‘No, just no!’ people yell as once-iconic Brit brand launch Y2K throwback collection
THEY were one of the most popular Brit fashion names in the 2000s.
And now the Manchester-based brand Bench has launched a major Y2K throwback collection – however, not everyone will be racing to snap up the iconic garments.
Celebrating their 35th birthday in true style, Bench are gearing up to reclaim the spotlight with their Y2K-inspired ‘Revival’ line.
Following the success of their women’s collection with the high street retailer Urban Outfitters earlier this year, the fashion brand is set to keep the momentum going with a new collection, launching on the night that the brand celebrates its 35th anniversary.
Blending noughties nostalgia with trending silhouettes, Bench’s ‘Revival’ collection features everything from tank tops, boob tubes, cargos and denim mini skirts, officially launching online Friday, 5th July 2024.
Adored by the likes of Lady Gaga, Fergie and even Lisa Rinna (Beverly Hills chic darling), Bench cemented itself as a pop culture phenomenon in the noughties.
The brand created staple Y2K pieces, including the iconic hoodie with thumb holes and the beloved BBQ jacket.
In light of a huge Y2K resurgence this year, and a fantastic reception from their Urban Outfitters range, Bench’s revival line celebrates all things ‘noughties’, from jorts to tank tops.
But whilst the new line is sure to be a hit for some shoppers, our very own fashionista, Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend, is amongst those who will give the collection a miss.
The style guru said: ”Nothing looked cooler than poker straight hair, foundation lips and a Bench zip-up jacket in the noughties.
”But for now? A big fat no.
”I had a black Bench jacket with an unnecessarily large standup collar and the logo plastered on the back, and uber-trendy thumb holes that I have zero use for.
”Skin tight and worn with flared jeans and stark white trainers I felt the bees knees.
”It was the standard uniform in the noughties for teenagers who hadn’t discovered their own personal sense of style.
”So to hear the brand is back made me yell out “No! Just No!”.
For Clemmie, who wondered how far Gen-Z will take it, ”these looks and brands are the stuff of nightmares for us millennials because we looked terrible”.
”Hair plastered to our skulls in tight ponytails, apart from frazzled strands that were slapped on our forehead, and everyone wearing the same unfashionable look.”
”A fashion disaster” back then – and according to Clemmie, the new generations ”should be learning from our mistakes” instead of returning to them.
Fashion editor reveals the 90s trends that should stay in the past
NINETIES and noughties trends especially have become a hit with Gen Z - most likely because they didn’t wear them the first time round. Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives the rundown of some of the trends that have made a comeback that we wish did not.
Disc belts
“A hit with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively, the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do – it was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up.
“And it seems it’s not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to TikTok to give their views, saying: ‘Oh no not the disc belt! I don’t think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around’ – I feel you.”
Jelly shoes
“After not being seen on shelves for decades, they’ve made a reappearance and this time they’re not just for kids.
“Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions.
“Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren’t the comfiest – blister plasters will come in handy.”
Pedal pushers
“The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, but this time the model fash pack are all over them – with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently.
“The original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot helped make the trousers – also called Capri pants – look effortlessly cool and glam.
“Somehow this time round they don’t seem to be having that same effect.”
Speaking ahead of the collection launch, Natalie Williams, Brand Marketing Manager at Bench commented: “Bench’s Revival collection is a celebration of where we started, and where we find ourselves 35 years later.
”The Y2K aesthetic is back like never before, and gave us the perfect opportunity to put a new spin on some of our classics.
“We wanted the collection to include wardrobe staples, which have an edgy twist. The silhouettes are familiar from the noughties, but are a more modern take on the classics, combining 2024 with 2004.”
She added: “Not only are we aiming to attract a new demographic to the brand, but we’re bringing everyone back to that era with our Revival Collection – it’s Y2K but feels enhanced and updated with a modern twist.”
Win an £8k trip of a lifetime to the Maldives
FABULOUS is the home of high-street fashion – we even launched our own range earlier this month.
And now our Fabulous High Street Fashion Awards are back – giving you the chance to voice your opinion on all your favourite brands.
Do you love a shopping spree at M&S or are you more of an F&F woman?
Do you lust after celebrity partnerships or are you all about the perfect pair of shoes?
Have your say and you could win a dream holiday – we’ve teamed up with Ifuru Island Maldives to create an amazing prize.
You could win 7 nights for two adults in a Sunset Sky Suite at Ifuru Island Maldives on an Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive package, plus return economy flights from London to Maldives and return domestic transfers for two adults.
For your chance to win this dream getaway, vote and enter HERE by July 28, 2024. T&Cs apply*