Out of the decades I’ve experienced, the 2010s is one of my favourites. As a young adolescent, the public figures, movies, music, and beauty of that era shaped my interests and the desires I have today. I figured that has to be a sign that they’re worth a mention.
It wouldn’t be the 2010s without ombre hair and BlackBerry phones. Celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Nina Dobrev, and Chrissy Teigen all had the black to blonde gradient combo. It’s the kind of hairstyle that never goes out of style and tends to look good on anyone, which is why I still see people rock it — I think it should stay that way. Although it definitely got interesting when people started experimenting with color, like Kylie Jenner’s teal ombre look. It wasn’t a bad way to go though, and I fully support keeping the trend alive.
A BlackBerry was the phone, and if you didn’t have one, you were out. That’s how it felt anyway. It came out in 1999 but stayed at its peak throughout the early 2010s, where texting became the greatest thing since WiFi. The full-size QWERTY keyboard was groundbreaking and transformed into any Millennial’s addiction, along with its classic ping making you feel popular when receiving a message. Even though I was too young to use a BlackBerry, I saw how the technological capabilities were enhanced as I compared it to what we have access to now. I don’t think it would be bad if we still had it around, although its clicky keyboard could get annoying.
Perhaps this is an underrated piece of the 2010s, but the clothing retailer Justice was a highlight of my tweens. When I think about those glittery shirts with the horrible food puns, it just makes the corners of my mouth turn up. If I could establish a vibe to their clothing, it would be pink, peace signs, and ring pops. As a store marketed as just for girls, Justice clothing was an expression of female empowerment that uplifted girls’ confidence by encouraging friendship and love. Wearing their clothes made girls, like me, feel like they belonged. Despite how most locations closed due to bankruptcy, they inspired girls by bringing out their strengths. I think that deserves to be remembered when designing clothes now.
I watched YouTube compilations of celebrities doing the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS for short, Ice Bucket Challenge religiously. Thinking about why I find it nostalgic, I couldn’t tell you. The challenge’s purpose was to raise money for people affected by ALS disease and its research, but I only saw it as someone dumping a bucket of ice water on their head. Maybe it was because the actors and musicians I liked started participating, or because watching the reactions were hilarious, or I was excited to see who they would nominate. It’s a piece of the 2010s that hasn’t exactly stayed a consistent trend. For the good work it was doing –– and not that people aren’t still doing it off camera –– and the entertainment it provided, I wish I saw it happening more often.
Justin Bieber was burned into my heart the second I started listening to “Boyfriend” on my sister’s iPod. Oh, the nostalgia is so real. His diamond studs alone gave me heart eyes, but his swaggyness was only a small part of what stayed with me. I remember his life lessons conveyed through his music the most. He grew from a 15-year-old kid trying to grasp the music industry and intense fame, to a troubled young adult learning about himself, to a leading man in his career and personal life. I can hear the journey in his music and the emotions in his voice, and I get goosebumps recalling it.
When video rental stores closed indefinitely and watching movies from streaming platforms instead of DVDs became the new normal, I was devastated. They both hold a very special place in my heart, as I remember taking a trip around the corner to the video store to rent a movie was the highlight of my day as a kid. Changes in animation styles were another big transition for me. Animated movies and cartoons used to be hand-drawn and traditional, whereas now it’s predominantly digital models using software programs. I miss how we used to enjoy movies and I wish it hadn’t changed.
I think the 2010s technology was more simple, music had more meaning, pop culture brought playful aesthetics that acknowledged identity, and people had stronger connections with each other. In some ways, the world was more tangible and therefore cherished. If I had to return to an era in my life, it would definitely be that one.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.