The resurgence of early 2000s styles among Generation Z is influencing designers and brands alike, as they embrace nostalgic aesthetics and the symbolism of handbag carrying techniques.
A significant trend in fashion has emerged as Generation Z expresses a distinct enthusiasm for the styles of the early 2000s. This resurgence, largely manifested through social media platforms like TikTok, emphasizes the vibrant and often flamboyant aesthetic of that era, which included notable trends such as skinny jeans and Juicy Couture tracksuits, favorites of fashion icons like Agyness Deyn and Paris Hilton.
Fashion designers and established brands have taken notice and are responding to this renewed interest. Collections that celebrate Y2K vibes and invoke vintage details are becoming increasingly common on runways. Brands are revisiting iconic accessories from the period, with Balenciaga launching the Le City bag and Chloé reviving the Paddington bag, originally designed by Phoebe Philo. Louis Vuitton has also contributed to the trend with a refreshed version of the Speedy bag, now reimagined by Pharrell Williams.
Recent fashion shows have further explored how bags were carried during the 2000s. Chloé and Miu Miu showcased models on the runway who carried bags on their arms, a nod to the confident and rebellious spirit reminiscent of figures such as Sienna Miller and Lindsay Lohan, as well as Serena from the television series Gossip Girl.
This distinctive way of carrying bags, referred to as the “Arm-Crook Hook,” was notably highlighted in a 2013 analysis by body language expert and author Patti Wood in the fashion media outlet Refinery29. Wood discussed how this style became particularly popular among celebrities pursued by paparazzi, linking it to notions of power and superiority. She described, “Carrying a bag on the arm feels like a kind of superiority, akin to wearing a badge or an award.”
The symbolism associated with this method of carrying bags extends beyond mere fashion. Designer handbags have long signified a woman’s social status, and displaying them prominently is often seen as an expression of confidence and assertiveness in one’s personal narrative. As brands continue to evolve in this landscape, the reimagining of this style in contemporary collections suggests a broader exploration of themes related to women’s empowerment and self-expression.
The 2025 Fall/Winter collections are anticipated to reflect this ongoing dialogue within the fashion industry, hinting at an exciting and multifaceted approach to celebrating the influences of the past.
Source: Noah Wire Services
