Amaar Zarrieff 
Last year, and so far in 2023, there has been a resurgence of Y2K, alternative, and grunge fashion as well as iconic looks such as Doja Cat’s Swarovski crystal-embellished body at 2023 Paris fashion week. But one of the most iconic and creative contributions made to fashion this year has been Aliyahcore. TikTok influencer Aliyah Bah(@aliyahsinterlude1 on TikTok) took the internet by storm in late 2022 with her flamboyant yet nostalgic style and cheery personality. Bah soon dubbed her iconic style: Aliyahcore, which spread like wildfire around the internet. Aliyahcore consists of many different aspects including, but not limited to: mini skirts, fishnets, garters, fur, platform boots, and most importantly confidence. Bah has also stated that Aliyahcore is heavily influenced by streetwear, Y2K, Harajuku, and alternative fashion.
Bah’s newfound fame has brought her many opportunities, including invitations to New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and London Fashion Week, in which she made her modeling debut in Mowalola’s (Black-owned luxury brand) Fall 2023 collection. From magazine covers to closing runway shows, Bah’s life has been flipped upside down since Aliyahcore spread so rapidly across the internet. Despite Bah gaining fame for her fashion, many communities across TikTok have argued that Aliyahcore is completely unauthentic. Many have complained that it is unfair for Bah to trademark her style as Aliyahcore when there are communities of people who have dressed like her before. Due to this harsh criticism, Bah has been forced to defend herself many times on social media. In her latest attempt to defend her reputation, Bah posted a TikTok caption: “Aliyahcore is a lifestyle, an attitude, it surpasses fashion!”. Bah never fails to remind her fans that although her style is influenced by other subcultures of fashion, Aliyahcore is most importantly about the confident and uplifting attitude you hold on a day-to-day basis.
By Amaar Zarrieff, Freshman, Howard University
Instagram: amaar.fz
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. To support the voice and perspective of youth, donate at elevate.truestarfoundation.org.
