Words by Izzy Oxley
Graphics by isz_arts
2025 has been memorable for many many reasons, from Ozzy Osbourne’s final goodbye to boyfriends becoming embarrassing… here is a look at some of the most culture-improving moments of the year.
#1 Kendrick’s 90s Bootcut
Kendrick Lamar’s undeniably iconic Superbowl performance shocked, excited, and entertained people with its content, lyrics, and references. But what no one expected to take away was a new fashion trend. The rise of Bell bottom jeans soared after he sported them on the field, dissing Drake, and the government in attendance. An audience of 90s babies found a nostalgic familiarity with his costume, to a wealth and subculture of 2000s rnb. Similarly a low rise jean flourished at the same time, a look sported by past musical moments of Britney Spears, and diva Paris Hilton – to now be sported by a male, Kendrick is leveling the playing field within the fashion world, and showing us all how to diss in style.
#2 Lily Allen’s ‘West End’ return
Was this the year of the celebrity sex toy? Harry Style’s Pleasing released its first in summer, shocking its audiences and pushing the brand into a more mature product space, a product which gives an understanding to the company name and values, expression of oneself and acceptance of one’s identity. It was followed this winter by a Lily Allen product release which occurred during her ‘West End Girl’ album distribution – mini butt plug USBs, decorated in style of the baby blue polka dot Puffa painted in her album cover artwork. This also arrived, topically, after countless references within her storytelling on the record, giving audiences the chance to, er, step into the story instead of sitting back and judging from the sidelines.
#3 Nothing Beats this Holiday feeling
How can we forget the viral revival of Jess Glynne’s legendary vocals for ‘Hold My Hand’, the tune that came out in March 2015 and that has soundtracked many travel stories over the years? Jess’ jolly tune was interrupted by a voice – ‘Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday, right now you can save £50 per person’ – and soon became a vocal stim across generations and every corner of social media (with the voice actor even turning up on Max Klymenko’s Career Ladder).
#4 The Hackney Church Wedding
One of the most spoken about pairings, Charli XCX and The 1975’s George Daniels wed this summer with two highly-anticipated showcases. The initial lowkey family friendly Hackney Church wedding saw them don dark shades, a nod to Charli’s recent fashion choices during her release and performances of brat, with paparazzi snapping them smoking a ciggie during their downtime at the rear of Hackney Church – very on brand. As to be expected, a star-studded Sicily celebration occurred not long after, with endless footage and snaps being shared across social media. Can you spot your favourite pop star dancing in the crowds?
#5 Mr Fantasy’s debut single
A body and spirit many recognise has popped up with an unfamiliar look to troll the internet this year – Mr Fantasy. Donning a bob black wig, 70s-inspired costume, and some sort of change to his dentures, Mr Fantasy’s identity is guessable but not confirmed. The rumour? His tattoos and extroverted behaviours mirror that of Kiwi actor KJ Apa. Whether the comparison is to be true or not, fans are inviting the social media phenomenon to dinners, birthdays and social events in the hopes they get a peak at his dance moves, and lively personality in person.
LDN 