Haven't we Met Before?

The 2000's. A mashup of fashions past.


It has been said that History repeats itself. Well, the same can be said for fashion, especially in the 2000‘s. As we look back over the past ten years, there have been no major fashion breakthroughs that truly define the new millennium. Have fashion designers and trendsetters reached their innovative peak? Or has recycling become the future of fashion? The 2000’s covered fashion trends from as early as 3000 B.C.E all the way to the 1990’s. Here are the top 5 most prominent fashion rebirths of the past decade.


1. Grecian Glorification

They’re feminine, eye catching and completely practical on a hot summers day. One of the earliest forms of footwear ever created made its return to fashion in the Spring of 2008. First spotted on the Spring/08 Balenciaga runway, these ankle (and sometimes leg) hugging sandals soon exploded on the fashion scene in a wide variety of shapes and colours. Worn with a floor sweeping maxi dress or basic jean shorts, the gladiator sandal became a summer staple for shoe lovers everywhere.

2. 1950’s Retro Rejuvenation

The rediscovery of form fitting clothing and femininity emerged in the mid to late 2000’s. High waisted pencil skirts, bustier like tops and A-line dresses were giving women back their shape, while men could be seen in cardigans, slim trousers and horn rimmed glasses. Designers such as Dsquared, L.A.M.B by Gwen Steffani and of course Betsy Johnson all zoned in on the decade of reconstruction and rock and roll. Hair styles grew higher and vintage stores grew richer as people gained inspiration from Celebes like Amy Winehouse and the cast of Mad Men.

3. Seventies Resurface

The bohemian chic faze of the 2000’s may have been one of the longest and most wide spread fashion craze of the decade. Mostly adopted by young Hollywood, this trend was a direct through back to Woodstock and the relaxed vibe of the late 1960’s/early 1970’s. This trend resurfaced and peaked in the mid 2000‘s. Long flowing skirts, vests, floppy hats and fringe bags could be seen everywhere, and were perfectly showcased by celebrities such as Kate Moss, the Olson twins and Nicole Richie.

4. Eighties Evolution

The 1980’s made a massive comeback in the 2000’s. Leggings, Neon colours, acid wash and more recently the structured/padded shoulder have all resurfaced over the past 10 years. Designers such as Alber Elbaz (Lanvin), Henry Holland and Matthew Williamson have all showcased 80’s inspired silhouettes and colours over the past few years. We saw the body suit/leotard adopted by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Beyonce, the Harem pant originally made popular by MC Hammer and his Can’t touch this video, and the jumpsuit all make their war back on' the fashion scene.

5. Rock Restoration

Though the grunge trend only peaked in the early 1990’s it's already back in street and runway fashion. Inspired by bands like Nirvana, The Pixies and Pearl Jam. Plaid flannel shirts, tattered running shoes, ripped jeans and loose fitting t-shirts have all made their way back to rebellious teenagers and fashionistas everywhere. Typically characterized by dark muted colours and an overall slouchy silhouette the grunge trend has been recreated by such designers as Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang.