…from Punkyfish’s emo zip-ups and Custo Barcelona’s collaged long-sleeves to Red or Dead’s trashy-fab accessories
Depop-girlie jokes aside, we all know by now that the second-hand clothing app is shaping fashion for a new generation – spotlighting trends, defining subcultures, and employing resellers, all within its habitually glitchy interface. Since its 2011 launch, the app has collected over 23 million users worldwide, with 74 per cent landing between the ages of 14 and 24 – signalling a turn towards more sustainable, secondhand shopping habits for Gen Z consumers.
That being said, if you’re anything like me you’ve probably spent entire evenings keying words into the Depop search bar, only to be met with a selection of #rare #Y2K #vintage Brandy Melville t-shirts, overpriced slip dresses, and knock-off Burberry bikinis. For those looking to bargain-hunt some low-slung trousers, denim minis, and slinky tanks straight out of the 00s, we’ve rounded up a list of the lesser-known cult Y2K brands lurking on Depop right now – because let’s face it, the algo has officially run dry.
From Punkyfish’s emo zip-ups to Custo Barcelona’s collaged long-sleeves and Roberto Cavalli’s sexy tanks, scroll below for your next early 00s Depop obsessions.
RED OR DEAD
Sorry but how Red or Dead hasn’t had a Y2K comeback yet is beyond me. The British label beloved by girlies on a night out-out is prime picking for the likes of Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa. All trash prints, spindly heels, and silly little clutch bags in rainbow brights and kiss prints, for me the ultimate is the brand’s cloud and camo print shoes – cop the low-slung kitten heel and pair with capri pants and a slogan tee from OGBFF to capture the turn of the millennium lewk perfectly.
CUSTO BARCELONA
Have you ever wanted to wear a long-sleeve swirling with the faces of four women you’ve never met? If the answer is yes then look no further than Custo Barcelona’s collage-style, Y2K long-sleeves. While you never really know what you can expect to see while stumbling upon a vintage Custo, you can always count on the shirts’ bright colours, flared sleeves, and DIY designs.
PUNKYFISH
A staple in every emo 00s teen’s wardrobe, search-up Punkyfish to discover a zipper-embroidered, ripped-up, rhinestone-encrusted selection, plus logo vests and tees perfect for Billie Eiliish wannabes.
MORGAN DE TOI
Beginning as a lingerie brand in the 1940s, Morgan de Toi can now be seen via its early 00s collections of lacy tanks, ruffled slip dresses, and two-piece sets on Depop. Key in extra words like “crochet”, “lace”, “embroidery”, or “beading” to see more of its frilly offering. The French label is also a go-to for the best corset bags probably ever created – if you see one, score it.
VIVIENNE TAM
After moving from China to New York in the 1980s, Vivienne Tam released several collections of Y2K clothing inspired by her culture and life. Today, you can find her clothing on Depop – especially a range of bright, embellished skirts, patterned blouses, and shirting. Think preppy little two-pieces and matching twin-sets and you pretty much have the picture.
MISS SIXTY
While searching-up Miss Sixty, you’re sure to land on some low-rise flares, graphic tees, and denim-emblazoned accessories. Since its 2000 launch, the Italian label has become known for its wide selection of perfectly worn-in jeans, and its extremely Y2K-core ad campaigns.
ENERGIE
If Twilight’s Bella Swan was in high school during the early 00s, she’d probably be wearing Energie’s long ribbed tees and baby doll camis. Miss Sixty’s sister brand from the 90s, the label offers a wide-range of basic tops, all cut in Y2K styles.
AFFLICTION
From its grungy skeleton tees to its tattoo-style zip-ups, Affliction lands somewhere between East London skater boy, Harley Davidson, and Mötley Crüe band-member… with that in mind, we can’t help but put some offers in.
ROXY
Don’t come for us, but ROXY is vintage now. It’s also a go-to for 00s-style surf-wear, like graphic tees, boxy dad shorts, and beachy mini dresses, but bonus points if you can spot a bikini from 2013’s Diane Von Furstenberg collab: DVF loves Roxy.