As AI, virtual reality, video games, social media filters and the metaverse have become more ingrained in our everyday lives, a new style has emerged: Y3K.
Inspired by Y2K—a term coined at the start of this millennium—Y3K combines concepts of technology and streetwear. It envisages fashion and make-up as they might look like in the 3000s. And it’s a growing trend, as seen on the recent fashion runways at Diesel, Ottolinger and Dion Lee, as well as in Zendaya’s future-forward look in a Mugler bodysuit at the Dune: Part Two premiere in London in March.
K-pop girl group Aespa—who gained a reputation for its digital-inspired style and even debuted in 2021 with digital avatars—showcases Y3K style at its best in its new album, Armageddon. We explore the elements that make up Y3K style, and how to achieve the look.
Read more: Style by star sign: Fashion tips for Gemini
The Y3K style, as seen in Aespa’s ‘Armageddon’ album
Metallic textures
Aespa’s Karina nailing the Y3K style (Photo: Instagram/@katarinabluu)
Aespa’s Winter sporting Y3K style (Photo: X/@aespa_official)
Y3K style is known to reflect virtual reality’s digital vibe. Shiny latex, glossy leather and other reflective materials can create a metallic texture that recreates this aesthetic. In terms of colour, silver, electric blue and Gen-Z green can level up the look.
Close-fitting silhouettes
Aespa rocking the Y3K style in shiny outfits (Photo: X/@aespa_official)
Aespa slaying futuristic fashion (Photo: X/@aespa_official)
Tight tops, miniskirts, and knee-high boots are the universal formula for Y3K style because these simulate the look and feel of video game characters.
For the music video for Licorice (2024), Aespa members Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning wore tight leather jackets in red, blue, pink and purple, emulating futuristic female warriors. The video also featured comic book illustrations that blended with the singers’ looks, creating a visual experience that blurred reality.
Exaggerated beauty aesthetics
Aespa’s Winter (Photo: X/@aespa_official)
Aespa’s Giselle (Photo: Instagram/@aerichandesu)
Since the rise of experimental eyeliners in 2020, Y3K style brings even more possibilities to make-up. Use metallic colours to elevate a look: harmonising eye make-up, contact lenses, manicures and hair can make one resemble a character in the metaverse.
Accessories are key
Aespa’s Karina (Photo: Instagram/@katarinabluu)
Aespa’s Ningning (Photo: X/@aespa_official)
From uniquely shaped sunglasses to 3D necklaces and earrings, chunky accessories complete the Y3K style. In one of Aespa’s recent looks on Instagram, the four members wore handmade accessories from the Korean jewellery brand MMWD. The designer drew inspiration from microorganisms and sea anemones, whose unusual forms evoked the essence of 3D-printed art.
In the music video for Armageddon (2024), the quartet also rocked Rick Owens ensembles. The brand’s iconic alternative aesthetic, styled with dark make-up and edgy accessories communicated the idea of a future reality.
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