The Ultimate Y2K Trends from Fashion Week

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By · Updated September 21, 2022

Theophilio brought Y2K to the runway at New York Fashion Week. The ready-to-wear collection, aptly titled “Homecoming,” reflected designer Edvin Thompson’s early-aughts upbringing and Caribbean heritage. Each perfectly tailored outfit was paired with an equally stunning hairstyle that celebrated Black beauty in all its forms — from cornrows to twist-outs, slicked back extensions, pixie cuts, and dreadlocks.

“‘Homecoming is an homage to myself; going home to Kingston Jamaica while also celebrating my life in New Jersey, Atlanta, and New York City,” Thompson wrote about the collection. “Homecoming is an ode to all the places I called home, inspired by the iconography of all these great cities. Theophilio is a wearable biography.”

Before the models strutted the runway in Thompson’s designs — donning everything from mesh tanks, to branded logo t-shirts, micro mini dresses, bright leather, animal print, and of course, glitter — their hair was meticulously styled backstage. The main looks included a spiked variation of your classic twist out, big bouncy curls, deep side parts, and razor-sharp bobs (as seen on Adut Akech”> that were trimmed on sight.

Hairstylists buzzed throughout the room, gelling flyaways and edges as the models prepared to debut their custom outfits. When the collection debuted, it was clear the hairstyles were specifically selected to compliment each look. Oversized and drapey designs were paired with short and edgy haircuts that brought levity to the designs. Meanwhile, micro-dresses, bralettes, and mini skirts were accented by waist-length braids and extensions.

Stylists use straighteners and curling irons from Babyliss Pro to achieve pin-straight and wavy hairstyles. When their looks were finished, the model’s locks were cemented in place with Got 2B Blasting Freeze Spray and Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hair Spray. Other models donned wigs to protect their natural hair, which allowed the stylists to completely transform their look to fit the Y2K theme. In their case, the wigs were adhered with Ebin Bond Adhesive and then trimmed to perfection.

The beauty of Theophilio’s Homecoming collection was that it celebrated a beauty that felt familiar by featuring hairstyles we know and love. Any Black woman could see themselves on the runway — and with just a bit of hair gel, styling spray, and Y2K inspiration, they can replicate the looks on their own.