By, Lucy Yan
Harriton High School 2026
2020’s beloved high waisted wide leg jeans have been riding lower on the hips and tighter to the leg as the trend cycle reaches the infamous parallels between the 1990’s and 2010’s and its unmistakable emphasis on “heroin chic” in the prime of runway modelling and Kate Moss’ fashion reign. The british supermodel’s niche look exudes the exclusivity of the socialite elite that took over the blogosphere of the early 21st century and as the era of industry toxicity and grunge chic fades into memory, the current ozempic epidemic turns this into nostalgia for that questionable fashion phase.
The origins of the term “Heroin Chic” come from fashion wunderkind Davide Sorrenti who overdosed in the 1990’s, and its significance is much more than a sought-after aesthetic. It marks the deep seated thin-worship in the elite modelling industry and how it thrived more than ever during that era. Rob Smith, a media manager for numerous brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Macy’s talked about, “The 2000s were a time of defiance, of rebelliousness, of irreverence in fashion,” he said. “We’re in an anti-fashion phase now, too. I highly support that, but it’s time to be more responsible than we were [back then] when it comes to understanding body dysmorphia and mental health.” This sentiment is one that can hopefully be widespread as this trend continues on it’s course to prominence.
While it is still relatively confined within teen subculture, influencer Alix Earle’s rendition of black skinny jeans and knee high boots for a football game began the shift of heroin chic reminiscence in mainstream fashion. Controversy has flooded the media since the possibility of skinny jeans reappearing in the trend cycle began seeping into the ears of those invested in the industry. As winter’s grasp on fashion tightens, we are seeing charcoals, metallics, and leathers at the foreground of the landscape with couture from Diesel, Isabel Marant, Rick Owens, Balenciaga and similar sources of fuel for the grungy, carefree persona, similar to the presence of cultural icon, Moss.
The curve hugging nature of skinny jeans was foreshadowed by the ultra low-rise frenzy that has been building up with the popularity of the Y2K style over the past few years. As teens embrace their fashion freedom, we are seeing a wider range of outfits with some being swallowed up by baggy clothes while others are exceptionally tight, a nod to the low slung favorites of the 2000’s. The most popular jean styles of 2024 have been either very baggy, slouchy raw denim or uber low-rise flares. Simultaneously, the gen-z shoe game has shifted to tall leather boots, stiletto knee highs, and even moto or equestrian boots.
This idiosyncratic mix makes it predictable that the skinny jean would come back so that they can adapt the rising trend of statement boots to everyday outfits. I hypothesize that most variations of the slim denim will not be making a comeback, only very specific styles. The low-rise dark grey or black skinny jean will likely be exclusively popular while the classic blue high waisted ripped counterparts will fall by the wayside, too millennial for the younger generation. While “Heroin Chic” is a questionable term in itself, the visual combination of tight fitting monochromatic outfits, statement boots, leather, and smoky makeup is definitively making its way to fashion prominence.
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