News Summary
A nostalgic wave of Y2K fashion is making a comeback at Orange Coast College, with students embracing bold colors, baggy jeans, and metallic accents. Vanessa Gonzalez, Emily Kingsley, and Gabricia Brown share their passion for this vibrant style, influenced by the rise of retro aesthetics in current fashion. The popularity of Gap’s ‘Better in Denim’ campaign, featuring the viral group KATSEYE, has further fueled interest in this trend. As students reinterpret the eclectic styles of the early 2000s, they embrace a movement that highlights diversity and personal expression.
Costa Mesa, California – A vibrant fashion trend from the early 2000s, known as Y2K style, is experiencing a resurgence at Orange Coast College (OCC). This revival is characterized by bold colors, oversized baggy low-rise jeans, metallic accents, layers, and a plethora of accessories that encapsulated the iconic Y2K aesthetic.
At OCC, fashion merchandising and fashion styling major Vanessa Gonzalez has expressed her affinity for Y2K fashion, citing the bright colors as a nostalgic reminder of her childhood during the 1990s and early 2000s. She believes that the renewed interest in Y2K styles is, in part, a reaction to the overwhelming presence of minimalism in today’s fashion landscape.
Alongside Gonzalez, fellow student and apparel construction major, Emily Kingsley, is contributing to the trend by offering a selection of custom Y2K-inspired jeans for sale at the campus’ Coast Collective. Kingsley sources denim from thrift stores and creatively integrates silhouettes and appliqué designs reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s into her pieces.
Fashion design major Gabricia Brown has also noticed the revival, gravitating towards the alternative aspects of 2000s fashion, which she finds to be more comfortable than many contemporary styles. On campus, she observes classmates sporting low-rise baggy jeans and accessories like butterfly clips—items strongly associated with the Y2K era.
The Y2K revival at OCC can be partly attributed to the popularity of Gap’s advertising campaign titled “Better in Denim.” This campaign features the viral pop group KATSEYE, which amassed an impressive 25 million views on YouTube and an additional 50 million views on TikTok. The advertisement showcases the core elements of Y2K fashion, including low-rise jeans while featuring the iconic song “Milkshake” by Kelis. This combination highlights the distinctive silhouettes and types of denim clothing characteristic of the era.
Brown has praised the ad campaign for its representation of diversity, both in the variety of denim styles it showcases and among the dancers featured in the promotional content. This trend not only spotlights a specific fashion aspect but also emphasizes a broader rediscovery of diversity in fashion that was prevalent in the early 2000s. Brown shared that the current Y2K revival resonates with the desire for more expressive and varied fashion choices.
This renewed interest in Y2K fashion reflects a broader cultural trend where many individuals are looking back to the past for style inspiration. The vibrant, eclectic styles of the early 2000s are providing a sense of nostalgia and a refreshing contrast to the often stark minimalism seen in current trends. As students at Orange Coast College embrace these styles, they join a growing movement of fashion enthusiasts reinterpreting and celebrating Y2K fashion.
As the Y2K déjà vu continues to gain traction, it appears that students at Orange Coast College are leading the charge in reviving this iconic look from the past, blending personal style with a cherished sense of nostalgia.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Coast Report Online
- Wikipedia: Y2K Style
- OC Register
- Google Search: Y2K fashion revival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 2000s Fashion
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
