L’HISTOIRE: Destiny's Child’s Matching Looks at the MTV Icon Tribute in 2001 Were so Y2K
The Grammy-winning trio stepped out to honor Janet Jackson in get-ups that perfectly captured the look of the decade.
L'HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.
Destiny’s Child is one of the greatest girl groups of all time, whose influence extends far beyond their chart-topping hits. From the start, they embodied female empowerment, setting the stage for future generations of artists. Over the years, their lineup shifted, briefly including Farrah Franklin, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett before the group cemented itself as the powerhouse trio of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. And when it came time to honor another icon—Janet Jackson—at the 2001 MTV Icon Tribute, the trio showed up in peak Y2K fashion.
Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle arrived in head-turning, coordinated looks that defined the era. Each member wore a vibrant floral bustier crop top, shimmering with diamante details—light green for Knowles-Carter, blue for Rowland, and pink for Williams. The embellishments didn’t stop there, cascading onto their ultra low-rise jeans and pointed-toe heels. Their denim, anything but ordinary, featured dramatic cutouts, safety pins, and even spider accents, adding an edgy twist. Around their waists, belly chains glistened, catching the light with every move. The mastermind behind the looks? None other than Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, whose hands-on approach to the group’s styling was as iconic as their music.
Tina Knowles was more than just a stylist: She was the architect of Destiny’s Child’s fashion identity. In their early days, luxury houses refused to dress them, and they were repeatedly turned away from showrooms. Undeterred, Tina took matters into her own hands, designing and hand-making their red carpet ensembles and onstage looks. The result was a signature aesthetic—cohesive yet distinct, much like their harmonies. Their looks have since inspired today’s girl groups, including Flo, Little Mix, and Fifth Harmony. More than two decades later, Destiny’s Child’s influence remains undeniable, proving that their legacy isn’t just in music. It’s in the fabric of pop culture itself.
To channel Destiny’s Child’s peak Y2K ensembles, you’ll want to grab two of your friends to start. Start off with a floral crop top (like Polo Ralph Lauren’s), pairing it with embellished denim (like L'Agence's), and add a shimmery belt (like this one by Dolce & Gabbana). Finish off with an eye-catching pair of embellished heels to round out the look.
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