Resurrection of the noughties’ fashion trends has us all questioning if it’s really 2021 we’re living in. A decade filled with contentious yet iconic fashion, the early aughts were one-of-a-kind, to say the least. Over the past year, we’ve welcomed back the butterfly motif, mini skirts, trucker hats and more from Y2k, but the one trend we did not anticipate the return of, is the popcorn fabric.
It’s been a while since we bid goodbye to this ‘magic bubble’ material, so let us jog your memory—the one-size-fits-all garments made from this scrunched up polyester blends look tiny enough to fit a doll, but can expand to the size of a full-grown human. However, despite being the coolest one-hit-wonder of its time with a super stretchy lightweight fit, we have to confess—they were quite unflattering on our tween bodies. More conceptual than practical, the popcorn texture is back for round 2 of its ‘here for a good time and not a long time’ life.
From runways to celebrity closets, we’re seeing a consistent rise in the popularity of this trend. Designers such as Chet Lo, Marine Serre, and Dries Van Noten showcased their Spring/Summer 22 collections featuring this feel-good fabric in a kaleidoscope of colours. Diesel understood the assignment and took it one step further with scrunched up denim. Not only did the SS ’22 runways revive this thought-to-be-extinct trend, but also gave it a futuristic makeover.
Recently, Beyonce was seen sporting a Mara Hoffman citrusy tank dress with a scalloped feel; Katy Perry posed in an all-blue puckered dress with a matching manicure, and Dua Lipa, the ultimate Y2k queen hit the town in a purple popcorn co-ord set. Doja Cat and SZA sported nude popcorn dresses for the ‘Kiss Me More’ music video, Willow Smith added her own punk rock twist to the fabric and Kylie Jenner showed off her curves and new Kylie Cosmetics lip kits in an off-shoulder popcorn dress.
Even though the divisive ‘bubble’ fabric has been branded as a questionable fashion choice, the nostalgia it evokes is what makes it lovable (or tolerable at least). It’s kitschy but cute. We can’t wait to see if this trickles down to and is accepted by the masses or remains a ‘looks cool only on Instagram’ trend. Either way, it’s sure to bring back sweet memories from your youth.
Images via: Instagram and Pinterest
