"Cybercore" redirects here. For the video game, see Cyber Core.
Apple's iMacG3, an example of the blobject-style design common in Y2K aesthetics.
Y2K is an Internet aesthetic based around products, styles, and fashion of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The name Y2K is derived from an abbreviation coined by programmer David Eddy for the year 2000 and its potential computer errors. The Y2K aesthetic can include synthetic or metallic materials, inflatable furniture, and computer interfaces of the dotcom era.
As the term gained more mainstream usage in the 2020s, it began to be used more broadly to encompass 2000s fashion aesthetics, with the term Cybercore being occasionally used as a synonym for the original retrofuturistic aesthetic.
History
Y2K has been compared to "nowstalgia", a phenomenon where culture changes so quickly that newer generations miss things from the recent past.[2] The fast change in the 2000s came from the September 11 attacks, the war on terror and the decade's quick advancements in technology, such as the iPod and iPhone.[3] The term Y2K comes from the year 2000 problem.[4]
Originally, Y2K as an internet aesthetic retrospectively referred to a retrofuturistic art movement, characterized by metallic materials (also called chromecore), blobjects and reflective clothing.[1] As the term "Y2K" garnered mainstream attention over the course of the 2020s, this term has since expanded to refer to 2000s fashion in general;[9] the former definition of Y2K is sometimes known as Cybercore to differentiate itself from the latter.[10]
Y2K aesthetics are particularly popular in East Asian countries such as Japan,[11]China[4] and South Korea.[12] In China, outfits are often posted to the hashtag Y2K on Xiaohongshu, and the style has been worn by celebrities in fashion magazines like SuperELLE.[4] The style has seen notable success within the K-pop industry,[12] with the fashion of 2020s girl groups such as Aespa and XG being a notable influence on Japan's popular "Y3K" fashion trend,[13] alongside the "cyber fashion" style of '90s Harajuku.[14]
Characteristics
Y2K is a retrofuturistic aesthetic, taking notable influence from design trends of the 1970s. Bright colors such as lime, orange, and hot pink[15] are often paired with sleek whites and metallic chrome.[16] Animal prints and psychedelic patterns are a holdover from the '90s, often in the aforementioned bright colors.[15] Technology of the era, such as computers and game consoles, often featured clear accents, or were entirely made of translucent casing in vibrant colors, sometimes with glitter included.[17] Graphic design often features gradients, chunky[18] or rounded[5] fonts, 3D elements,[18] and metallic or glossy effects.[5]
The visuals of Y2K aesthetics draw heavy inspiration from Black and Asian culture.[19] Particular pieces of media that have been used as examples of the aesthetic include sci-fi films like The Matrix[4] and Blade,[16] and cult classic video games Jet Set Radio and Space Channel 5.[19][20] Technology of the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as the iMac G3[1] and original iPod,[21] are popular among Generation Z individuals who are fond of the aesthetic.[21]
Popular furniture in Y2K interior design includes butterfly chairs, bean bags, and anything inflatable. Other decor is often whimsical or playful, with staples being lava lamps, canopies and beaded curtains. Numerous throw pillows are also frequently used to decorate rooms.[15] Out-of-date 2000s technology like flip phones, old computers, and digital cameras are sometimes used as decor.[22]
↑ Tsuya-chan (June 26, 2025). "国内アイドルグループに見る「かわいい」の多様化——「Y2K」「ダークネス」「フェアリー」"[The Diversification of "Kawaii" in Japanese Idol Groups: "Y2K," "Darkness," and "Fairy" Series: Pop Star Trends]. WWDJAPAN (in Japanese). Retrieved September 12, 2025.
↑ Tajimax (July 12, 2023). "Z世代にも人気のサイバーファッションの魅力を徹底解析・Y3Kとの違いとは？"[A thorough analysis of the appeal of cyber fashion, popular among Gen Z. What's the difference between it and Y3K?]. Fashion Tech News (in Japanese). Retrieved September 12, 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
