Evolution of Streetwear: From Hypebeast to High Fashion
Street style or streetwear, once an underground fashion subculture, has grown to dominate the fashion industry in a remarkably short period of time. The evolution of streetwear is a fascinating journey where popular culture, subcultures, and the catwalk have clashed and eventually merged. By examining the streetwear trend's roots in skate and hip hop culture, as to how it infiltrated the lofty ranks of high fashion, its dramatic influence on global fashion trends becomes clear.
Streetwear's genesis can be traced back to the late 70s and early 80s in Los Angeles, particularly the surf and skate cultures. Bright and bold graphic T-shirts, oversized proportions, and durable materials characterize skateboarder clothing, all of which are hallmarks of current day streetwear. It was a reflection of a laid-back, rebellious youth culture.
The next evolution of streetwear began in the late 80s and early 90s with the golden age of hip hop on the urban streets of New York. This hip hop fashion style embodied a personalized blend of sportswear, luxury logos, and workwear essentials. It also brought streetwear to the mainstream, getting attention from high-profile celebrities and thus elevating its status.
Towards the late 2010s, streetwear started to profoundly influence high fashion. Influenced by the dominance of the digital age and social media influence, high fashion brands began to draw inspiration from streetwear's aesthetic and subcultural roots. Streetwear-style collaborations became the rage, with luxury powerhouses teaming up with niche streetwear labels to elevate street culture into luxury fashion.
Despite the high fashion infiltration, streetwear still upholds its countercultural side, providing an outlet for political activism and cultural dialogue. Through streetwear, wearers are given a platform to voice their place in society – its ethos is as relevant today as ever.
Contemporary streetwear has evolved beyond its original roots to become a unique entity encompassing various styles, cultures, and social phenomena. The meteoric rise of streetwear in the fashion industry is a testament to its influence and appeal, establishing it as a significant trend that looks set to continue shaping the global fashion industry.
The longevity and influence of streetwear underscore its value in the fashion industry. As the lines between high fashion, streetwear, and athleisure continue to blur, this trend only seems to be getting just started - its real impact is probably yet to come. The fashion industry will keep evolving, there's no doubt about that, but one thing seems certain: streetwear is here to stay.
Streetwear's genesis can be traced back to the late 70s and early 80s in Los Angeles, particularly the surf and skate cultures. Bright and bold graphic T-shirts, oversized proportions, and durable materials characterize skateboarder clothing, all of which are hallmarks of current day streetwear. It was a reflection of a laid-back, rebellious youth culture.
The next evolution of streetwear began in the late 80s and early 90s with the golden age of hip hop on the urban streets of New York. This hip hop fashion style embodied a personalized blend of sportswear, luxury logos, and workwear essentials. It also brought streetwear to the mainstream, getting attention from high-profile celebrities and thus elevating its status.
Towards the late 2010s, streetwear started to profoundly influence high fashion. Influenced by the dominance of the digital age and social media influence, high fashion brands began to draw inspiration from streetwear's aesthetic and subcultural roots. Streetwear-style collaborations became the rage, with luxury powerhouses teaming up with niche streetwear labels to elevate street culture into luxury fashion.
Despite the high fashion infiltration, streetwear still upholds its countercultural side, providing an outlet for political activism and cultural dialogue. Through streetwear, wearers are given a platform to voice their place in society – its ethos is as relevant today as ever.
Contemporary streetwear has evolved beyond its original roots to become a unique entity encompassing various styles, cultures, and social phenomena. The meteoric rise of streetwear in the fashion industry is a testament to its influence and appeal, establishing it as a significant trend that looks set to continue shaping the global fashion industry.
The longevity and influence of streetwear underscore its value in the fashion industry. As the lines between high fashion, streetwear, and athleisure continue to blur, this trend only seems to be getting just started - its real impact is probably yet to come. The fashion industry will keep evolving, there's no doubt about that, but one thing seems certain: streetwear is here to stay.