So Nostalgic
Happy anniversary to Mannys most infamous look.
Almost twenty years ago to the day, viewers witnessed Mannys metamorphosis before our very eyes.
Titled U Got The Look, Manny made a declaration that teens round the world could relate to.
I wanna be hot.
Not cute, not adorable.
Hot, she pronounced.
And the tool she utilized to up her hot-o-meter?
A slinky bedazzled thong she found at a kiosk in the mall.
Upping her looks risque factor, she also rocked theexposed bratrend that dominated the early aughts.
The lingerie was completely visible above her shockingly low-rise jeans,another controversial trend of the Y2K era.
As Manny intended, her new look left a trail of pubescent teens absolutely enthralled in her wake.
The outfit instantly becameDegrassismost iconic fashion moment.
More importantly, it also marked a pivotal moment in pop culture history: the normalization ofthe whale tail.
Steele herself has acknowledged the impact her now-iconic scene had on viewers.
I felt like it was a bit shocking and edgy for TV,she toldEllein a 2018 interview.
To this day, Mannys impact endures.
In recent years, fashion has seen a resurgence of the exposed thong.
Its thus far been worn by the most stylish, includingKim Kardashian,Dua Lipa, andHailey Bieber.
Best believe that this TV moment helped fuel modern iterations.
Degrassimay be seeing a new cast soon, but Mannys thong will live forever.
