It's the turn of the millennium. Pop Princess anthems blare from the corded headphones of iPod Nanos everywhere, “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani, a repeat offender. Hot pink zebra duvets and cheetah print throws are not welcomed, but highly encouraged. '90s supermodels and rom-com’s biggest heart-throbs plaster the lilac-hued bedroom walls of bright-eyed teens. Rhinestoned Sidekick cells and sassy pink Motorolla Razr’s live in the pockets of Baby Phat skinny jeans, always within arm’s reach.
Make sure to catch flights, not feelings of nostalgia when embarking on this trip down Y2K memory lane. From MTV’s Pimp My Ride to OK! Mags ‘Who Wore It Better’ red carpet showdowns, the early 2000s were much simpler times—ask Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie; they know all about “The Simple Life.”
Love it or hate it, the naughty noughties is back, for one night, and one night only. Why the cameo? Because Julie said so. No, not that Julie. You know, the other Julie…the friend with benefits. The playfully branded morning-after pill made by women, for women that almost feels too cool to be a contraceptive—shoutout to International Women’s Month.
It’s more than just a pill, the progestin-only tablet was created in 2022 to educate, debunk, and neutralize the stigma around emergency contraception. Julie’s puckish, a little cheeky, and no doubt has major rizz. She’s the friend you keep on speed dial, and the one that’s always ranked in your MySpace Top 8.
With nostalgia front of mind and women’s month close to heart, Julie enlisted Highsnobiety and the Lower East Side’s very own Bar Valentina to host a night of all things Y2K, a tribute to the era's somewhat uncomplicated times. Or at least, a time when women’s reproductive rights were intact and before Roe v. Wade was overturned.
The occasion calls for dressing the part. Think ‘Best of’ Destiny’s Child red carpet looks circa 2003. Ultra-platform knee-highs with the lowest of low-rise denim? Not quite. A diamonte-galore Bebe midi tee and velour Juicy flares? Still off. An Ed Hardy mini-skirt with a frilly turquoise halter top to match? Just right. Don’t forget the heavy coat of shimmering iridescent eyeshadow (shades in the color family of blue preferred) and an army of butterfly clips to restrain strands of badly crimped hair.
Neon lights drape from the ceiling, drowning the bar in what is, arguably, Fuchsia pink (very 2001 Pantone Color of the Year). “Buy a Julie, Give a Julie” glides loudly across a luminous LED sign, a reminder of Julie’s innate charm, with their one-for-one program that allows Julie to be there for you, and everyone who needs her—tracking over one million donations to date. Now That's Hot.
Mirrors are decorated with super-sized gummy bears and grainy text box decals reading—“The Last Stop on the F train”—and that’s not to be confused with the MTA’s 6 Avenue Local line. One cocktail feels far too relatable for those in the trenches of New York’s dating scene—“The Situationship Spritz”—an unassuming clear liquid in a tall sling glass garnished with a bouquet of mint. If the cocktail doesn’t help seal the deal, try subtly hinting at it. A “Date Me Please” graphic tee should do the trick, and if that fails, feel free to change into the “I <3 to Make Boys Cry” top.
French fries make their way across the room, adorned on a silver platter. Like McDonald's, but chicer, served in black cardboard sleeves, the golden arches traded for the “VALS” logo. An instant crowd-pleaser, each packet of golden-brown, oil-drenched potatoes proved to be a hot commodity in the evening’s economy.
The photo booth, with an air of IYKYK, worked overtime churning out portraits that are far better than the pixelated digicam pics that stain our pasts; the physical print-out, an ancient artifact in this day and age. Soon enough, the “Flirtini’s kicked in, and the dance floor kicked off—falling victim to the flirtatious concoction of vanilla vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur. That, and who can resist an early 2000s anthem, mixed by none other than DJ Amrit and the girls behind Las Flaquitas, of course?
Everyone wants to be Julie’s best friend. She’s the cool girl, unafraid to speak her mind and unapologetic when she does. She’s charitable, health-conscious, slightly silly, and the ultimate baddie. Most importantly she’ll never cancel “A” plan to “B” somewhere else.
So with every fun night, comes an even better morning after, thanks to Julie.
Learn more about Julie here.
