Nominated for six awards at the 2021 Grammys, Dua Lipa had more to show off than her music. Dua’s ensemble of Atelier Versace brought us back to Y2K and dropped jaws. Y2K aesthetic is making a comeback in 2021 as the re-enlightenment of the mid-’90s and early 2000s fashion trends. The Trend Spotter describes this style as “quite futuristic with a slightly retro edge.” Technology and the internet were rapidly advancing with a questionable future as to where the world was about to turn. Bringing back the top trends from the Y2K era enliven the transformative essence that the state of the world was in. Dua Lipa stimulated nostalgia for Gen Z and Millennials in her sequin gowns, enforcing a progressive culture for the current fashion and world climate.
Dua’s first gown on the red carpet was a Swarovski crystal butterfly piece that draped properly over the singer. In a fully crystallized pick, the inspiration for the gown was Aurora Borealis. Although the hues of the northern lights are not evident to my eye, the use of unique colors with soft tones surely are. The dusty pink and silver bring me back to my younger years searching through my closet. I can just feel the Juicy Couture velvet on my fingers.
A silver Swarovski butterfly sprawled across Dua’s chest and abdomen. Hair and makeup threw a Cher inspired curve ball: Sleekly straight, dark and long hair accented with pink shimmering eyeshadow to match the dress. Finally, the exposed hip on the gown gave me total Brittany Spears. Brittany in and of herself defines the culture of the 2000s.
Dua Lipa performed during the awards show in a three piece pink, Swarovski ensemble that blew the crowd away. However; it was her afterparty dress that brought it back to her original aura. The minidress was inspired by Christina Aguilera’s Versace dress designed for the Grammys in 2000. The party look was a spaghetti strap, again covered in sequins with a thigh slit. Y2K butterflies made a reappearance, shimmering in sequined baby blue, pink and green.
Y2K appearances throughout the night made by Dua Lipa in the different stages brought back the youth of the 2000s. It promoted the changing era that resulted in major societal changes and advancements -- just as the world hopes to do in each and every decade. I loved the dresses on their own, whether they were inspired by Cher, Y2K and Christine Aguilera or not. They brought me back to my youth and gave off a playful yet sexy essence that I personally admire. The ensemble of gowns and outfits worn were some of my favorite Grammy attire that I have seen to date. Not just because the mind of Donatella Versace is the best in the realm of fashion, but because the pieces had great character to them. Dua took these pieces and emphasized the Y2K take over of 2021. Not only in fashion, but worldly as well.