Just when you thought you had escaped the low-rise jean and mesh top looks of the early 2000s, think again. Fashions and trends that were popular back in the Y2K era are making a comeback.
Although some may not be a fan of this resurgence, there are others who are fully embracing the looks. Even TikTok influencers are going full throttle on styles they weren’t even alive to see themselves. Creator, Aliyah’s Interlude, created Aliyah Core. It is her own version of updated looks from the Y2K time frame and it has taken the app by storm.
The fashions of the early 2000s were a direct reflection of those times. Society was stepping into a new millennium. The future was essentially here, so fashions was supposed to mirror that. From bright colors and shiny fabrics to the over-accessorizing, everyone had to make sure they looked super high-tech all the time. Y2K was also the rise of fast fashion. There were so many looks that designers flaunted during their fashion shows that the everyday person wanted to wear. The result? People started making copycat designs themselves. This demand grew until large companies took the idea and ran with it.
There were several eras of the 2000s from a fashion sense. The oversized t-shirt look in streetwearand the velour jumpsuits of athleisure wear. Whatever the trend, people found a way to make it their look their own. 21Ninety taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of the looks your favs killed back in the day.
Y2K Celeb Fashions
Although this look was on the formal side, Halle Berry’s attire on the night of her historic Oscar win deserves some recognition. The actress wore an Elie Saab ensemble as she won her award for her role in “Monster’s Ball.” The win made her the first Black woman to receive an Oscar for Best Actress. The Y2K dress is now on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Destiny’s Child
No Y2K throwback list would be complete without the addition of Destiny’s Child. The trio has been setting fashion standards from their inception and have refused to quit. This particular look was the subject of many Halloween costumes throughout the years. The simplicity of the studded low-rise jeans and floral bustier made this must-copy attire. Beyoncé has credited her mother, Miss Tina Knowles-Lawson, for designing DC’s look when they were starting out. This was one of those iconic fashions the designer made for them.
Aaliyah
Aaliyah had several looks throughout her time that has cemented her as a fashion icon. This particular Y2K Roberto Cavalli look has made its way into the hearts of many, even Gen-Z influencers. Bretman Rock was one of them. The influencer paid homage to the singer when he wore the exact same dress to the 2021 VMAs. The singer wore the dress 21 years prior on the red carpet of the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Kimora Lee Simmons
Kimora Lee Simmons made sure she put Baby Phat on the map at all times. At its peak, Baby Phat was estimated to be worth over $1 billion. She had figures like Missy Elliot, Lil Kim and Mary J Blige decked in her clothes. In this get-up, the model-turned-entrepreneur is backstage at her very own Baby Phat fashion show. She was, of course, wearing Baby Phat. One important item to note was the Baby Phat flip phone. A staple accessory to any fly girl fit in the Y2K era.