Hailey Bieber Revives Y2K Rhinestone Tattoo Trend at Met Gala 2025

Hailey Bieber Just Made Y2K Rhinestone Tattoos High Fashion

Hailey Bieber may have stepped onto the 2025 Met Gala red carpet in a minimalist Saint Laurent tuxedo dress, but all eyes were on one detail: a rhinestone YSL tattoo on her ankle. The glittering logo, placed delicately at the base of her leg, fused early 2000s nostalgia with high-fashion elegance — and now it’s poised to become summer’s breakout beauty trend.

Styled by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, Bieber’s black tuxedo mini dress was classic and sharp, accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. But it was the YSL rhinestone embellishment — affixed to sheer black tights — that stole the show for beauty watchers and trend forecasters alike.

Logomania, But Make It Temporary

This small-yet-sparkly detail harks back to the Y2K era, where brand logos and rhinestones ruled everything — from handbags to body art. While Hailey’s version appears to be applied to hosiery, the placement, style, and execution all nod to the rhinestone “tattoos” of the early 2000s, now reimagined through a high-fashion lens.

Rhinestone body art, once relegated to mall kiosks and teen magazines, just got a luxury upgrade.

And if you missed it on your first scroll, don’t worry — the embellishment was subtle enough to feel effortless but deliberate enough to be the most talked-about accessory on social media after the gala.

Fashion Nostalgia Meets Branding Power

Bieber’s bejeweled detail serves multiple purposes: it's both a nod to the Y2K revival and a clever branding move. Placing the rhinestone YSL logo front and center — even in a quiet way — connects the look to its designer in a new, playful format that resonates with a digitally-savvy generation obsessed with logomania and branding-as-art.

From Dior saddle bags to Louis Vuitton monograms, the early 2000s were a time when labels were loud. Bieber’s take is more refined, but still aligns with fashion’s larger nostalgia-fueled cycle — one that’s seeing tramp stamps, body glitter, and even butterfly clips make returns.

A Trend Made for Summer

This Met Gala moment may spark a DIY rhinestone tattoo boom, especially as warm weather invites shorter hemlines and more exposed skin. For those not ready to commit to permanent ink, these adhesive embellishments offer a glittery, removable alternative.

Bonus: they’re incredibly photogenic and just the right mix of kitschy and cool.

Whether placed on the ankle, collarbone, or shoulder, temporary rhinestone tattoos are an easy way to accessorize — no piercing or ink required. And with Hailey Bieber giving them the red carpet seal of approval, expect to see them popping up on beaches, at festivals, and across TikTok in no time.

The Met Gala’s Quietest Trend Might Be Its Most Impactful

Among the ornate gowns and exaggerated silhouettes, Hailey Bieber’s barely-there sparkle was a reminder that the smallest style choices can have the loudest impact. Her rhinestone logo brought together playfulness, brand identity, and early-aughts nostalgia, all while staying firmly within the Met Gala’s “Tailored for You” theme.

And in the world of fashion, where trend cycles are lightning-fast, Bieber just set the tone for summer 2025’s most charming accessory revival.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more Met Gala coverage, red carpet analysis, and the fashion trends to know before they go mainstream.