A lot can change in 20 years – and a lot can stay the same.
I'm organising my class of 1997 high school reunion – our first since graduation – so naturally memories of school are top of mind.
The Jason Priestly poster in my locker, my eight-up Doc Martens school shoes (an act of defiance against Clarks, I seem to recall) and lots of large logo T-shirts.
While we haven't seen much of Brandon Walsh in recent years, the Docs and the logo tees are back with a vengeance.
Blogger Alexandra Lapp models the hottest logo T-shirt on the market. Photo: Getty Images
After a long time of fashion preferring to name check itself in aesthetic only through signature cuts and embellishments – the Fendi pom and the Balmain military-inspired jacket spring to mind – the ostentatiousness of logo-emblazoned merchandise is back.
One of the most popular – and expensive – pieces has been the Gucci logo tee, which sells locally for $570.
Now, I am a massive Gucci fan (hello, Nicole Kidman's SAGs macaw dress) but I struggle to wrap my head around the mania around any T-Shirt that costs a three-figure sum.
Loud and proud ... Miranda Kerr (left) and Hailey Baldwin in Moschino. Photo: Getty Images
It still needs washing and drying, which causes wear and tear, and there's always the inherent risk: what if you spill coffee/tomato sauce/green smoothie on it?
Just because it's Gucci doesn't mean it's impervious to life.
Sure, the same can be said for any expensive item of clothing or accessory but when it comes to shoes and bags, the margin for error at least feels greater. Scratches can be repaired, zips can be mended.
And yet, the Gucci T-shirt – and its many cousins by Balmain, Moschino and others – is selling like crazy.
Cropped to perfection ... Bella Hadid does Nike a solid. Photo: Getty Images
Who's doing it ... and how to rock it
Since making its debut in June at Gucci's 2017 resort collection show, it's become a blogger favourite. Just look at the Instagram account of Chiara Ferragni aka The Blonde Salad for several styling options including a leather mini or another '90s favourite, the A-line skirt.
Other influencers have also been spotted wearing it with a "mom jean" in an acid wash or a white skinny leg, both styles we probably saw on Heather Locklear in Melrose Place.
Another big fan of the logo top is model Bella Hadid, who has taken her look from preppy to sporty by cropping a Nike tank or teaming a Tommy Hilfiger sweater with leggings.
Locally, stylist Vydia Rishie has been spotted wearing her Gucci with a black bomber jacket, leather skirt and stocking boots, which are going to be a major footwear trend this winter.
And one of my favourite bloggers, Holly Titheridge of Base Colour, can often be seen sporting her Calvin Klein T-shirt with a denim skirt and a designer bag for a simple weekend look.
Another one of my favourite looks of hers is a logo T-shirt worn under a silk cami, which to me screams another '90s icon, Kate Moss.
Where to get it
The good news is to embrace the trend, you don't have to go to the top end of town, although I'd argue if you are going to go logo, don't hold back.
Arguably, if you can't afford a Gucci dress, buying the T-shirt will still give you the feeling of owning the designer garment without the price tag.
It's the same reason why many brands' sunglasses – often made under licence by large conglomerates – are disproportionately affordable to the clothing.
Maybe the same can be said of the logo T-shirts – that they're a "gateway garment" into the broader ready-to-wear collections.
But if a $600 T-shirt isn't your bag – or you're a klutz – consider something quirky, like Ukrainian designer Ksenia Schnaider, whose "SAMPLE" T-shirt gives me the giggles. And at $130, it's practically a steal.
Wherever you end up in logo land, rest assured your investment will be safe for a while yet. Look on the bright side: when it's over, you can always wear it to bed.
Three of the best
Ksenier Schnaider at Stylebop.com, $130.
Calvin Klein at Glue Store, $60.
Balmain at Matchesfashion.com, $215.