Cover Pharrell Williams and Nigo in BAPE and chains, the duo behind Y2K streetwear culture.(Photo: Getty Images)
Pharrell Williams and Nigo in BAPE and chains, the duo behind Y2K streetwear culture.(Photo: Getty Images)
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Everyone remembers the Y2K queens, from the low-rise Miss Me jeans to the Nars Turkish Delight gloss, but the kings had a kind of cool that still hits two decades on
Trends come and go, but somehow, Y2K never really left. The low-rise era keeps coming back, shinier, louder and better dressed each time.
And while it’s often remembered as the girls’ era filled with gloss, glitter and velour tracksuits, the men had just as much style game. From BAPE to Chrome Hearts, oversized denim to leather jackets, they made confidence the dress code. From Beckham’s effortless fits to Pharrell’s bright, rule-breaking style that has inspired rappers like Lil Yachty and A$AP Rocky’s modern spin, these guys proved Y2K cool never left the chat.
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Let's start with Beckham
Above David Beckham, London (Photo: Getty Images)
David Beckham, London (Photo: Getty Images)
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We love Posh, but let’s give Becks his solo moment. From fitted tees and perfectly worn-in leather jackets to those iconic matching looks with Victoria Beckham had effortless coordination down to an art. He was rarely seen without a cap, beanie, or shades, always the right accessory, always the right fit. Clean, confident, and still the blueprint for laid-back style done right.
See also: From the Beckhams to the Jaunceys: 5 power couples with serious wrist game
Above Matching trucker hats and diamond studs with Victoria, because coordination was their love language. (Photo: Getty Images)
Above David Beckham wearing a baggy tracksuit, effortlessly combining comfort and style (Photo: Getty Images)
Matching trucker hats and diamond studs with Victoria, because coordination was their love language. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Next up, JT
Above Justin Timberlake spotted in a fur-lined leather jacket and the iconic Von Dutch cap—peak 2000s energy. (Photo: Getty Images)
Justin Timberlake spotted in a fur-lined leather jacket and the iconic Von Dutch cap—peak 2000s energy. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Yes, the iconic denim-on-denim with Britney happened, but JT quickly showed he was a style force to be reckoned with. From tailored blazers and leather jackets to layered chains, beanies, and polished streetwear, he effortlessly blended casual and refined. Timberlake set the standard for “cool guy off-duty” dressing, mixing approachable charm with unmistakable early-2000s confidence.
Don't miss: Whatever happened to the luxury celebrity brands of the 2000s?
Above Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears in the legendary 2000s double-denim combo (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Early-2000s street style: Timberlake mastering the art of jacket layering (Photo: Getty Images)
Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears in the legendary 2000s double-denim combo (Photo: Getty Images)
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You can’t talk Y2K without mentioning Ye
Above Kanye West in his iconic orange and blue striped sweater, a Y2K streetwear moment (Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic)
Kanye West in his iconic orange and blue striped sweater, a Y2K streetwear moment (Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic)
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Before Yeezy, before the minimalist phase, there was Y2K Kanye, the guy who turned oversized fits and vintage kicks into a statement. He fused streetwear with luxury like no one else and predicted trends that are still everywhere today. His style even rubbed off on North West, inspiring his daughter to rock mini versions of his iconic looks. Say what you will, but the man had serious vision.
Above Kanye West rocking a BAPE jacket (Photo: Jun Sato/WireImage)
Above Kanye West in a sharp blazer layered with chains, blending streetwear edge with Y2K luxury flair (Photo: Getty Images)
Kanye West rocking a BAPE jacket (Photo: Jun Sato/WireImage)
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Then came Pharrell
Above Pharrell Williams (Photo: Getty Images)
Pharrell Williams (Photo: Getty Images)
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Pharrell didn’t just wear clothes—he had fun with them. From pink BAPE hoodies to diamond-studded chains, his bright, rule-breaking style proved that confidence was the best accessory.
Even now he carries his Louis Vuitton Speedy like it’s second nature. For Pharrell, fashion has always been personal. It’s no wonder he is now the men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton, still defining what expressive style looks like two decades on.
Above Pharrell Williams carrying his Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, making it a statement accessory (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Pharrell Williams turning heads in pink Louis Vuitton, proving Y2K color confidence never fades (Photo: Louis Vuitton)
Pharrell Williams carrying his Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, making it a statement accessory (Photo: Getty Images)
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And of course, the man who created the world they all drew style inspiration from, Nigo
Above Tomoaki Nagao, better known as Nigo (Photo: Getty Images)
Tomoaki Nagao, better known as Nigo (Photo: Getty Images)
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Celebrities we’ve talked about, like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, were often seen in BAPE thanks to Nigo, as were other legendary rappers. The Notorious B.I.G. Tomoaki Nagao—better known as Nigo—didn’t just set trends, he inspired a generation. Without Nigo, there would be no BAPE, no shark hoodies, and quite simply, no Y2K as we know it. He laid the foundation for the style that defined an era and continues to influence fashion today.
Above Nigo in BAPE and chains, defining early-2000s streetwear with bold style (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Nigo is seen in his signature black beanie (Photo: Getty Images)
Nigo in BAPE and chains, defining early-2000s streetwear with bold style (Photo: Getty Images)
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Aliya Qarina is the Junior Style Writer at Tatler Malaysia with an interest in fashion and beauty. Her writing often focuses on contemporary style, beauty culture and emerging trends.
