The rise of Y3K fashion

As we move towards a digitalised future, the fashion industry is not far behind, with a new trend on the rise — Y3K fashion. This trend can be seen as a more futuristic evolution of the Y2K fashion that has become popular in recent years. The trend blends fashion with technology, emphasising cyberpunk and high-tech aesthetics.

K-pop groups aespa and XG are among the pioneers of this fashion, setting new benchmarks for futuristic fashion through their visionary Y3K styles in teaser images and music videos. Let’s delve deep into the beauty of the Y3K aesthetic, exploring how this emerging trend combines cyberpunk elements with advanced technological integration to create a look that is avant-garde.

What is Y3K fashion?

Y3K style is a futuristic form of fashion that draws inspiration from the 3000s, reflecting people’s illusions and imaginations of the future. The trend exudes a strong sci-fi vibe, recalling the cosmos, sci-fi movies, and CG characters in games and anime. The style heavily features leather, reflective fabrics, and tech design elements, with dark and metallic tones dominating the look to create a mysterious atmosphere. 

Y3K fashion tends to be more sophisticated and high-tech, presenting an atmosphere that is edgy and beyond reality, while Y2K fashion celebrates the early digital age with playful and whimsical styles.

Launched by SM Entertainment, the meta-universe girl group aespa is known for the concept of virtual avatars (æ-æspa) coexisting with the real members. Their style often reflects a mix of reality and virtual, wearing “futuristic” outfits in their on-stage attire and music videos, creating a unique experience for their fans. aespa’s styling embodies the essence of Y3K fashion while championing the use of clothing fabrics and cyberpunk aesthetics to further enhance their creativity.

Photo by X/@aespa_official

The innovative fashion outfits of the group XG have always been their key identity, reflecting the bold futuristic style that perfectly represents the Y3K aesthetic. Their Y3K fashion combines chic, structured designs with tech design accessories to create a modern and edgy look. The group’s Y3K style has enhanced the visual impact of the fans, reflecting a vision of a future where fashion and technology blend seamlessly.

Photo by X/@XGOfficial_

Take a look at aespa and XG’s Y3K fashion:

Fabrics

aespa and XG’s Y3K fashion features futuristic fabrics that embody their cutting-edge style. Aespa’s newly released ‘Supernova’ features the girls dressed in iridescent and reflective fabrics that play with light, creating a dynamic visual effect that enhances the overall aesthetic of the look in their performances and music videos.

XG incorporates metallic and sleek fabrics into their garments, giving them a bold and edgy feel that is in line with the cyberpunk style of Y3K fashion. The use of these materials highlights the innovative approach both groups are taking in pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion fabric use.

Accessories

Accessories in aespa and XG’s Y3K fashion are more than just accents, they are a cherry on top of the futuristic aesthetic. Both groups often include futuristic accessories such as exaggerated sunglasses, avant-garde earrings, hair accessories, and more. These accessories complement their outfits and enhance the overall futuristic aesthetic as a finishing touch to the Y3K style.

Designs

The design elements of Y3K apparel worn by aespa and XG are characterised by bold, structured silhouettes and asymmetrical cuts. Both groups’ attires usually feature sharp tailoring and innovative design elements, including details such as clean lines, exaggerated shapes, and slim silhouettes. These designs not only emphasise the structured and modern look of the garments but also showcase the attractive curves of the members’ bodies; they are a key component of the Y3K aesthetic.

Makeup

Makeup plays a crucial role in aespa and XG’s Y3K style, enhancing their futuristic and high-tech look. Their makeup often featured holographic and metallic effects, bold eyeliners and mascara that complement the cyberpunk outfits effortlessly while emphasising their forward-thinking fashion sense.