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Fashion World Meets Y2K

8.7.2022

The fashion world is brimming with terms – the meaning of which are sometimes far from obvious. Take Y2K for instance. This ominous acronym has been popping up left and right in fashion circles – but why?

It’s hard to imagine a model nowadays strutting down the catwalk absent a Y2K-inspired piece. Butterfly tops (see lead image)? Y2K. Low-rise jeans? Y2K. Unbelievable Undies? Y. 2. K. This acronym has been popping up all over social media and throughout the pages of fashion magazines. Do I have a clue as to what it means? You bet. But if you don’t, I’ll happily elaborate.

Mariah Carey in 2000 in her now-legendary butterfly top. On the right, singer Dua Lipa this year.
Source: Instagram @cautionriah, @lorenzoposocco

It’s obvious that our dear little acronym has something to do with the 2000s since today’s trends existed then. But why the acronym? The answer is simple.

Y = Year
2K = 2Kilo = 2000
Y2K = Year 2000

In other words, the year 2000. Because that’s when the world was faced with a potential computer meltdown. Transitioning from one millennium into another posed technical difficulties because the year’s ending digits of 99 would be succeeded by 00. This potentially catastrophic rollover soon became known as the Y2K or millennium bug. But such a drastic change wasn’t limited to technology – the fashion world also experienced a revolution. Short tops, even shorter skirts, sensational pants, perilous platform shoes, glittery butterflies and tiny purses became the hottest new trends of the day.

Although what was trending at that time was new and exciting, what’s trending nowadays is simply a blast from the past. Nothing original. Though for those born after Y2K, it may well seem so. But for my generation, today’s trends bring back memories of days long gone. And at least now the younger readers among you are aware that today’s fashion hashtags stem from a once pesky millennium bug that has left its mark on the fashion world.

Header image: Blumarine Spring/Summer ’22 via Imaxtree

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Laura Scholz

Senior Editor

Laura.Scholz@digitecgalaxus.ch

Always in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.

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