The 1990s is Gen Z’s Favorite Era By Far
The 1990s was arguably one of the most definitive decades society has seen, by way of its fashion, beauty, and culture. An era which has since proven to be hard to live up to and to replicate, as nothing quite like the 1990s will exist in the zeitgeist again; its influence on Gen Z has manifested to otherworldly in ways than one. Gen Z’s latest obsession with all things 1990s has proved that culturally significant trends associated with the decade aren’t “back.” They actually never truly left.
Gen Z seems to be reeling from nostalgia, all for a place, time, or thing which the latter half of the generational cohort hasn’t experienced for themselves firsthand. Older Gen Z, born approximately from 1997-1999, likely feels a stronger kinship or connection to the decade, compared to younger Gen Z. You could argue the Y2K craze which took fashion by storm at its point in time and a few years ago reigned supreme for Gen Z, which would be a valid one. But distinction lies in the familiarity of Y2K to Gen Z because that’s what they know through and through.
The 1990s represents something they’ll never fully know, but now have the opportunity to know more about thanks to social media. Netflix’s addition of Sex and the City early this month has made headwaves on TikTok and the news media. The fashion-infused series set in the late ’90s through the early 2000s is considered a cult-classic for Millennials, but has now fallen into the hands of Gen Z.
What started off as a simple question prompted rather passionate responses from Gen Z. A TikTok user uploaded a video asking what others believed main character Carrie Bradshaw’s worst moment on the show was, namely a less than wise decision she made or something she did to another character. The new generation of Sex and the City viewers haven’t shied away from stitching and duetting the original creators’ video since it was posted, expressing their passionate opinions on the iconic television show character and offering their quite detailed perspectives. Younger viewers have also enjoyed identifying themselves as Charlotte York, Samantha Jones, Miranda Hobbes, or Carrie Bradshaw and heralding ’90s fashion.
90s minimalism in particular signals a sense of comfort and something Gen Z is quite familiar with, though they refer to it now as “quiet luxury.” Most Gen Z consumers aren’t too maximalist driven as they’ve been in previous years, which is fair to say contributed to this as well. The understated trend has sustained itself today through brands such as The Row, which invites a calm simplicity to wardrobes. But one style and beauty icon of time has swiftly become a Gen Z favorite: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. The late American publicist for Calvin Klein was known for her marriage to the late John F. Kennedy Jr., but is remembered most for her sense of style.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy is quite frankly the original it-girl and the poster child for the essence of 90s minimalism. Those close to her have said pictures of her don’t do her beauty justice, and one can only wonder how she would’ve looked today – more importantly how she’d continue influencing fashion and beauty. But it turns out we need not look far for the latter. A quick scroll through an Instagram explore page or on Pinterest is proof that CBK’s legacy has persevered long since her rise to prominence and her untimely passing. Think the tortoiseshell headband and the most elegant capsule wardrobe known to man. CBK’s minimalist beauty has already been emulated and sought out by Gen Z, as TikTok users share experiences purchasing from her favorite French pharmacy in New York City. The hold of such an influential decade on a new generation is a testament to how the sheer influence of the 1990s has transcended the millennium.
Featured Image Courtesy of 90sanxiety on Instagram