Vintage vibes, modern twist: The bold new wave of Gen-Z style

Gen Z is rewriting the fashion playbook with bold authenticity and fearless self-expression. 

In Kenya, this vibrant movement blends digital trends, cultural heritage, and sustainability to create looks that are as expressive as they are unique. 

From cargo pants to bucket hats, nostalgia is taking center stage as vintage influences meet modern twists in a seamless fusion of past and present.

Kenyan stylist Brian Babu is a prime example of this trend.

Known for his eclectic, fashion-forward approach, Babu seamlessly merges streetwear with high fashion, infusing contemporary styles with African influences. 

“Clothes are a basic need—it’s at the top of the hierarchy. Before styling my clients, I get to know their personality, tapping into their energy to influence how I dress them,” Babu told Citizen Digital. 

Reflecting on his 11-year journey, he added, “I’ve learned from life, collaborating with various designers and brands. My goal is to ensure that each outfit feels like a second skin to my client.”

This revival is not just about clothes—it's a canvas for self-expression. Both Gen Z and Millennials are embracing unique prints, oversized silhouettes, and vibrant color pairings to blur the lines between casual and couture. 

They mix luxury with streetwear, creating outfits that are both a personal statement and a nod to retro aesthetics from the ’90s and early 2000s.

Take Juma, 23, for example. As an introvert who finds his voice in basketball and fashion, he describes his style as “eclectic grandpa core”—a blend of vintage charm with a modern edge. 

“I thrift everything I wear,” he says. “The thrill of discovering a one-of-a-kind item goes beyond sustainability—it’s about uniqueness. My greatest thrift find, a cardigan I discovered two years ago, lets me express my creativity without breaking the bank.”

Accessories are also key. Bold bracelets, layered chains, statement earrings, and belts complete these looks, transforming simple outfits into eye-catching ensembles. 

Wanjiru, 21, sums it up perfectly: “My style is a clean aesthetic with a touch of elegance and femininity. It plays a key role in my identity; how I dress reflects how I feel and boosts my confidence.”

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A post shared by Brian Babu (@brianbabu)

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified these trends, launching viral aesthetics like Y2K and earthy vintage styles. 

Influencers, thrift haul videos, and trending hashtags have empowered Gen Z and Millennials to seek out second-hand treasures and redefine what it means to be fashionable.

As they reshape the industry, these generations aren’t just consumers—they’re trendsetters, influencing global fashion far beyond 2025.

Combining modern design, global influences, and local heritage, these young trendsetters are embracing a more relaxed, comfortable dress code that is as practical as it is stylish.

For them, fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s a powerful form of self-expression, a statement of who they are and what they stand for. 

As they continue to champion affordability, quality, and authenticity, the revival of retro styles with a modern twist is not just a trend—it's a movement redefining the future of fashion.