Even in the midst of a global pandemic, the emergence of iconic fashion trends could not be stopped. It was around the year 2019 when the Y2K fashion trend first began to resurface, taking inspiration from early 2000s movies, tv shows, and even music videos. Heavily featured are butterfly clips, garments in denim, shiny accessories, and more. It was in 2020 when Gen-Z launched the trend into full force through TikTok and other social media platforms. At the time, we were already familiarizing ourselves with other rising aesthetics such as cottagecore, grunge, and vintage. Not to mention indie, 90s, and kidcore to name a few more. The Y2K aesthetic was so loved because of its vivid colors and flashiness, but its success was due to the nostalgic feelings associated with it. It was perfect timing, really. We were all enduring personal difficulties in quarantine: no traveling, a lack of a schedule, and disconnection from family and friends. We found ourselves stuck in our rooms with our own thoughts and little idea of how to continue. In my personal experience, the emergence of Y2K was a way to uplift spirits, and it made people reminiscent of a better time where our only care was what was playing on the Disney Channel. The trend not only touched the younger generations most prevalent on Tiktok, but it also branched out to other celebrities who also adopted the style. This included fashion icons such as Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and Rihanna.
One of my favorite adaptations of the Y2K fashion trend was in Versace’s Autumn/Winter 2022 Women’s collection. The fashion brand is seen implementing low waisted pants and skirts with a belt, shimmering tops, and vibrant colors reminiscent of Y2K. The corset, which was also trending at the time of Y2K’s resurgence, was heavily featured throughout the runway show. I found it to be a perfect example of how recycling fashion trends works; it is a mixture of the trends from twenty years ago with popular elements of fashion in the present. It is both recycling and innovation that make our favorite garments from the past more modernized to fit the appeal of today’s fashion enthusiasts.
Of course, no trend comes without its controversy. The Y2K trend also associates itself with several body image issues, as it was an era where women were being shamed for not being slim enough to fit the beauty standard. This issue was addressed by creators on Tiktok who made videos questioning if an outfit—usually with Y2K inspiration—was actually fashionable or if the wearer was just skinny. Bringing back this trend was intimidating for those who struggled with their body image, especially with the popularity of Y2K ‘essentials’. In the early 2000’s these ‘essentials’ included high cut crop tops and low waisted pants and skirts that people found flattering on model physiques but unacceptable on anyone else. It was a time when even celebrities were being targeted for their looks on the cover of magazines or in photos on the runway. Girls were suffering from eating disorders because they felt a need to conform to an impossible beauty standard that praised a size zero. Yes, the trend brought back nostalgic memories of glittering handbags and monochromatic tracksuits, but the demands of the aesthetic still promote insecurity in one’s own body.
Hopefully, with the progression of this new generation, we see the Y2K trend become more inclusive of all body types so that everyone can participate in their favorite styles from the 2000’s era. If the fashion world is to expand and thrive, it needs to always be a community where everyone feels invited and comfortable in their own bodies. The Y2K aesthetic should make people feel the boldness, vibrance, and sparkle that they wear on the outside.
Image sources:
Elitedaily.com
Vogue.com
Popsugar.com
Versace.com
People.com
Friday.com
