Welcome to another installment of our Streetwear Inspo series, where we study the intersection of culture, art, and fashion.
As the concrete jungle becomes more expansive and influential, the fashion industry has borne a new style. We have termed it ‘Urban Cool.’ Characterized by apparent ease and contemporary trends, Streetwear has evolved into pioneering, fashion-forward statements.
It’s the rebellious child of the fashion world, with its roots deep in countercultures, from skaters to hip hop artists, to surfers, blending their resistant spirit into daily aesthetics. Its reach has now extended to the boardrooms to the runways of Milan.
Join us as we delve deeper into this exciting world of Urban Cool, its elements, inspirations, and impact on our style, norms, and how you can integrate it into your wardrobe.
Evolution and Growth of Streetwear Fashion
Streetwear fashion has evolved from its humble beginnings in the 80s as a distinct and rebellious subculture. Pulling predominately from hip-hop and skate culture, its original audience was confined to the youth of Los Angeles and New York.
As the genre grew in popularity, the ‘grit’ of streetwear began to shine in high fashion spheres. Major brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci embraced bold logos, oversized proportions, and cultural references – the embodiments of streetwear style.
Today, streetwear fashion holds a significant place in the sartorial landscape, defining and dictating modern fashion narratives. Influencers and celebrities are often spotted donning streetwear, reflecting its eventual mainstream acceptance.
Its evolution is a testament to the power of youth culture and fashion’s ephemeral nature. A marriage of art, culture, and style, streetwear’s growth and evolution personify fashion’s incredible adaptability.
Influential Streetwear Designers and Brands
Streetwear fashion is a trendsetter, shaping our wardrobes with bold designs and vibrant colors. Key players in this realm are influential designers and noteworthy brands, setting the tide for urban cool.
Virgil Abloh, founder of Off-White, is known for his revolutionary approach. Abloh is an expert at defining contemporary street fashion with his graphic prints and structural silhouettes, resulting in a perfect blend of high fashion and casual streetwear.
Supreme, famed for its classic box logo and a favorite among skate culture and hip-hop community alike symbolizes the rebellious spirit of street fashion. Under the creative helm of James Jebbia, the brand continues to dictate urban style with its collaborations and limited releases.
These trailblazers in the streetwear fashion industry remain at the forefront, leading the way in innovative design and fashion statements.
Impact of Streetwear in High-Fashion
Streetwear’s meteoric rise in popularity has seen its influence seep into the upscale realm of high-fashion.
In its essence, streetwear embodies authenticity, creativity, and the courage to stand out. These virtues have been adopted by high-fashion brands, discarding ubiquitous glamour to embrace the artistic appeal of streetwear.
Incorporating elements such as oversized graphics, intentional deconstruction, and bold logos, high-fashion has discovered a fresh way to stay relevant with younger, more progressive audiences. Streetwear has thus transitioned from being an underdog to a disruptive force, shaping the aesthetics of the fashion industry.
In turn, this fusion has blurred the lines between high and low fashion. It’s no longer about unattainable aesthetics – it’s about the ability to express oneself. That’s the true impact of streetwear in high-fashion: breaking convention, embracing diversity, and challenging the status quo.
How Streetwear Shapes Popular Culture
The influence of streetwear on popular culture is undeniable, shaping the way youth and young adults express themselves.
The adoption of streetwear elements by high fashion brands signifies its power as more than a passing trend; it is a dynamic force remolding the landscape of contemporary fashion.
Today, streetwear is not just about brands or logos. It is about how people perceive themselves and how they want the world to see them. Streetwear becomes a form of self-expression—a visual language telling stories of urban life and struggles.
This style revolution transcends well beyond clothing into music, art, and design. Undeniably, streetwear’s embrace by popular culture highlights its status as a crucial trendsetter, shaping the narratives of style, counterculture, and youth empowerment today.
Streetwear Staples: Must-Have Items
Streetwear style has shed its underground roots to stake a claim in mainstream fashion, establishing itself as a potent symbol of urban cool. At the heart of this off-duty look are several irreplaceable staple items.
Create an impeccable style with oversized sweatshirts and logo tees that offer a relaxed fit yet make a big statement. Pair them with cargo pants or distressed denim for an authentic, gritty look.
Air Jordans or Yeezy sneakers can lend an undeniable street cred to your overall appearance. A statement bomber jacket or an oversized blazer adds sophistication to any casual outfit.
Don’t forget accessories like bucket hats, chunky chains, or small cross-body bags—they can be that amped-up detail your ensemble needs.
Having these staple items in your wardrobe ensures that you’re always ready to channel the urban cool, no matter where you go.
Celebrities and Influencers Sporting Streetwear
In the global arena, celebrities and influencers have prominently adopted the streetwear trend, adding their unique flair and style stamp.
Take global pop sensation Justin Bieber, for instance – on any given day, he’s spotted in oversized hoodies, baggy jeans and luxury sneakers – a perfect testament to the streetwear style.
Then there’s Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton’s creative director and Off-White founder. His influence goes beyond promoting streetwear – he defines it!
Meanwhile, influential model Kendall Jenner spices up the street-style look with luxury staples, while style trailblazer Billie Eilish showcases how to make a statement with bright and oversized streetwear.
Yes, streetwear has taken over the sidewalks, and the trend looks certain to continue.
Best Cities for Streetwear Scenes
Streetwear fashion is a global phenomenon, and some cities have solid reputations for their vibrant, thriving scenes. Tokyo tops the list with its chic streetwear embracing both tradition and innovation – think Kimono-style jackets paired with modern joggers.
Next, step onto the streets of London, where fashion-forward youth reimagine classic punk aesthetics mixed with high-street influences.
Let’s not forget New York City, the birthplace of hip-hop, and streetwear’s gritty, urban roots run deep. From vintage band tees to sneakers worth thousands, NYC style is unmatched.
Finally, Seoul’s cutting-edge approach to streetwear merges techwear with oversized silhouettes and a distinct neon palette, creating an unforgettable aesthetic.
Each city offers a unique perspective on streetwear, either challenging trends or setting them. A visit to these fashion capitals is must for serious streetwear enthusiasts.
Suited Up: Perfecting Your Streetwear Outfit
There’s a sublime elegance to embracing the streetwear aesthetic with suits – the style marrying both elegance and casual. Interestingly, the trick lies in blending sophistication with a relaxed attitude seamlessly.
To nail this, opt for suits in relaxed, unfussy fabrics, perhaps with some slight deconstruction. Parlay this with a crisp t-shirt and a pair of luxury trainers. You’ll be surprised how well the high-low mix works.
Don’t shy away from incorporating patterns and colors into this composition. Traditional rules of matching don’t necessarily apply in streetwear but do ensure a coherence of hues for a put-together look.
This Suited-Up streetwear style reflects a bold fashion statement, transporting a corporate workwear staple into something infinitely cooler. At its best, it’s effortlessly stylish, exuding professional charm with an urban edge. Layering is key here; the more you can balance formal and relaxed pieces, the greater your style payoff.
