The desert heat arrived early at this year’s Revolve Festival, settling over the grounds in Indio, California with temperatures hitting 90 degrees and a dry, sandy haze that had guests reaching for sunglasses and cowboy hats before the afternoon had properly begun.

“First of all, the dust is in my throat right now,” said Emmy-winning actress Karrueche Tran, laughing. “You’ve got to consider the weather. It is hot AF.” She had dressed accordingly — chocolate brown leather micro shorts with a long sheer mesh layer, nude gladiator-heel sandals and a cowboy hat. “The less clothes, the better.”

Now in its ninth year, Revolve’s bash continues to be one of the most in-demand invites of the Coachella weekend, drawing a crowd that skews as much toward influencers and brand activations as it does toward music. This year’s carnival-like atmosphere was filled with installations and brand experiences at every turn, with Don Toliver and Kehlani headlining the performances and keeping energy levels high throughout the day.

Guests included Teyana Taylor, Big Sean, Charli D’Amelio, K-pop stars Lisa and Jennie, Katseye, and a contingent of Love Island personalities including breakout star Leah Kateb, who arrived in a skintight Hervé Léger minidress and Jimmy Choo kitten heels. “Dress like a vibe, whatever you want to put on,” she said.

Tran admitted she made it into the actual Coachella festival grounds for all of six minutes, catching a brief slice of Sabrina Carpenter’s set. “She’s so cute. I love her energy. She’s a great performer.” As for Justin Bieber’s night-two headline slot, she was considering watching from home. “My claustrophobic self, I can’t do it.”

Singer-songwriter and actor Eric Nam, who recently appeared on The Traitors, offered a candid take on the realities of festival-going even with an artist pass. “It tests your patience in many ways,” he said. “A lot of lines, a lot of walking, even with the artist passes.” He caught himself and smiled. “Sorry, that’s so spoiled for me to say. I’m having a great time.”