From Astro Boy to Minnie to Sailor Moon, cartoons are taking over fashion

FASHION seems to be gripped by a wave of nostalgia. After bringing the 1990s and Y2K years back into fashion, designers are now turning to the cartoons of their childhood.

From Astro Boy to Minnie Mouse, Sailor Moon and Barbapapa, numerous references to cartoons have been spotted in recent weeks, so much so that the trend has gone viral on social media. Welcome to the age of 'cartoon core.'

Fashion is embracing childhood throwbacks with a newfound taste for vintage cartoons, sometimes dating back to the 1960s. This colorful trend is giving rise to a new, fun and retro-tinged wardrobe, going against the grain of certain trends that have gone viral in recent months.

So while some are focusing on 'recession core,' or minimalist dressing, more optimistic fashion fans will no doubt appreciate the playful side of cartoonified clothes channeling a certain carefree vibe. It might even be enough to help us forget if only for a moment -- the various crises affecting people around the world.

Astro Boy, fashion's new icon

The art collective MSCHF made headlines by marketing oversized red boots, or Big Red Boots, evoking those worn by the character "Astro Boy."

This Japanese animated series which screened in the 1960s evidently revived many memories, as people rushed out to try to find these eccentrically designed shoes. As a result, they sold out in just a few minutes, despite costing $350. It didn't take much more than that for celebrities to start stepping out with the little robot's boots on their feet, surfing on and propagating the hype.

Lil Wayne, Rich the Kid and Sarah Snyder are among the celebrities who have already adopted these quirky shoes.