In the last few years, millennials have been constantly ridiculed by Gen Z, from the emojis they use to the ‘millennial pause’ at the beginning of videos. But, recently, it feels like the tide has shifted slightly as young 'uns have started romanticising the 2000s and 2010s.
They lust after ‘indie sleaze’, an era when millennials were in their young adulthood, as a more liberated, pre-influencer age. You know, before we all became obsessed with the appearance of having fun rather than – millennial pause – having fun itself.
Fashion is reflecting this turning tide, with millennial celebrities taking over New York Fashion Week.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Tyler McGillivary, an independent designer known for her hyper-femme designs, chose Aquamarine herself, Sara Paxton, to open her mermaid-themed catwalk. Aquamarine was released in 2006, and although older Gen Zs would likely be familiar with this film too, it’s firmly in the millennial canon. The designer even teased the casting by posting about the film a few days before the show.
Elsewhere, Taylor Momsen (AKA Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl, another millennial classic) looked a vision at the Grace Ling show. Attending the runway of the upcoming NY designer, Taylor wore a sheer white dress and sported a charcoal-black smoky eye. The original Gossip Girl from 2007 is loved by all generations, whereas the 2021 re-boot supposedly aimed at Gen Z failed to connect with audiences. Another win for millennial pop culture.
Instagram content
Lindsay Lohan, fresh off the release of Freakier Friday, was spotted at the L’Agence show in a glamorous white slip emblazoned with red florals and a fluffy white coat. Lindsay is one of the defining figures of millennial pop culture. As a child, she was America’s sweetheart thanks to films like Freaky Friday and The Parent Trap. As a young adult, she was hounded by the press for her party girl lifestyle, who conveniently ignored the nuance that her “going off the rails” was a symptom of working her entire childhood. For those who witnessed this era, it’s heartwarming to see her comeback.
It's time to dust off your Jellycats.
