cowboy boots that my husband bought me in Nashville or trainers and obviously wellies if the ground is wet. Thick socks are a must have too as we do so much walking. I think one year we covered 68 miles over four days.
• My bag this year is green suede with tassels and has loads of zips/ compartments… so handy for finding things.
• Jumpsuits are a nightmare – avoid them. If you are like me and wear crossbody bags and tie things round your waist, it can get complicated when you need a pee!
• I will also have my essentials from my friend Tabitha Webb (no one knows better how to embrace the cowboy vibe) these include my chevron sparkly tops, my cowboy boots cardigan, and ‘Cool it Cowboy’ top. Perfect for the day as they are short sleeved but also beautifully soft and warm for the nights.

Follow Rachel Fanconi on @rachelfanconi 

Visit @RobinsonPelham on Instagram and www.robinsonpelham.com