THE CULTURAL SUPERSTARS ARE SPEAKING: CHUNKY SKATE SHOES ARE BACK - AND THE WORLD IS FOLLOWING
The true creative vanguard - the pop stars, rule-breakers and cultural architects - are leading the return of early-2000s skate style.
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For years, journalists looked to runways and luxury houses for the next big trend.
But in the digital age, the world takes its cues from somewhere else entirely.
The true creative vanguard - the rock stars, rule-breakers and cultural architects - are leading the return of early-2000s skate style.
And at the centre of it all is a name with real subcultural weight: DC Shoes.
Skaters. Musicians. Fashion disruptors. Cultural powerhouses.
The people who set culture - not follow it - are embracing baggy denim, oversized silhouettes and the iconic, padded skate sneakers that defined the early 2000s.
This is not a nostalgic trend.
This is creative rebellion.
GLOBAL MEDIA ARE COVERING THE SHIFT - LOUDLY
Across the world, fashion’s most influential publications have reported the seismic shift back to skate-core and chunky silhouettes:
- GQ US: Pete Davidson's Latest Unexpected Flex? DC Shoes.
- GQ Britain: Justin Bieber is Dressing Like the Skater You Wanted To Be At 12
- El País SModa: From Ecko to DC: The Unstoppable Rise of the 'Skate Aesthetic' Credits Billie Eilish with bringing skate aesthetics - including DC Shoes - back into mainstream style consciousness.
- Business of Fashion: Skate Sneakers Are Catching Air Again
- GQ US: The Best Baggy Jens for Men Are Taking Their Victory Lap
- GQ US: How to Wear Baggy Jeans Without Looking Like a Stoner
- Highsnobiety: Post Olympics, Skateboard Apparel Feels on a Roll Again
The movement isn’t emerging.
It’s already here - and accelerating to the masses.
THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE WORLD ARE DRIVING THE MOMENT
This isn’t a microtrend.
This is global, led by the celebrities who actually move culture.
Justin Bieber
Wearing the Paterson × DC Lynx OG, spotlighted by GQ UK. His influence transcends fashion - he dictates global taste.
Pete Davidson
Featured in GQ US wearing DCV’87 × DC Shoes. Pete’s style choices ignite immediate commentary and imitation across Gen Z and millennial audiences.
Billie Eilish
Celebrated by El País SModa as one of the pioneers of the skate-core revival - merging oversized silhouettes, skate heritage and the unmistakable padded look of early-2000s skate shoes.
Lil Uzi Vert
At the forefront of the avant-fashion/music crossover, repeatedly noted by streetwear press for championing DC and the Y2K skate aesthetic.
These artists don’t just wear clothes - they change culture.
And they’re choosing DC Shoes.
WHY THIS IS HAPPENING NOW
The new generation isn’t interested in polished perfection.
They want authenticity, rebellion, and nostalgia with teeth.
DC’s deep heritage in skate and motorsports places the brand at the exact intersection of what drives modern menswear:
- The rise of F1-inspired silhouettes and motorsport graphics
- The dominance of skateboarding in luxury fashion
- The cultural swing back to anti-establishment aesthetics
- The appetite for originality over overproduced trends
DC isn’t riding the wave.
DC built the wave - and it’s cresting again.
THE ENERGY IS GLOBAL - AND IF YOU’RE NOT COVERING IT, YOU’RE BEHIND
From Los Angeles to London to Tokyo to Sydney, the baggy-jeans-and-chunky-shoe look is firmly established on the streets, feeds and runways.
Editors, stylists and culture writers worldwide are jumping on it.
This is a movement defined not by fashion, but by creative power.
Those who miss it risk missing the most influential menswear shift since the rise of athleisure.
EDITORIAL-READY ASSETS - GETTY IMAGES
Media can licence images directly via Getty:
Justin Bieber - DC Shoes
Getty search: https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/justin-bieber-shoe
Pete Davidson - DCV’87 × DC Lynx
Getty search: https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/pete-davidson
Billie Eilish - skate aesthetic revival
Getty ID: 2240205276
Gallery: https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/billie-eilish-photos
DC Shoes - Getty Images celebrity archive
Getty: https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/dc-shoesimage
DC SHOES AUSTRALIA IMAGE GALLERY
Featuring Australian Pro Skateboarder, Tommy Fynn.
DC SHOES: COMMAND
RRP $130 - $150
DC SHOES - COURT GRAFFIK
RRP $99.95
DC SHOES: STAG
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ABOUT DC SHOES
Since 1994, DC Shoes has been committed to progression—from game-changing skate shoe designs to supporting the most groundbreaking skateboarders, snowboarders, and artists in the world. DC helped shape modern collaboration culture by pioneering partnerships with the likes of Supreme, FTP, Shepard Fairey, and Buscemi. In 2025, DC continues to push the envelope with more exciting collaborations. dcshoes.com @dcshoes_anz