Y2K, an abbreviation for year 2000, had its peak years from 1993 to 2003, and embodies the concept of a technological utopia, but also the panic the future brought with the rise of the new-age technology during the shift of millennium. Mesh tops, satin and leather skirts, metallic tops, and sparkling shoes were pillars of the Y2K fashion, and the looks were characterized by blob-like forms, translucency. and iridescence. Inspiration was taken from the new technology, like the rainbow sheen from CD’s, and brought to life not only through the fashion, but also the architecture of the Y2K era. This trend was a major factor to the rise of fast fashion: affordable high street clothing based on the latest high fashion designs. The importance of low cost clothing became significant in the entrance to the new age, and fashion consumerism grew quickly during the Y2K era, as fashion brands struggled to keep up with their consumer's new spending habits.
The Elizabethan Era fashion was born during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1563), one of the world’s most famous monarchs, and the daughter of Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. The garments were made from imported garments such as silk, cotton, wool, and linen, and could be worn by all classes, though the fabric, weave, and embellishments improved with economic status. The clothing might look heavy and overdone to some of us today, but England during this period of time was in the grip of a mini Ice Age, which made the warmth and heaviness of the garments necessary for survival. Pillars of the fashion of the Elizabethan Era include elaborate styles like farthingales and ruffs, stiff laced bodices which create a flat bosom, detachable sleeves to make it easy to change the look of a dress, and layering of heavy fabrics. Different shades of red, and the expensive color black, were frequencies in the Elizabethan Era.
Maximalism cannot be brought up without also mentioning minimalism, as the two trends on opposite sides of the fashion spectrum have walked hand in hand throughout history. As a response to the “less is more” mindset of minimalists, the mindset of maximalists became “more is best”, and it shows in the fashion. Maximalism revels in spectacle and is known for extravagance, artifice, non-functional style, intricate aesthetics, and exaggerated silhouettes. Historical use of maximalism can be found in eighteenth-century Rococo fashion. Today, fashion trends seem to jump forward between maximalism and minimalism, with the current trend - perhaps caused by the forced staying-at-home of the pandemic - being maximalism, or the recently popularized term ‘cluttercore’. It’s impossible to know for how long maximalism will be the trendiest of the two, but you can always count on the resurgence of both, however long it takes.
Cottagecore is centered on ideas of simple living and harmony with nature, and takes its inspiration from a romanticized interpretation of western agricultural life from the Victorian period. The term originated in the 2010’s on Tumblr, and has since grown a big community on Instagram and, most recently, TikTok. Although the trend revolves around farming and gardening work, the fashion is actually pretty impractical for wearing while working. Common traits of cottagecore fashion are long, flowy, loose-fitting skirts and dresses reminiscent of housework wear from the early 1900’s; large layered clothing with big pockets, puffy sleeves, and button blouses; embroidered plants, animals, and insects; and handcrafted accessories. Patterns and earthly colors are pillars of the cottagecore fashion, with stripes, paisley, faded floral, and gingham being the most common patterns, and various shades of brown, green, and faded pinks and blues being the most common colors.