The Crown Fashion Evolution Y2K Style: In its sixth and final season, “The Crown” undergoes a remarkable shift in its depiction of royal fashion, moving into the late ’90s and early 2000s. Departing from the regal elegance seen in previous seasons, the focus now turns to a new generation of royals, with particular attention given to the teenage Kate Middleton, portrayed by Meg Bellamy.
The first half of the season, released on Nov. 14, delves into the months leading up to Princess Diana’s tragic death, featuring scenes with swimsuits and casualwear in St Tropez. However, the second half, set to release on Dec. 14, explores the Y2K fashion trends embraced by Britain’s upper-middle class.
Kate Middleton’s portrayal is a standout, reflecting the authentic style of the early 2000s. Bellamy’s Kate navigates St Andrew’s University in Scotland, sporting bootcut jeans over high-heeled boots, an oversized boho handbag, knee-high riding boots, and a chunky leather belt with a massive brass buckle. The attention to detail even extends to the brick-like Nokia mobile phone on Prince William’s bedside table.
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The Y2K aesthetic is further emphasized with Kate’s campus love rival donning space buns, sparkly skinny scarves, a faux-fur fillet, and an intense smoky eye. The male characters, including Harry and William, adopt a slightly scruffy and unironed style with jeans and polo shirts, offering a humorous contrast to Charles and his double-breasted suits.
While the costumes may appear more familiar to viewers, the costume department insists that their meticulous approach remains consistent. The aim is to capture the nuances and intricacies of each era, whether it’s 1952 or 2002. Recreating the recent past, however, poses its challenges. Contrary to common belief, sourcing Y2K fashion is not easier, as the time is not yet distant enough for extensive availability in costume hire houses, and it’s not contemporary enough for easy procurement from stores or charity shops.
Despite these challenges, brands have collaborated with the costume team to recreate iconic looks. Penelope Chilvers, a brand worn by the real Kate Middleton, offered boots for the show. The team also turned to online platforms like Depop and eBay, tapping into the Y2K resurgence among young people.
One of the highlights of the season is Kate Middleton’s perfect pair of bootcut jeans, sourced from Depop. The jeans, extending just beyond the 34-inch inseam, capture the authentic Y2K style, often seen with frayed bottoms from touching the ground or being grazed by spiked heels.
The dedication to authenticity extends to the smallest details, creating an immersive experience for both the actors and the audience. For Meg Bellamy, wearing the perfect pair of jeans didn’t just replicate the fashion; it transformed her, instilling confidence to embody the character of Kate Middleton fully.
As “The Crown” bids farewell with its final season, the meticulous recreation of Y2K fashion not only reflects a shift in the royal narrative but also pays homage to the iconic style of a bygone era.