Aliyahcore: The Black Alt Resurgence

If you are reading this, I hope you never threw out those lace-up knee-high converse from middle school or those American Apparel jelly shoes from 2014. I am only saying this because the fashion trends cycle has repeatedly proven to be a big circle. History repeats itself, and fishnets do the same! They are back and better than ever, worn to the likes of one of TikTok’s hottest alternative fashion girlies: Aliyah’s Interlude. The digital creator from Atlanta, Georgia, uses TikTok as her visual diary and shares dating advice, friendship issues, and other social experiences. 

She has gained a massive following for her dynamic modeling and fashion content. Her viral style has encapsulated alternative cyberpunk grunge with rhinestone belts, Demonia platform boots, fuzzy leg warmers, and mini skirts. She has also incorporated fashion across cultures, such as the Japanese Harajuku street style, through vibrant pink and anime-inspired clothing. Aliyah has inspired a massive influx of guys and girls, adding more grunge/kawaii looks to their closets. It was not until late 2022 that Aliyah made a name for her unique style, coining it as her own personal aesthetic: #Aliyahcore.  Hundreds of Black creators have been tagging/dueting her videos dressing in the cutest outfits inspired by the Black alt princess. While many supported her rising success and influence on fashion, others did not want to be associated with her as the face of the Black alt community. They claim that she was not the first to wear platforms and do not appreciate being labeled with the Aliyah-core aesthetic instead of their style. 

Before you clock me, it’s true. Black alternative fashion baddies have been around for quite some time. No, Aliyah has not created the genre, but she has shed a massive positive light on its Black participants. Especially for those who were once bullied for enjoying art that did not fit within the limits of Black creative expression. Social media has been flooded with alternative Black girl fashion and aesthetics for a couple of years now, and we are living for it. 

When Black women can freely explore their passions and the things they love, it's almost therapeutic. They deserve a safe space to explore their artistry and creative expression through fashion of all types. Unfortunately, this is simply unheard of regarding the past demographic of this community. Black men and women continue to face extreme racism while attempting to explore different genres of fashion that White consumers stereotypically wear. Even now, many often face alienation due to stigmas of what a Black person “should” and “should not” be wearing. 

Rather than being applauded for stepping outside the box, they are shunned. Often, fellow members of the Black community look down upon those who enjoy art that does not necessarily fit into black culture.  Although we are not the creators of the bias that plagues our identity, it is our job to relinquish each other from the stereotypes held against ourselves. From how we style our hair to how we speak, Black women have primarily dealt with dictatorship over every aspect of their individuality. It is essential to celebrate uniqueness and creativity in people of color as, for some reason, it is never allowed.  Aliyah is one of many Black creatives on TikTok, including those in the fashion/art industries, which deserve all of the support in the journey of self-expression. Her success is a reminder for all of us to continue and support Black artistry!

Strike Out,

Gael Laguerre

Boca Raton

Gael Laguerre is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She’s a textbook  Aquarius: super hyper-independent but also super hot. In her free time, she enjoys music festivals, writing sad poetry, and oversharing on twitter. You can reach her at lgaellynn@gmail.com.