The return of the thin scarf, the seasonless accessory on trend in the 2000s
A flap of fabric can change the fate of an entire outfit: the thin - or "skinny" - scarf is back on trend after more than a decade, in the midst of the y2k era. The contemporary fashion scene observes fascinated turn-of-the-century fashion and offers variations and reworkings drawing from the past. From low-waisted jeans, brought into vogue by John Galliano and now relaunched by Alexander McQueen, to overlapping belts and Miu Miu's ballet flats, the seductive trends of the 2000s are conquering the catwalks and the most followed celebrities of the moment. The thin scarf is back to savor success during the colder seasons, but it promises to stay for a long time. Very long and skimpy, in wool or silk, one of the most talked-about and least practical accessories of the past decade now becomes a must-have for the new generations who are inspired by the icons of years past.
Photo Credit: Bazaar
Even before the It Girls of the 2000s, the thin scarf was the symbol of a wave of rock stars who changed the concept of fashion within the music scene. In the 1970s, Rod Stewart wore the skinny scarf in a messy, glamorous way, knotting it on his bare chest and pairing it with flared pants and bright bangle bracelets. The thin scarf is a must-have element in Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler's look, which he likes to combine together with garments with a bohemian aura, including silk jackets and colorful necklaces. From Marc Bolan to Elthon John, glam rock imagery was studded with thin scarves knotted like headscarves in a genderless and experimental scenario that would reach its zenith at the turn of the next century.
Photo Credit: Bazaar
In the 2000s, aesthetics took over from functionality. On the runway, garments became increasingly brazen and provocative, in full response to the understated minimalism of the previous decade. Chloé's Spring Summer 2005 runway show brought out a series of sought-after, semi-transparent proposals, including daring necklines and exposed breasts. The models-and designer Phoebe Philo herself-complemented the looks with ultra-thin shoes ranging from indigo to delicate cream. Throughout the decade, It Girls such as the Olsen twins, Hilary Duff and Ashlee Simpson brought the thin scarf into vogue in combination with a wide variety of looks, from printed tank tops to mini dresses over jeans, indulging in shock colors. Kate Moss was the champion of this trend with an eye-catching aesthetic but little utility, and the skinny scarf, paired with vests and rubber boots, became a symbol of a rebellious, avant-garde style.
But the 2000s was also the decisive moment when fashion and music began to converse, making use of codes with a strong visual impact. Hedi Slimane, first at the reins of Dior Homme and then at the creative direction of Saint Laurent and Celine, promoted a glamorous style that gave voice to the golden years of rock music, amid leather studs and unbuttoned shirts. Slimane's career is an ode to the immaculate rock star aesthetic, and thin scarves dominate most of the outfits offered on the runway. Today, Celine's Fall Winter 2023 evokes the indie sleaze wave of the past decade and repurposes an array of long, ultra-thin silk scarves, monochrome or with geometric patterns.
Photo Credit: Bazaar
In recent collections, Miu Miu opens up a glimpse into past trends in strokes of pleated miniskirts, ballet flats, and skimpy silk scarves. In an ode to Alexa Chung's aesthetic, the street style of recent fashion weeks took a dip into the past by tracing the cornerstones of turn-of-the-century fashion, which has now taken its place in the vintage cauldron. Among the celebrities, Bella Hadid anticipates the trend in perfect y2k fashion, combining the thin scarf with denim maxi skirts and mask sunglasses. Katie Holmes, on the other hand, surprises with echoes from the past, and pairs the boho-chic thin scarf with an unbuttoned shirt, loose-fitting jeans and square-toed leather loafers. In an era marked by the constant need to look good, the skinny scarf makes a triumphant comeback by winking at the nostalgia trend.
Photo Credit: Bazaar