Technophoria captures the beauty of ravers around the world

The horrors may persist but thankfully so do young ravers worldwide. Despite clubbing slowing to near extinction and Yung Lean’s call for the party to be over, rave culture endures. And we’re lucky it does. There’s always been an intimate connection between music, the club scene and bold self-expression, and beneath the neon lights and pulsating beats, some of the most creative and experimental beauty looks can be found. Without spaces where subcultures can genuinely experiment with their style, beauty would completely lose out to the clean girl aesthetic. Nobody is rocking up to reformer pilates or an all-hands meeting with liberty spikes and kabuki make-up, as iconic as that may be.

Documenting the beautiful creatures attending these festivities is photographer Felicity Ingram whose new book, Technophoria, captures the vibrant essence of the global rave scene. Ingram, along with casting director Emma Matell, spent two years travelling the depths of Lisbon, Marseille, London, Seoul, Tokyo and Berlin looking for underground youth culture in its rawest form. “It all started in London, where I saw my teenage years reflected in the vibrant queer rave culture of today,” Ingham tells Dazed. “The influences of alternative music are obvious in the Gen Z rave scene, inspiring me to explore this global phenomenon.”

At its heart, Technophoria celebrates and pays tribute to the intricacies of individuality in personal beauty and fashion choices that take inspiration from alternative genres: whether this be through luminously dyed hair, bleached brows, tattoos, facial piercings, goth-coded eyeliner choices. Ahead of Technophoria’s launch on March 6, Ingram speaks about her creative processes and fascination with the beauty of this ever-evolving scene.

Hey Felicity! What can you tell us about the inspiration behind Technophoria and how the project came together?

Felicity Ingram: Technophoria is a tribute to underground youth culture in its rawest form. The project came partly from my frustration with my industry, which constantly tries to label and confine photographers into rigid categories. I never wanted to be defined solely as a beauty photographer, my work can be anything. It was about breaking free from those limitations and creating something purely on my terms without external expectations getting in the way of the vision.

I also lost my mother during COVID, which was devastating and significantly impacted my life. Her influence was a driving force behind this book, which I dedicated to her memory. That loss made me acutely aware of how fleeting life can be and the importance of truly living, whether through traveling, partying, meeting new people or taking creative risks.

What’s your own subcultural background? Do you remember going to your first rave?

Felicity Ingram: Goth, punk, emo, alternative… I vividly remember my first proper rave, which was an illegal free party rave held in a field outside Bristol. I was probably about 14. The music scene in Bristol and Bath has always been vibrant and I’m incredibly grateful to have grown up there and for the freedom my parents gave me to party all night.

I also partied in metal and punk clubs in Bath and around drum and bass scenes in Bristol. When I moved to east London later as a teenager to work as a photo assistant, I found myself amid the techno scene: with spaces like T Bar and Plastic People becoming my new haunts.

In the book you travelled across Lisbon, Marseille, London, Seoul, Tokyo, Berlin: did each city have its own style of ravers?

Felicity Ingram: Each city had its own distinct energy and vibe. London and Berlin felt particularly gritty… more raw and unfiltered, with a dark, almost gothic edge that added to their allure. Japan’s scene was vibrant and diverse, with a strong emphasis on self-expression. Despite these differences, there was a shared deep and almost tribal connection to their communities.

Working with casting director Emma Matell, what were you both looking for when finding subjects?

Felicity Ingram: We were looking for people who had striking and unique looks that reflected the diverse spirit of the rave scene. Through working on this project together, Emma and I developed a strong friendship, united by our shared passion for diversity. This project was no exception; we aimed to ensure that everyone felt represented and celebrated. It was about capturing the essence of each individual whilst still highlighting the beautiful variations that exist across rave culture.

Do you have any standout memories or moments from shooting the series? 

Felicity Ingram: One of my favourites was when Emma, my assistant Zac, and I let loose and danced together at WholeFestival after a long weekend of shooting! It felt like the perfect way to celebrate our hard work and the vibrant energy of the festival.

I also loved the incredible community we met in Seoul. They welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like a true part of their scene, which was a beautiful and enriching experience. These moments of connection and joy truly captured the essence of what this project is all about.

What is your favourite make-up look from the book?

Felicity Ingram: The book has so many incredible looks, but if I had to choose one, it would definitely be Bombshell in Lisbon. They arrived at our location completely covered in white make-up and wearing only a white thong, paired with the most unreal ten-inch spiked hair. They had even crafted their own claws and shoes, creating a truly striking and imaginative look. They looked like the ultimate rave devil!

Why do you think self-expression and transformation through beauty and fashion is important?

Felicity Ingram: In a world where things can feel pretty scary, having the freedom to express ourselves becomes even more crucial. Embracing our individuality is pushing back against the pressure to conform. Beauty and fashion allow us to be creative and authentic, giving us a way to connect with others who share similar values.

How has your own expression changed since adolescence? Are there any aspects of rave culture aesthetics incorporated into your beauty routine?

Felicity Ingram: I’m still covered in tattoos and piercings, and I proudly embrace my goth identity, but I have refined my style a bit over the years. Thank goodness my trousers aren’t collecting gallons of rainwater anymore! Over the last decade, I’ve experimented with various hair colours: blue and pink, to orange and even a flame-like gradient. Unfortunately, after all the bleaching, my hair eventually fell out. Now, I’ve settled on a sleek black look with a bleached fringe, which feels like a great blend of my past and present.

Do you have any post-rave beauty hacks?

Felicity Ingram: Absolutely! My number one post-rave beauty hack is simple: water, water and more water! Hydration is key… pon and post rave. I’m an exercise enthusiast, and staying active  boosts my energy levels after a rave. It’s all about taking care of yourself while embracing the fun of the journey!

What can we expect from the launch in Paris this week?

Felicity Ingram: Don’t expect a typical, sophisticated Parisian book launch. We’re going for something much more ‘Technophoria’. We plan to fill the entire gallery with technophoria rave posters and art that reflects the spirit of the book. 

There’s live performances from some amazing artists featured in the book, including rapper CYRRCA, Ako with a pole performance, and Ko, who will perform Japanese body poetry. We’ll also have DJs and even live yelling. The energy will be high. Plus, a screening of the documentary I created with David Jenewein. This event is about celebrating the people and the community that inspire Technophoria, capturing the raw energy of the rave scene.