5 Fashion Icons From the Y2K Era That Would Trend Today
The streets of New York are buzzing with talk of "Y2K" fashion, a resurgence of trends and styles from the late 1990s and early 2000s. A lot of the fashion icons from this era are widely discussed and revered for their contributions to the styles of this time, such as Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. However, there are many less-remembered fashion icons that deserve their time in the spotlight based on their contributions to what we know today as the Y2K aesthetic.
1. Kelis
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Kelis is an undisputed musical icon of the early 2000s, and while it was her "milkshakes that brought all the boys to the yard," it was her fashion that brought all the girls. In 2003, Kelis' single Milkshake propelled her to worldwide notoriety, as well as earning her a Grammy nomination. Kelis' mixing of furs with a multitude of textiles, colors, and patterns is unforgettable. Her fashion during this time period is incredibly similar to the presently popular interpretations of Y2K styles, cementing her long term impact on the era.
2. Fiona Apple
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Fiona Apple experienced a musical career resurgence in 2020 with the release of her critically acclaimed Fetch The Bolt Cutters. However, following the release of her first two albums in the late 1990s, all of her red carpet appearances perfectly demonstrate her influence on this era of fashion. Apple was never afraid to stand out, and was frequently seen showing skin and donning bright colors. From a classic "skirt-over-pants" combo to a green latex Mugler dress from their Fall 1999 collection, Apple's colorful choices seemed to pay off for her. Chaotic but calculated as always— at the 1998 Grammy's, Apple showed up with precisely unkempt hair and a mini-dress with literal apples on it, securing her undeniable mark on the Y2K aesthetic.
3. Geri Halliwell (aka Ginger Spice)
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In the 1990s, The Spice Girls were all the rage. However, in 1998, Geri Halliwell departed from the group, going on her own to create a career and image for herself. Prior to this departure, she famously wore the Gucci Union Jack Mini Dress, which later sold at an auction for £41,320. Following her departure, she was seen on a red carpet wearing the iconic Versace dress worn by Jennifer Lopez, except Halliwell wore it one month prior to Lopez. Both of these pieces have unequivocal impact on the Y2K fashion movement.
4. Mary J. Blige
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In 2001, Mary J. Blige released her album No More Drama, with the hit single Family Affair reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Her style reflected iconic Y2K motifs, touting a colorful faux fur jacket, gorgeously paired with a tiny Gucci bag. Blige was no stranger to monochromatic outfits, metallic elements, and huge sunglasses. Any time Blige made an appearance at any event, she made sure to show up dressed to the nines in her own unique style.
5. Björk
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Björk's style is one of the most talked about elements of her career. Her music and fashion are one in the same: bizarre but in the most intriguing way. At the 2001 Academy Awards, Björk wore a now-iconic swan dress by Marjan Pejoski, which was a garment so heavily discussed that it eventually got its own Wikipedia page. Björk's green embroidered wrap also demonstrates a staple of her Y2K aesthetic— in the form of her hair done up in mini buns. Björk is unapologetically true to herself in all the garments that she wears, and it is the value that she puts on individuality that makes her impact irrefutable.
The most important aspect of this era in fashion is the devotion to self expression and uniqueness. These five icons all represent part of the Y2K aesthetic in a way that is unique to their own personalities and styles. While the revival of this time in fashion history may not last forever, we can only hope that the personality from both the clothing and the people that wear it sticks around for years to come.