"In difficult times, fashion is always outrageous." — Elsa Schiaparelli
"Fashion is the armor to survive everyday life" — Bill Cunningham
"Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes." — Diana Vreeland

How Weirdcore and Y2K aesthetics took over TikTok in times of despair

February 16, 2023

What is trending in the fashion world at a particular place and time says a lot about this context and how it is experienced. Fashion holds up a mirror, reflecting the face of our times, our zeitgeist. Recent developments in the industry, such as the exponential advance of fast fashion despite growing awareness of environmental responsibility, show that humans are not perfectly rational, nor irrational. In times of crisis, everything becomes convoluted, polarized, and even more emotionally charged than usual. To illustrate how this presents itself today, let's take a closer look at one particular aspect of the fashion scene: TikTok aesthetics, and what they reveal about playful nihilism, emotional spending, and the outrageous fashion of difficult times. 

A few minutes of scrolling on any social media platform commonly used by Gen Z can reveal a striking paradox hiding in plain sight. The same generation that claims sustainable life to be the only way of living is feeding consumerism habits. Young people are constantly performing for their digital audience and rely on material goods, which many of them can’t even afford, to do so. This situation seems to have arisen as a result of economic crisis, which is closely linked to emotional spending and despair. In this essay, I will discuss how this phenomenon relates to a widespread sense of nihilism by examining two trends that have gained popularity recently.

With the rise of the internet, we have become increasingly aware of the multiplicity of co-existing trends. TikTok, a social media platform, is fertile ground for these trends to bloom and swiftly became the main stage for younger generations sharing their fashion sense — thus aesthetics came into being. 

Nowadays, given the wide variety of clothes available and the rise of individualism, how we dress is taken to be intimately tied to how we feel and what we think. However, if we look at the bigger picture, summing up what many different people are choosing to wear at a specific time, we can get a snapshot of our zeitgeist. Aesthetics always concern more than one single individual, yet have never been so personal. 

The term aesthetics gained a particular meaning on the lips and screens of Gen Z, coming to signify affiliation to specific styles. Embracing an aesthetic goes beyond committing to a specific clothing style — it informs choices of music, decor, books, and movies. Simply put, aestheticizing one's life consists of giving it aesthetic coherence. The craze is not focused on one particular aesthetic, but on the idea of having an aesthetic in the first place. Perhaps as an antidote to our fragmented and diverse world, the aesthetics trend proposes a sense of continuity that appeals to our brains’ penchant for simplifications and patterns. Notably, there are two specific aesthetics that have boomed in recent times: Weirdcore and Y2K. To interpret what they might reveal about society, a closer examination of the trends and what they stand for is needed.

Visually, Weirdcore embraces surrealism by the composition of purposefully low-quality images characterized by their enigmatic texts, exploration of liminal spaces, and the juxtaposition of frightening and uplifting imagery. Weirdcore music includes many of the same elements: low-quality “retro” technology and strange melodic combinations. The result is, in my opinion, nothing short of eerie and discomforting. When it comes to clothes, Weirdcore translates into graphic tees with characteristically “weird” elements such as eyeballs and ominous texts printed in red and unusual accessories like ski masks, candy beads, and anything holographic. In some ways, Weirdcore is a rebellion against the high-efficiency “clean girl” aesthetic that has reigned on the internet in past years. Parallel movements of a similar vein include succubus chic and indie sleaze, both of which celebrate the messy, dirty, and sweaty looks which are gaining popularity. 

Example of Weirdcore. Visual designed by Zeynep Algan.

Another popular aesthetic is Y2K, which stands for year 2000. An element Y2K has in common with Weirdcore is its embrace of “retro technology” visuals, inspired by how the future was imagined in the late ‘90s. That might have been the initial idea behind the flashy aesthetic, but it morphed into something else entirely throughout its development. Y2K is now widely inspired by children’s and teenagers’ media of the early 2000s, such as Totally Spies (2001-2005), Winx Club (2004-2009), Mean Girls (2004), and Legally Blonde (2001). This shows that Y2K is not about remembering the reality of the early naughts, but rather the imagined and romanticized version of it that only ever existed in PG-13 media. These pieces of media received such nostalgia-fueled renewed attention that in 2021, Netflix launched Fate: The Winx Saga, a teenage drama/darker take on the original 2004 animated series. The idealization of this era has been brewing for a while, with not-so-subtle nods to the now cult-classic films mentioned above being dropped in Ariana Grande's Videoclip thank u, next (2018), which is considered to be a reference point in Y2K style. 

Interestingly, both trending aesthetics, as different as they may be, reference the late ‘90s and appeal to a sense of nostalgia for a time that Gen Z barely remembers or wasn't even alive for. Somehow, both the dissolution and confusion of Weirdcore and the nostalgic optimism of Y2K resonate with young people simultaneously. 

The visual diagnosis of youth sentiment today oscillates between depression-anxiety and naïve positivity. In some ways, the contrast between these two aesthetics represents two sides of nihilism: the rejection of meaning and absolute reality. The former is dark, twisty, and satirizes the decaying reality in which it is embedded. The latter is bright, shiny, and consciously blissfully ignorant of the troubles looming outside.

Before going viral on TikTok, elements of Weirdcore and Y2K aesthetics could be seen on the streets of the Tokyo district of Harajuku, famous for its avant-garde youth fashion since the ‘90s. The absurdity of the looks was a marker of independence of the constricting uniform life imposed on Japanese teenagers, who lashed out by proudly parading their unapologetic bad taste. Following in the footsteps of 19th-century romantics, youths in the late ‘90s and early 2020s rejected functionality and opted for extravagance instead. However, by becoming mainstream and being incorporated into mass-consumed fast fashion, what started as a protest against the standardization of society, now seems to feed into the status quo, rather than going against it. 

Another controversy relates to the beauty standards of the ‘90s and ‘00s that are making a comeback through fashion trends. With ‘90s models and cartoon characters as style inspiration, the ideal being promoted is one of unrealistic thinness. The infamous "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" Kate Moss quote is relevant again. Romantics have long aspired to “sick looks”, equating “melancholia” to artistic substance and interest. We have seen it all, from tuberculosis chic to heroin chic

Although TikTok content moderators are constantly trying to take down content that could incentivize self-harm, their mechanisms are no competition to the savvy of native internet users. A widespread opinion in the darker corners of the internet is that anyone wanting to worsen their mental illness in the name of fashion has the prerogative to do so. They are, after all, “living their truth” and “finding themselves”. Philosopher Charles Taylor might deem such phenomena symptomatic of the rise of expressive individualism, i.e. that today, the path to a good life lies in the ability to connect to one's inner self and express it to the world. There is no one right answer, what matters is having the ability to choose. However, the quest to discover who you are should not come at the cost of safety, much less that of minors.

In typical coming-of-age fashion, zoomers are using aesthetics as a tool for finding their voices, or at least a social group to fit into. This behavior makes them particularly prone to the exaggeration of expressive individualism. Today's aesthetics may be a re-interpretation of ‘90s urban culture sub-groups and teen clique stereotypes, but when being a brain, an athlete, a basket-case, a princess or a criminal doesn't seem to be an option anymore, aesthetics are a more flexible solution, since they are admittedly not about who you are, but how you present yourself. Their stage? TikTok. People might be expressing their individuality, but they are also keenly aware that they are doing so on the internet, the most public of places. What each person posts, sees, and reacts to, contributes to determining the context that is TikTok. Ultimately, they are the ones who determine what is trending.

Currently, many voices are singing the praises of Weirdcore and Y2K, and consequently the era they emulate, the late ‘90s-early ‘00s. Two of the most popular TV shows at that time, and most re-watched now, are Friends (1994-2004) and The Sopranos (1999-2007). These titles could not be more different from each other, the former being a light sitcom in which nothing much happens and the latter a critical take on mob reality and mental illness. It is almost hard to believe that these shows are set in the same time and place: New York / New Jersey in overlapping timeframes. Looking at the most binge-watched shows on Netflix nowadays, we find a similar parallel between popular true-crime documentaries like Tiger King (2020) and mindless reality TV shows like Love is Blind (2020). Then, and now, we experience and seek two sides of nihilism: astonishment and disbelief in reality paired with shutting it all out and pretending that all is laughs and giggles. Balancing the nihilism coin can be seen as a playful coping mechanism — thus the term playful nihilism

In times of crisis, people hold on to small tokens of normality and joy; fashion and beauty particularly. Historically, during periods of economic difficulties, lipstick and nail-polish sales have skyrocketed, and heels have gotten higher. Style is often the last man standing in times of despair. It is not a rational decision; after all, we don't need fashion to stay alive. However, the human way of life does depend on it. How we dress is directly linked to our self-esteem, feeling of belonging, and consequently to our general well-being. 

When uncertainty permeates all aspects of life, fashion is comforting in two ways: one, choosing what to wear and how to spend our money gives us a sense of control over our lives. Much like eating disorders, spending disorders can grant feelings of control; something desperately lacking in present times. Two, it feels good. Finding that rush of serotonin became increasingly important during the pandemic, when reality felt so exceptional that we allowed ourselves to discover what it feels like to be more hedonistic. We ate some extra chocolate, binge-watched a series or two (or three), snoozed the alarm, and bought things we didn't need. Guess what: it's addictive, and that future, when things would go back to normal and we would "be responsible again", never came. When we have a good day, we treat ourselves to celebrate; when we have a bad day, we treat ourselves for comfort — and so emotional spending blooms. However, the relief it provides is fleeting, and what is left behind is the same issue, now compounded by debt. 

Emotional spending increases due to the previously explored widespread feelings of nihilism and despair. Many might not see the point in saving when they are so unsure of what is to come. Of course, that is paradoxical, since financial stability could serve as a cushion when crises deepen. However, the perceived impossibility of any kind of safety net prevents constructive action; instead, a trap is built on the motto "why not?". Why not make my life easier and more pleasurable? Don't I deserve it?

We, like the adherents of both Weirdcore and Y2K, idealize a future in which we are perfectly rational and moral. In such a future, we don't spend beyond our means, don't support any institution that is not completely sustainable, and are as happy and healthy as ever. However, when looking into recent popular TikTok aesthetics, we catch a glimpse of the drawback of this dream: its impossibility. Nevertheless, let's not succumb to nihilism, but instead, look at the dark side as a source of constructive criticism. As long as we are talking about the future, there is hope; we critique because we care.

Series 'AI Metaphors'

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1. The tool
Category: The object
Humans shape tools. We make them part of our body while we melt their essence with our intentions. They require some finesse to use but they never fool us or trick us. Humans use tools, tools never use humans. We are the masters determining their course, integrating them gracefully into the minutiae of our everyday lives. Immovable and unyielding, they remain reliant on our guidance, devoid of desire and intent, they remain exactly where we leave them, their functionality unchanging over time. We retain the ultimate authority, able to discard them at will or, in today's context, simply power them down. Though they may occasionally foster irritation, largely they stand steadfast, loyal allies in our daily toils. Thus we place our faith in tools, acknowledging that they are mere reflections of our own capabilities. In them, there is no entity to venerate or fault but ourselves, for they are but inert extensions of our own being, inanimate and steadfast, awaiting our command. (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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2. The machine
Category: The object
Unlike a mere tool, the machine does not need the guidance of our hand, operating autonomously through its intricate network of gears and wheels. It achieves feats of motion that surpass the wildest human imaginations, harboring a power reminiscent of a cavalry of horses. Though it demands maintenance to replace broken parts and fix malfunctions, it mostly acts independently, allowing us to retreat and become mere observers to its diligent performance. We interact with it through buttons and handles, guiding its operations with minor adjustments and feedback as it works tirelessly. Embodying relentless purpose, laboring in a cycle of infinite repetition, the machine is a testament to human ingenuity manifested in metal and motion. (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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3. The robot
Category: The object
There it stands, propelled by artificial limbs, boasting a torso, a pair of arms, and a lustrous metallic head. It approaches with a deliberate pace, the LED bulbs that mimic eyes fixating on me, inquiring gently if there lies any task within its capacity that it may undertake on my behalf. Whether to rid my living space of dust or to fetch me a chilled beverage, this never complaining attendant stands ready, devoid of grievances and ever-willing to assist. Its presence offers a reservoir of possibilities; a font of information to quell my curiosities, a silent companion in moments of solitude, embodying a spectrum of roles — confidant, servant, companion, and perhaps even a paramour. The modern robot, it seems, transcends categorizations, embracing a myriad of identities in its service to the contemporary individual. (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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4. Intelligence
Category: The object
We sit together in a quiet interrogation room. My questions, varied and abundant, flow ceaselessly, weaving from abstract math problems to concrete realities of daily life, a labyrinthine inquiry designed to outsmart the ‘thing’ before me. Yet, with each probe, it responds with humanlike insight, echoing empathy and kindred spirit in its words. As the dialogue deepens, my approach softens, reverence replacing casual engagement as I ponder the appropriate pronoun for this ‘entity’ that seems to transcend its mechanical origin. It is then, in this delicate interplay of exchanging words, that an unprecedented connection takes root that stirs an intense doubt on my side, am I truly having a dia-logos? Do I encounter intelligence in front of me? (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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5. The medium
Category: The object
When we cross a landscape by train and look outside, our gaze involuntarily sweeps across the scenery, unable to anchor on any fixed point. Our expression looks dull, and we might appear glassy-eyed, as if our eyes have lost their function. Time passes by. Then our attention diverts to the mobile in hand, and suddenly our eyes light up, energized by the visual cues of short videos, while our thumbs navigate us through the stream of content. The daze transforms, bringing a heady rush of excitement with every swipe, pulling us from a state of meditative trance to a state of eager consumption. But this flow is pierced by the sudden ring of a call, snapping us again to a different kind of focus. We plug in our earbuds, intermittently shutting our eyes, as we withdraw further from the immediate physical space, venturing into a digital auditory world. Moments pass in immersed conversation before we resurface, hanging up and rediscovering the room we've left behind. In this cycle of transitory focus, it is evident that the medium, indeed, is the message. (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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6. The artisan
Category: The human
The razor-sharp knife rests effortlessly in one hand, while the other orchestrates with poised assurance, steering clear of the unforgiving edge. The chef moves with liquid grace, with fluid and swift movements the ingredients yield to his expertise. Each gesture flows into the next, guided by intuition honed through countless repetitions. He knows what is necessary, how the ingredients will respond to his hand and which path to follow, but the process is never exactly the same, no dish is ever truly identical. While his technique is impeccable, minute variation and the pursuit of perfection are always in play. Here, in the subtle play of steel and flesh, a master chef crafts not just a dish, but art. We're witnessing an artisan at work. (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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7. The deficient animal
Category: The human
Once we became upright bipedal animals, humans found themselves exposed and therefore in a state of fundamental need and deficiency. However, with our hands now free and our eyes fixed on the horizon instead of the ground, we gradually evolved into handy creatures with foresight. Since then, human beings have invented roofs to keep them dry, fire to prepare their meals and weapons to eliminate their enemies. This genesis of man does not only tell us about the never-ending struggle for protection and survival, but more fundamentally about our nature as technical beings, that we are artificial by nature. From the early cave drawings, all the way to the typewriter, touchscreens, and algorithmic autocorrections, technics was there, and is here, to support us in our wondering and reasoning. Everything we see and everywhere we live is co-invented by technics, including ourselves. (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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8. The enhanced human
Category: The human
In a lab reminiscent of Apple HQ, a figure lies down, receiving his most recent cognitive updates. He wears a sleek transparent exoskeleton, blending the dark look of Bat Man with the metallic of Iron Man. Implemented in his head, we find a brain-computer interface, enhancing his cognitive abilities. His decision making, once burdened by the human deficiency we used to call hesitation or deliberation, now takes only fractions of seconds. Negative emotions no longer fog his mind; selective neurotransmitters enhance only the positive, fostering beneficial social connections. His vision, augmented to perceive the unseen electromechanical patterns and waves hidden from conventional sight, paints a deeper picture of the world. Garbed in a suit endowed with physical augmentations, he moves with strength and agility that eclipse human norms. Nano implants prolong the inevitable process of aging, a buffer against time's relentless march to entropy. And then, as a penultimate hedge against the finite, the cryo-cabin awaits, a sanctuary to preserve his corporal frame while bequeathing his consciousness to the digital immortality of coded existence. (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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9. The cyborg
Category: The human
A skin so soft and pure, veins pulsing with liquid electricity. This fusion of flesh and machinery, melds easily into the urban sprawl and daily life of future societies. Something otherworldly yet so comfortingly familiar, it embodies both pools of deep historical knowledge and the yet-to-be. It defies categorization, its existence unraveling established narratives. For some, its hybrid nature is a perplexing anomaly; for others, this is what we see when we look into the mirror. This is the era of the cyborg. (This paragraph was co-authored by a human.)
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About the author(s)

FreedomLab Fellow Victória Ferreira interned at FreedomLab while completing her Master's in Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship at Erasmus University Rotterdam. In her research and writing, Victoria nurtures her expertise in the field she loves most: culture. She investigates how objects and art tell stories and write history, especially when it comes to fashion and heritage.

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