FantasY2K is an aesthetic that takes elements of Medieval Fantasy aesthetics and reinterprets them to conform to the fashion trends of the 2000s.
The balance of these clashing styles can vary from haute couture runway looks with vaguely fantastical themes, to film and TV costumes that are passable as loosely historical, but with definite anachronisms such as modern hairstyles, makeup and silhouettes.
The aesthetic takes an unapologetically kitsch approach in its disregard for historical accuracy in favor of contemporary trends. For this reason, it is often adopted with self-aware irony, particularly in satirical media such as A Knight's Tale or Ella Enchanted.
FantasY2K is very distinct from other fantasy inspired aesthetics such as Fairy Grunge and Mythpunk, due to its far brighter colour palette and its whimsical, often camp, sensibilities. Although it shares some motifs with Fairycore, it is differentiated by its more direct appropriation of Y2K aesthetics and a more significant Medieval influence.
Visuals[]
Common visual motifs include:
- Highly-Saturated Color Palettes
- Poorly-Rendered Digital Artwork
- Gaudy/Cluttered Compositions
- Highly-Stylized Landscapes
- Overly-Edited Photographs
- Luminescent or Holographic Effects
Fashion[]
Clothing elements and motifs include:
- Velvet
- Brocade
- Crochet
- Lace
- Silk
- Chiffon
- Lace-up Details
- Corsets/Stays
- Long Skirts
- Hip Belts
- Flare Sleeves
- Puff Sleeves
- Empire Waistlines
- Dropped Waistlines
- Metallic Beading
- Embroidery
- Art Nouveau Motifs
- Bohemian Influences
- Elaborate Jewellery
Media[]
Film[]
- Ever After (1998)
- The 10th Kingdom (2000)
- A Knight's Tale (2001)
- The Mists of Avalon (2001)
- Ella Enchanted (2004)
TV Shows[]
- Winx Club (2004-2009)
- Robin Hood (2006-2009)
- Merlin (2008-2012)
- Legend of the Seeker (2008-2010)
Resources[]
Pinterest Boards[]
Articles[]
- Fashion's Going Medieval - i.D. Vice
- Middle Ages Modern is a New Aesthetic for Our Increasingly Medieval Times - Architectural Digest
- What is EnyaCore? Meet the Moody, Medieval Side of the Next Y2K Aesthetic - Vice
- Why the Medieval Aesthetic Never Dies: The History of Medieval Revival Fashion (video essay) - Kaz Rowe
- FAIRYTALE COSTUMES: it's giving renfaire but why? (video essay) - Mina Lee