2010s Meme Maximalism
Is a visual aesthetic that originated approximately in the early 2020s, characterized by a nostalgic celebration of the internet culture and memes from the mid-2000s to early/mid 2010s. It is uses brightly colored, densely layered collages that reinterpret the "random" humor and visual style of that era. The aesthetic is the compositional style itself (the maximalist collage) rather than the individual memes it features.[Note 1]
The style is a retrospective phenomenon, created by Gen Z looking back on what they consider the "classic era" of meme culture. The aesthetic has been subject to criticism, pejoratively nicknamed "Retroslop" or "Rainbowslop" on some platforms due to its overwhelming and visually loud nature.
Aliyahcore
Is a fashion microtrend that originated on TikTok in the early 2020s, created and popularized by the Atlanta-based content creator Aliyah Bah (aliyahsinterlude). The aesthetic is defined by a specific and reproducible formula that combines elements of Y2K, alternative, and Japanese Harajuku fashion influences into a singular, eccentric look.[1]
At its core, Aliyahcore is a philosophy of confident and unapologetic self-expression. As defined by Bah herself, it is a "lifestyle & fashion trend that allows you to wear whatever you want and not care about being perceived."[2] While originating from a single person, the style has been widely adopted by her followers, becoming a significant trend within the online Black alternative fashion community.
Changelingcore
Is an aesthetic that borrows ideas from Goblincore, appreciating the same idea of mischief and the less conventional aspects of nature. It also incorporates a degree of melancholy, reflecting its origins within the neurodivergent community and the stigma that often comes with its associated conditions. The aesthetic was originally coined by Tumblr user willow-o-the-wisp as a subcategory of Fairycore specifically for neurodivergent individuals.
Decopunk
Also known as Ottensian Dieselpunk, is a subset of the -punk sci-fi genres (specifically Dieselpunk), centered around the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne art styles of the 1910s to 1940s. It has a sleeker and shiny aesthetic compared to Dieselpunk, which has a tendency to be more gritty and dark aesthetic to it. Often times, Decopunk will use slightly more modern technology compared to the times it's supposed to evoke like VHS tapes.
Post-Punk
Is a music genre and subculture that emerged in the late 1970s in the wake of the initial punk rock movement. It was defined by its departure from punk's raw, three-chord formula, embracing a more experimental, introverted, and artistically ambitious approach. The aesthetic associated with Post-Punk rejected the overt aggression of punk fashion in favor of a more restrained and minimalist style, often drawing inspiration from British working-class attire, vintage clothing, and avant-garde art movements.
While the music was diverse and explored a wide range of sounds, from angular art-funk to atmospheric and somber tones, the visual identity coalesced around a look that was both utilitarian and intellectual, setting the stage for the later development of the Goth subculture.
Dolly Kei
Is a Japanese fashion style that was influenced by European clothing and antique dolls; later versions of the style integrate elements from fashion seen in fairy tales, Romani culture, and outfits worn by peasants in the Middle Ages. While Grimoire, a shop, was influential in the creation of Dolly Kei, the fashion itself is not very brand focused.
It is important to note that the term "Dolly Kei" is only used in reference to this particular fashion outside of Japan while locals use it to describe a doll-like aesthetic in general. It can sometimes be confused for Mori Kei or Cult Party Kei.
