If You Thought We’d Reached Peak Nostalgia, Think Again – McQueen’s Skull Print Scarf Is Back

Since the launch of Timothée Chalamet's new movie 'A Complete Unknown,' for which he's been on the promo trail, the actor hasn't been seen without one particular accessory. Skinny, green, tartan - you name it, it's been a scarf wrapped around his neck. But hang on a minute – what's that we saw peeking out of his Mowalola City Bomber? No, it can't be... an Alexander McQueen skull print scarf?

Yes, after appearing on Saturday Night Live at the weekend, Chalamet was seen heading to the after party bundled up in probably the most iconic scarf in millennial history. In fact, trade the grey jeans for some skinny ones and you'd really have to convince me that this wasn't taken in 2008.

Image Credit: Getty Images Timothée Chalamet on January 26, 2025

Born from McQueen’s spring/summer 2003 collection, the skull scarf quickly became a status symbol of the early and mid noughties. Although I was just a toddler when it dropped (sorry), the accessory enjoyed enduring popularity for over a decade. It graced the necks, bags, and waists of everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Kim Kardashian, making it nearly impossible to miss. If someone were to ask me what defined the Indie Sleaze Tumblr aesthetic of 2012, this scarf immediately comes to mind. It had all the fashion girls in a serious chokehold.

Members of Gen Z (like me) who saw the tail end of the the phenomenon were honestly happy to see it go, but some have been eagerly anticipating the scarf's return. Under Tana Monageau's viral video on the return of skinny jeans, she captioned her video ' are the scarves with skulls next'. To my surprise, the comments read, 'I'm here for it, 'Let's manifest this.'

Image Credit: Imago (Sienna Miller, Emma Roberts, Rochelle Humes, Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie)

Now that Chalamet has breathed new life into the scarf, we can only expect others to follow suit. Will you be one of them?

Shop: The Skull Scarf

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..