Fashion trends come and go, but sometimes they come back. Most notably, the exemplary bucket hats, low-rise jeans, mini handbags, and sweatsuits of Y2K fashion have been resonating with Gen Z.
As technology continues to develop, online shopping continues to grow, for better and for worse. However, according to a report by Capital One Shopping, it doesn’t bring that much of a decline in in-store shopping. In fact, it only makes it much harder to compete with the accessibility that online shopping and fast fashion bring. As a result, brands are ready to fight back. Specifically, name brands of the early-to-mid 2000s.
When thinking of peak early 2000s fashion, Baby Phat and Apple Bottoms naturally come to mind. When Kimora Lee Simmons launched Baby Phat in 1999, her clothes were seen on models, singers, and socialites from many corners. After leaving the company in 2010, Simmons relaunched in 2023 with her traditionally designed pieces that bring forth nostalgia and chic wear.
Baby Phat isn’t the only Y2K brand coming back to its seat in the fashion world. In 2024, Nelly announced on Instagram that he would be relaunching the women-driven clothing brand, Apple Bottoms. While the brand’s official Instagram bio reads “Don’t Call It A Comeback,” a comeback seems to be a fitting title upon review.
Their first collaboration since their official return was with rapper Latto.
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of her hit album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, the Georgia peach artist announced the launch of her collaboration with the popular hip-hop fashion brand. The line included their signature cheetah print-designed apparel and trademark Apple logo. The clothes also made a special appearance in the hit show, Abbott Elementary.
With Y2K fashion rising on social media, now is the perfect time for these brands to make a comeback.
The style of animal prints and slip dresses resurging eventually brought Gen Z to the one and only Roberto Cavalli. Upon searching for archival pieces from Cavalli, his vintage pieces have over 16,000 listings on Depop and hundreds of videos from users on TikTok.
While Cavalli’s fashion is timeless, it is a staple in many early-2000s pieces. The recent demand for his clothing from Gen Z came right after Love Island’s breakout star, Leah Kateb, flaunted the villa in his vintage dresses. A report by Fashionista goes in-depth on Kateb’s style choices and her crowned title of “fashion icon.”
While these brands are primarily online, there are those that seem to be hitting big in stores, one being Aeropostale.
There once was a time when Aeropostale was the “cool girl” brand, the big sister of clothing, if you will. The casual apparel of brand-stamped hoodies were worn on teen girls from all over throughout the mid-to-late 2000s. While their prices are still high, Gen Z never fails to remind the internet of their staples.
Fashion trends are created by a combination of current events and societal development. If the current interest of Gen Z is Y2K fashion, what era of fashion will catch the attention of the next generation?
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