It’s not just nostalgia—it’s strategy. Brands across fashion, streetwear, and sneakers are reaching back to push forward, and last week proved that if you’re not looking to the archives, you’re already behind.

Let’s start with Urban Outfitters, who just quietly dropped one of their most relevant releases in years: four capsule collections made entirely from deadstock and vintage fabrics. Not “inspired by” vintage—made from it. Each piece is reconstructed by hand, tapping into a mood that feels more 2004 Brooklyn flea than 2025 fast fashion. Urban’s not alone, but they’re one of the few major retailers getting it right: honoring vintage not just for aesthetics, but for sustainability, scarcity, and storytelling.

Seen Around Town: Tyla Rewrites the Dress Code

If you needed more proof that early-2000s fashion is having its second (or third?) coming, look no further than Tyla’s pre–Met Gala street style. While most celebs use Met week to flex custom designer looks, Tyla went full archive—twice—in 2004 Roberto Cavalli.

Styled by Law Roach, her looks weren’t just nods to vintage glam—they were declarations. One outfit featured a dramatic snakeskin halter, while another leaned into bohemian excess with sheer layers and metallic threading. Cavalli’s maximalist era is rarely seen off-runway anymore, but Tyla made it look modern, proving that with the right wearer, vintage doesn’t age—it evolves.

Met Gala Recap: Dandyism, Tailored

The real headline? The Costume Institute dropped its first menswear-focused exhibit in over 20 years — “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” — a deep dive into the evolution of Black dandyism and swagger. Co-chaired by A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams, the red carpet was pure heat: archival flexes, bespoke cuts, and cultural statements stitched into every look.

Myha’la shut it down in a silk mini and thigh-high Timbs by Raul Lopez — a full-circle moment from meme to masterpiece. Pharrell glided in 15,000 pearls via Louis Vuitton, blending opulence with the kind of edge only he can pull off. Rocky kept it personal in a self-designed ensemble that felt part Wall Street, part Harlem Renaissance. Colman Domingo rolled up in bold, color-rich Valentino that felt equal parts regal and radical.

Off-White, LaQuan Smith, Ferragamo, CJR — the designers showed out, proving streetwear’s not just at the table, it’s setting it. Fear of God hosted a pre-Gala linkup with legends like Ryan Coogler and Arthur Jafa, and even the protest pieces on the carpet made it clear: the culture isn’t a guest — it’s the main event.

The Takeaway

What we’re seeing isn’t trend—it’s taste.

Vintage is no longer just a look—it’s a language. And those fluent in it? They’re the ones writing the future of fashion.

👀 Coming Up

• HYMNE x Reebok launches May 14 (expect preppy minimalism done right)
  
  

• SAINT Mxxxxxx’s Joker capsule already seeing aftermarket spikes
  
  

• Watch for post-Met spikes in vintage Dior, Cavalli, and anything with crystal trim