As we all know, fashion trends come and go, with some staying longer than others. It seems over the last year or so, we are seeing a return of the grunge 90s fashion trends that we all once wore
With Tik Tok trends and fashion crazes, the 90s have returned to the fashion industry. It is thanks to Gen Z for this as well. During 2020, rave culture returned and it is something that we can get on board with. Then Covid announced itself to the world and we had to say goodbye to the rave scene and put it on hold. Indie clothing arrived to Gen Z and flared/ baggy jeans were the common choice for both menswear and women’s clothing.
It isn’t just the average citizen that got this fantastic trend to its absolute best either. It includes Kate Moss walking down the catwalk of the Bottega Spring/Summer 2023 show. It is safe to say that Kate rocked the 90s trend with her flared jeans and flannel-inspired overshirt.
Although heroin chic was one of the many awful trends of the 90s, some great trends have returned.
Where Did The Grunge Fashion Trend Come From?
When you hear the word “grunge”, you often associate the music and fashion industry. You also think of people like Kate Moss, Kurt Cobain and Johnny Depp who all rocked this fantastic fashion trend of the 90s.
The fashion industry wasn’t flourishing in the 90s, with catwalks behind closed doors and locked away from those who only work in the industry. Clothing brands were more reserved and less outspoken about their fashion trends so when Grunge escaped, it shocked the world.
Marc Jacobs introduced fashion lovers to this grunge trend with knitted skull caps, little makeup, granny dresses and flannel shirts. Later that year, Marc Jacob was awarded the CFDA womenswear designer of the year award. All of a sudden, anti-fashion was the fashion.
This fashion trend took off when people were allowed to be let into the many fashion brands designing clothing to fit this trend. Pieces dominated the catwalks that looked similar to clothes from thrift stores and mainstream and high fashion mixed as one.
As this created a new fashion trend that everybody loved, it changed the fashion industry with new textiles being the trend that stayed. Despite the movement that flourished in the 90s, it soon ended when the new century arrived.
Why Has Grunge Returned?
The Tumblr community tried to resurrect the grunge fashion trend in 2014 although it didn’t take off as expected. This trend remained in the history books of the fashion industry until the arrival of Generation Z. Those born between the years 1997 to 2012.
The 90s grunge comeback has been long awaited and it was only a matter of time until it returned to our streets. The current political state of affairs has brought the younger generation together as what they want is something they do not get. It led to an anti-authoritarian youth movement.
The grunge look embodies authenticity and human connection, something that Gen Z is craving. Furthermore, this grunge trend is about being young and helps Gen Z to think they are, which is true. They are one of the youngest generations on the planet so far and they are one of the most vocal about the current affairs that occur in our world.
There has been an increased interest in some of the issues the world is facing. As more and more fashion brands such as Noracora are pushing a sustainable lifestyle and production of clothing, young people are focusing more on brands that are sustainable compared to those that are not. It is one of the many reasons why this trend has returned. People are shopping at thrift stores that consist of all the old fashion trends that were once worn.
With Depop being founded in 2011, many people are now shopping there instead of buying from fast-fashion brands. eBay and Facebook marketplace are also places that people are now shopping on. Furthermore, Depop has seen a 169% increase for the word Grunge. Bella Hadid, who we all know, is also rocking the 90s-inspired look. Not to mention it is a fashion trend that you see all over TikTok.
To Conclude
It is safe to say that Grunge has very much made a return to our streets and catwalks all around the world. It is a fashion trend that we adore and so does Generation Z. It is an effortless style to rock and is definitely on trend with women’s fashion clothing.