Return of the Y2K

Human nature is complex, there is never a time we don’t look back, yearning for the past and wishing for the wheels of time to turn back to that one perfect moment when all was hunky dory. Nostalgia continues to govern our actions even on ordinary days, and if one were to delve deep into the history of the Homeric term, they would find that back in the day it was an actual medical condition that now mostly relates to the “good ole days”. Nostalgia is trendy at the moment, especially on social media and our Instagram feeds. The new age aesthetic is being defined by ‘the cute girl’ feed with travel dumps, low waist jeans, colourful co-ords, baguette bags, and all things reminiscent of the Y2K. It’s optimistic and happy as opposed to the real world pessimism, and more than anything else, knows how to make a bold statement. Below, we have put together fashion labels that have been embracing the Y2K aesthetic.

Outhouse
While the days of sharp, tailored minimalism may not have left us completely, competing with it are chaotic prints and bright ruffles that have gained immense popularity. Making a rather bold debut on the Indian runways with the Y2K aesthetic in the recent past was Outhouse jewellery’s OH Dopamine. Deeply rooted in nostalgia, sister duo Sasha and Kaabia Grewal’s collection found itself inspired by myriad ways in which they dressed during their girlhood. “Through the collection, we wanted to translate the fun and vibrant moments of that time using a range of vivid materials, taking inspiration from the elements that influenced the era of the 2000s.” Replete with crystals, chain belts, the melange of colourful beads and silver, the collection goes on to strongly evoke the Paris Hilton early age glam we ever so lovingly reminisce.

The Clothing Factor
The Clothing Factory, with their homegrown craftsmanship and zero waste policy, are also moving towards a rather Y2K feel with their corsets, halter tops, scarf prints and appliquéd bralettes. An absolute burst of colours, there’s a sense of boldness and free-spiritedness in this style of new age dressing, which is slowly finding its way in the mainstream. 

Sazo
Possibly finding a braver way of expressing oneself in the big bad world out there is also label Sazo, founded by Saoni Daini and Priya Suvarna. Eccentric and fun as they define it, one realises that their aesthetic also quietly engages with the bizarre. Graphic and out there, somewhat intersecting with street wear, the Y2K nostalgia is evoked with the fits that seemingly take you straight back to the iconic Britney Spears snakeskin pants, the beaded hair and the bright makeup.