Early 21st century fashion trends popularized by black culture

Paris Hilton’s 21st birthday dress stands out as the poster child for fast fashion retailers in every single place, but two years before the “original” debuted, style maven and actress LisaRaye McCoy wore an identical chain mail style to the 2000 Video Music Awards (micro bag, tow bag ). Before model Bella Hadid decided that oversized cargo and gradient sunglasses were a necessity, famous R&B singer Aaliyah was already giving them her signature look. And while Juicy Couture has definitely turn out to be a household name in velor tracksuits, the plush ensemble was preceded by styles from none aside from Kimora Lee Simons’ Baby Phat empire.

Considering that the aforementioned early 21st century fashion trends have gained popularity in 2020, it seems mandatory to provide credit where it’s due: in black culture.

Not with the ability to fully take part in trends the primary time around, I treated this return to maturity as a likelihood to completely reveal myself. As I looked through every tank top, Kangol hat, and jersey dress I’d never had the pleasure of owning, I quickly realized that it was almost not possible to debate the resurgence of early trends without acknowledging the influence of black culture. Growing up, I remember video vixens wearing the denim looks that you simply now see in every single place on Instagram. Closely following the archetype of Lauren London’s “New New” character from the classic film, ATL convinced me to take a position in a pair of huge name earrings that each black girl owned. Long before Carrie Bradshaw popularized her beloved monogram necklace, which she called “ghetto gold” jewelry.

“I soon realized that it was almost impossible to discuss the resurgence of early trends without acknowledging the influence of black culture.”

But everyone knows that “The ghetto is nothing more than creativity that has not yet been stolen” – a phrase coined by an Ohio designer and philanthropist, Ron Blassingame. Of course, now you would be hard-pressed to scroll through your timeline and find an influencer or celebrity without their very own nickname hanging proudly around their neck. We have proven that trends that were considered controversial twenty years ago are trendy today.

Scroll through the list of early 2000s trends that undoubtedly gained popularity due to their rise within the Black community.