‘If you’ve got a passion for fashion, you know where I’m going with this’ (Picture: niiamyaa / h3ll0k1ttyy.69)
It’s 2023 and Barbiecore has taken over the world – but that’s not the only doll the girls, gays and theys are obsessing over.
One of the things we love about Barbie is that she’s all about fun and, a lot of the time, professionalism – ‘we girls can do anything’, after all.
But Bratz? With their crop tops, mini skirts, gigantic shoes and makeup you could see from space, they’re all about attitude.
And the TikTok girlies are loving it, with the videos about IRL Bratz fashion looks getting literal millions of views apiece.
There were even two stunning Bratz-inspired drag queen twins, Sugar and Spice, who were contestants on this years season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Gloria Yasein, a trend expert with FINDS, tells us: ‘Don’t get me wrong, Barbie was beautiful and all, but Bratz? They were a real force to be reckoned with.
It’s called fashion (Picture: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Down with the chicness (Picture: Martin Chan/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
The girls with a passion for fashion (Picture: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Can you believe it’s been over 20 years since these icons first came out? (Picture: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
‘Unlike stereotypical Barbie, each doll was diverse and different, but equally cool and edgy, serving as a reminder that there is no mould to fill when you know exactly who you are, and have the attitude to go with it.’
And it can’t be a coincidence that Bratzcore fashion has become popular at the same time as this powerful Y2K revival we’re living through, given the dolls were first created in 2001.
A Depop spokesperson, who calls Bratz ‘a grungier alternative to Barbie’, adds: ‘Y2K is one of the most popular categories on Depop, and with Bratz known for unapologetically flashing midriff in their Y2K inspired looks, it’s no wonder that we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of crop top searches, which are up 26% this month.
‘Likewise, low-rise jeans are making a reappearance, with searches increasing by 42% month-on-month as shoppers piece together their iconic Bratz-inspired outfits.’
It was certainly a time (Picture: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
And it was absolutely a place (Picture: Graeme Robertson/Getty Images)
Icons only (Picture: Jeff Vespa/WireImage)
Want to get the look?
It’s not just about getting into the Y2K of it all – it’s about that over-the-top, hyper-feminine, bratty edge.
Gloria says: ‘If you’ve got a passion for fashion, you know where I’m going with this.
‘Whenever I’m wearing a Bratz-coded look, my inner child could explode. The low-rise jeans, the mini skirts, the chunky boots, the statement accessories, the bling anywhere and everywhere… they just embody the hyper-feminine y2k aesthetic that will eternally have a chokehold on us – even amidst a quiet luxury epidemic.’
Feeling inspired? Here are some pieces to add to your shopping list…
Pink Steve Madden Charlize Platform – £93
These bad boys are currently on sale, marked down from £136.
Millie Pleated Mini Skirt – £71
This cute little number comes in red and black – it’s giving Rock Angelz
Jaded London Tribeca Pink Ribbed Knit Cardigan – £50
Lots of Urban Outfitters numbers, like this one, have been very Bratz coded lately.
Faux Fur Lined Longline Afghan Coat – £144.99
Afghan coats have been bang on trend for a while now.
Jeffrey Campbell Levels Wedge Sandal – £99
These very cute shoes are also on sale, marked down from £155.
Lula Green Rhinestone Mini Skirt – £46
This semi-sheer mini skirt with a deep side slit is for the boldest of Bratz.
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‘If you’ve got a passion for fashion, you know where I’m going with this.’