Get ready to feel really old: According to The Cut, there is now a Juicy Couture tracksuit in the Victoria & Albert Museum. Really. But before we get into why that is, let's have a little flashback, shall we? The year is 2008. Every iPod's most played track is "Low" by Flo Rida. Middle schools in Southern California had an unofficial uniform: Juicy Couture tracksuits and Ugg boots. Bonus points if your mobile of choice was a Sidekick instead of the overdone LG Chocolate. Believe it or not, the glittery Juicy insignia is emerging from extinction and making a comeback — and this time, in a museum.
According to Dazed And Confused, the tracksuit is featured in an exhibition entitled "Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear," the exhibition will run from April 2016 to March 2017 and explore the broader role of underwear in fashion beyond its practicalities. With over 200 objects that range from photographs and film to vintage corsets, the exhibit shines a complex light on an otherwise simple concept: underwear is more than coverage — it manifests a rich story of sexuality and morality.
And the lucky Juicy piece to appear in the V&A exhibit? It's a 2004-era bubblegum pink tracksuit, complete with the iconic "Choose Juicy" phrase. Though Juicy Couture recently went for a sartorial rebound with contemporary versions of their classic suits, my heart still longs for the nostalgic velour goodness of the original variety.
Take a moment to recall five times Hollywood's celeb circuit rocked the Juicy tracksuit, and don't blame me if you suddenly have an urge to hunt through your pre-teen closets. No girl ever forgets her first Juicy tracksuit — it's a rite of fashion passage, after all.
1. Paris Hilton
Two names defined my middle school years — Paris Hilton and Nichole Richie. My television bible? The forever quotable Simple Life series, and its style department was especially memorable. At the time, Hilton became synonymous with pastel Juicy Couture tracksuits and chihuahuas in handbags (RIP Tinkerbell). You could say the stereotypical celebrity uniform first found its roots here.
2. Amy Poehler
In the cinematic world, Amy Poehler in Mean Girls is the symbol of cool mom — not only is she the child-bearer of queen bee Regina George, but she's got at-home happy hour up her sleeve and sports the pink tracksuit like no other.
3. Emma Watson
More recently, Emma Watson channeled valley girl vibes for her role as Alexis Neiers in Sofia Coppola's indie flick, The Bling Ring. Not only did Watson absolutely nail the distinct SoCal accent, but she perfected the part with (surprise, surprise) a hot pink tracksuit and chestnut Ugg boots. The real-life Bling Ring actually took place where I grew up, and I can vouch that Watson's brilliant performance hit it way too close to home.
4. Kim Kardashian
If Paris and Nicole did it, then naturally, Kim K would follow suit. I'm sure pretty sure the heyday of Juicy tracksuits primarily took place at LAX, where all styles from dark velour to vibrant terrycloth reigned supreme.
5. Britney Spears
It's certainly no shock that Britney Spears would too hop on the Juicy cult — and in a striking blue shade too.
While these trendy tracksuits are no longer a mainstay of current fashion, have no fear: you can still re-live the beauty at the Victoria and Albert Museum next year or even better, on-screen with Mrs. George herself.
Images: Paramount; A24 Films; Giphy
