Y2k is back, and it's big! The unforgettable era has taken modern fashion by a swarm, and it's honestly just as iconic, if not more than before. Despite its return, some people are wary that the revival of Y2k will bring back some of its more negative trends. Discrimination like fatphobia and the erasure of BIPOC were highly prevalent and shouldn't go unacknowledged when talking about this era. Read more about that here. Another one of Y2k's most problematic issues is being challenged amidst its revival, and that's fast fashion.
Y2k was known for its focus on overconsumption, glitz, and glam. The original era encouraged consumers to buy fast fashion from Abercrombie and Fitch, Aeropostale, and Hollister. Modern Y2k encourages consumers to do the opposite and shop second-hand despite its roots in overconsumption. Though the recent boom in second-hand shopping probably has more to do with the widespread awareness of the harms of fast fashion as well as the thrill that comes with thrifting, the practice has proven to stay strong during the revival of Y2k. It has solidified itself as a part of achieving the aesthetic. Though there are implications that have come with the increase in thrifting, it is still highly effective in combatting fast fashion. Modern-day Y2k has its own fresh and original feel despite being inspired by the past. People are putting together totally unique outfits thanks to second-hand shopping. When we look back on this fashion era, we'll remember it being heavily influenced by thrifted garments.
While thrifting in the modern Y2k era is trendy, fast fashion still has an overwhelming presence on the scene. Fast Fashion brands are doing their best to capitalize off the y2k era, mass producing some of the most iconic staple pieces in the same generic, cookie-cutter designs and the most unethical ways. Though we can't expect Fast Fashion not to hop on board the new trend, we can certainly push them out. It may seem easier to achieve the Y2k aesthetic by buying from fast fashion, but I guarantee thrifting is more rewarding and just as easy. Additionally, it allows you to curate your own unique looks. Here are a few staple y2k finds that I've come across while thrifting:
All in all, the revival of Y2k has sparked unmatched originality that's developed itself organically from people shopping second-hand instead of shopping fast fashion. This emphasis on second-hand shopping has allowed us to stay true to the authentic, raw, and wild nature of Y2k, but more ethically. As we continue through the modern Y2k era and into whatever comes next, let's keep shopping second-hand and gradually force out fast fashion consumption habits!
References
Allaire, Christian. “Like It or Not, Gaudy Y2K Style Is Roaring Back.” Vogue France, Vogue France, 30 July 2021, https://www.vogue.fr/fashion/article/like-it-or-not-gaudy-y2k-style-is-roaring-back.
Bakshi, Pema. “The Problem with Fashion's Y2K Fashion Revival.” How Sustainable Is The Y2k Fashion Trend?, https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/y2k-trend-fast-fashion.
Huber, Eliza. “For Gen Z, Thrifting Isn't Just a Way to Shop, It's a Lifestyle.” Why Gen-Z Loves Thrifting, Second-Hand Shopping So Much, https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/10/10014753/thrifting-gen-z-thrift-shopping-trend.
Person. “Reclaiming Y2K: How Depop Revived the 2000's.” CR Fashion Book, CR Fashion Book, 8 May 2021, https://www.crfashionbook.com/fashion/a36281549/reclaiming-y2k-how-depop-revived-the-2000s/.
Sicurella, Savannah. “When Second Hand Becomes Vintage: Gen Z Has Made Thrifting a Big Business.” NPR, NPR, 18 June 2021, https://www.npr.org/2021/06/18/1006207991/when-second-hand-becomes-vintage-gen-z-has-made-thrifting-a-big-business.
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