When Garage Was a Lifestyle: Memories from the Late 90s and Early 2000s
I remember stepping back to the late 90s and early 2000s — you could feel the garage vibes just by looking at what people wore. Going out to a garage rave wasn’t just about the music; it was a whole event, and we dressed to impress.
We were sharp, polished, like we were going to make the night ours. Think Gucci loafers, no socks, and jeans that were tailored just right. Armani, Moschino, Evisu, and Iceberg had us all on lock back then, and everyone rocked them like they were the only designer brands in the world.
The Look, The Energy, The Vibe
Walking into those raves, the girls brought it just as hard. Sleek dresses, heels, and confidence — like they’d just stepped off the runway, ready for whatever the night would bring. The guys would pop champagne; it was all part of the vibe.
There was a sense of luxury, but not the kind you see today. It wasn’t about flexing for the camera — it was about the experience. Not just for the gram.
When You Had to Be There
Part of the magic was finally putting faces to the voices you heard on the radio. There was no social media to scroll through, no profiles to check — you had to be there in person. There were rarely any videos.
When that bassline dropped on tracks like Nicole’s Groove and Boo, you felt it in your chest. It was real, raw, and unforgettable.
Real Connections
Meeting someone at a rave wasn’t about a quick “like” or sending a message. You had to walk up, say hello, feel the vibe, maybe laugh over a tune we all loved — or get rejected to your face.
It felt like you belonged to something alive, something that made you thrive.
That era wasn’t just about clothes or music — it was a whole way of living, something that left a mark. And every time we hear those tunes, it’s like we’re right back there, in the thick of it.