Modernizing a Millennium

Modernizing a Millennium: Unearthing the Y2K Icons Who Established a New Age of Fashion

Step into a time machine and transport yourself back to the turn of the millennium, when the world was abuzz with Y2K panic and technological uncertainty. As the year 2000 approached, the “Y2K” phenomenon captivated the masses, giving rise to a distinctive aesthetic that blended futuristic elements with nostalgic nods to the past. From shimmering metallic fabrics, bold neon hues, and low rise denim, the fashion icons of the 00’s era emerged as trendsetters who pushed boundaries and redefined what it meant to be fashionable in the new millennium.

PARIS HILTON:

Before touch screens, “going viral” came from being a muse in the public eye but it wasn’t as easy as likes and comments. Before “influencer” was even a term, Paris Hilton was the “it girl” and can be held responsible for the decade of baby tees, low rise bottoms, and bedazzled accessories. Some consider this icon as the first influencer to ever exist because of her less than obvious career path and over the top fashion that ricocheted through early 2000’s red carpet and paparazzi photos.

One of her most iconic looks, the silver chainmail Julien Macdonald minidress she wore to celebrate her 21st birthday in 2002. This dress has been recreated and revived many times since, most notably by Kendall Jenner in 2017. It’s safe to say she will forever wear the tiara of “Y2K Queen.”

AVRIL LAVIGNE:

In the early 2000’s, buried beneath a 5 ‘1 Canadian teenager, was a catalyst for young punk girls to express their ‘sk8r’ fantasies. Avril Lavigne was just the girlfriend to initiate skater punk rock style within young girls through both her iconic looks and edgy teenage music.

Instead of juicy tracksuits, kitten wedges, and mini skirts, she walked red carpets in baggy cargo pants, plain tanks, boxer briefs and a whole lot of eyeliner like her most acclaimed look from the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards. The notable men’s tie with a Canadian flag safety pinned to the front and embellishment in studded bands became her most recognized and recreated looks of her career. Her style polarized preppy fashion while simultaneously popularizing the embrace of teen angst. More importantly, Lavigne pioneered a new approach to being a feminist which encouraged young girls in the 00’s to embrace their masculinity and relinquish the gender conforming stereotypes pushed on women to be pretty, prissy and pink.

SISQO:

While Y2K menswear were still growing out frosted tips and drawing from 90’s silhouettes, one musician leaned into the nuances of women’s Y2K glam and applied it to his suave R&B palette. Sisqo, known for his infamous “Thong Song,” was the fashionista of male icons in early 2000’s. Combining 90’s hip hop style with feminine styling choices, he created a modern and now iconic look for masculine red carpet walkers.

With an effervescent color palette and his famous platinum Cesar cut, Sisqo dressed to turn heads (which, he did). He was a man of bling, exposed torsos and ever changing hairstyles. One of the many extravagant looks of his was from the 14th Annual Soul Train Music Award, which consisted of a large fur coat with bedazzled sleeves and matching baggy trousers. Between his biker gloves made from the same fabrics and embellishments as his pants, the icy blue contacts and crisp white sneakers, his exhibitionist style continuously dominated any carpet he walked.

JENNIFER LOPEZ:

“JLo” emerged as a fashion icon in the early 2000s, captivating with her bold and glamorous style. She fearlessly pushed boundaries with daring red carpet choices, including the now-iconic green Versace dress. Created by Donatella Versace, this particular ensemble was crafted from delicate silk chiffon, featuring an intricate pattern depicting tropical leaves and bamboo. To enhance its exotic allure, touches of blue were incorporated into the design. Notably, the dress boasted a daringly low-cut neckline that extended several inches below the navel. It is loosely fastened with a dazzling brooch, creating an alluring opening before elegantly draping down towards the legs, reminiscent of a luxurious bathrobe. As the dress cascaded behind her, it gracefully exposed her back while leaving the midriff on display.

The dress was an unexpected global success, credited to being the turning point of Donatella Versace’s career as creative director after the death of her brother. And afterwards, influence extended to popularizing trends like velour tracksuits and hoop earrings, inspiring women worldwide to embrace their individuality through fashion.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND BRITNEY SPEARS:

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s all-denim look had a profound influence and cultural shift on Y2K fashion. The coordinated ensembles, featuring a denim gown for Spears and a denim suit for Timberlake, symbolized the bold and audacious spirit of the era. Their “double denim” or “denim couple” trend surged in popularity, capturing the attention of the fashion industry and fans alike, and became a defining symbol of early 2000s fashion.

Britney’s signature look at the time was a fusion of sexy and sporty elements, often incorporating midriff-baring tops, low-rise jeans, and crop tops. Her outfits exuded a youthful and energetic vibe, resonating with her fan base and inspiring countless young women to embrace their own personal style. Meanwhile, Justin seamlessly blended elements of pop, R&B, and hip-hop into his fashion choices, creating a unique and memorable look. He often sported oversized denim jackets, graphic t-shirts, and baggy jeans, showcasing a laid-back yet stylish aesthetic. Justin’s hairstyle, particularly his signature ramen noodle curls, became a massive trend among young men at the time and hopefully, never again.

MARIAH CAREY:

In Y2K, being a diva was a byproduct that came with fame, especially for a Popstar princess like Mariah Carey. Her musical debut in the 90’s was only the beginning of her influence on the art world. Her whistle notes, Christmas chimes, and catchy love songs brought her to fame in the 90’s but her fashion during the 00’s established her as a muse.

The butterfly top, a revived trend from Y2K, now has Gen Z obsessed because of its cheeky and feminine silhouette. The first to set the trend being none other than Ms. Mimi, during the “VH1’s Divas 2000: A Tribute to Diana Ross.” The singer was known for liking the butterfly motifs after she released her album ‘Butterfly’ in 1997 and often referenced it in her style.

Her figure-flattering dresses, plunging necklines, and body-conscious silhouettes showcased her confidence and femininity. Carey embraced playful elements with crop tops, low-rise jeans, and trendy accessories. Her hairstyles, including cascading curls and sleek ponytails, became popular trends for the girls that wanted to embrace their sassy and glamorous attitude. Carey’s love for luxury and embellishments was evident through her sparkling jewelry and accessories. Her impact on Y2K fashion empowered individuals to embrace the diva style and solidified her status as a timeless fashion icon.

WRITTEN BY CRISTINA CRUZ

ILLUSTRATION BY CAIT JAYME