Adding to the list of things we never, ever thought we’d wear again but are now confusingly intrigued by, sitting alongside the likes of low-rise jeans, pleated mini skirts and butterfly clips, are popcorn tops. If the name doesn’t ring a bell and rather makes you think of snacking on some Butterkist, the fabric definitely will. A popcorn top describes that stretchy polyester-leaning style in which the material is puckered or scalloped and sticks out in tiny pyramid shapes all over. When it’s on a hanger, it looks fit for a doll, but somehow the fabric manages to stretch out to fit on an actual human body. Ring any bells? 

On the recent runways, which were filled to the brim with ‘90s and Y2K-era trends, popcorn tops could be seen on the likes of very on trend designers such as Marine Serre (whose collection was released via lookbook) and British up and comer, Chet Lo, who has been dressing the likes of Kylie Jenner, Doja Cat, and SZA of late.

Marine Serre

Now, queen of Y2K, Dua Lipa, has given her stamp of approval not only to Lo, but to popcorn tops as a whole, pairing her statement look with an oversized black blazer by Eytys and a pair of chunky black Prada sneakers. 

On the weekend, Lipa wore a two-piece popcorn set in purple by Lo, braving the cooling temperatures in London in the name of an iconic outfit (and equally iconic photo dump). The Manta Top, Mako Skirt, and Armguards by the London-based label are part of the designer’s Spring Summer 2022 collection, which was recently debuted at London Fashion Week.

There,  Lo, who’s long favoured popcorn-like materials, sent models down the runway in popcorn headpieces, huge oversized popcorn handbags and popcorn leg and armguards.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains nudity.) A model walks the runway at the Chet Lo show during Fashion East at London Fashion Week September 2021 on September 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/BFC/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: A model walks the runway at Chet Lo show during Fashion East at London Fashion Week September 2021 on September 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/BFC/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: A model walks the runway at the Chet Lo show during Fashion East at London Fashion Week September 2021 on September 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/BFC/Getty Images)