Streetwear has been steadily on the rise since the early 90s and has had a lasting influence on high fashion. From popular streetwear brands like Supreme and Off-White to luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, street style and high fashion can be seen everywhere.
In this blog post, we will discuss the origins of streetwear and its impact on the high fashion industry. We will also examine how some of the biggest names in fashion have incorporated streetwear into their designs and how it has changed the fashion landscape.
The Evolution of Streetwear
The Origins of Streetwear:
Streetwear first emerged from the surf, skate, and hip-hop cultures in California. Brands such as Stussy and Reebok Classic were some of the earliest to embrace this look, setting the tone for a rebellious and fresh style.
This early streetwear was often made up of oversized t-shirts, baggy jeans, and sneakers – a look that has become an iconic staple in today’s fashion scene.
Skate Culture and Its Influence on Streetwear:
Skate culture is one of the major influences behind streetwear. Streetwear labels across the globe have embraced the bright colors, bold patterns, and daring silhouettes of skate fashion. Skateboarding-inspired pieces are now a staple in modern streetwear collections, with many brands offering their unique takes on classic looks.
The Hip-Hop Influence:
Hip-hop also had a major influence on streetwear in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Rappers like Run DMC popularized the look, which consisted of bright colors, gold chains, and Adidas Superstars. Skaters and hip-hop fans adopted this look, which continues to be a defining element of streetwear.
The Embrace of High Fashion Brands:
High fashion designers have also embraced streetwear over the years. Major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior have all released collections incorporating streetwear elements into their designs. This trend has continued to grow; as more high-end brands look to capitalize on the popularity of streetwear.
The Impact of Social Media on Streetwear:
Social media platforms such as Instagram have also had a major impact on the evolution of streetwear. Today, Instagram influencers act as tastemakers for the latest trends, giving brands unprecedented visibility and allowing them to reach a much wider audience. Social media has enabled streetwear to reach a global audience, further cementing its place in fashion.
The Intersection of Streetwear and High Fashion
The Emergence of Streetwear in High Fashion:
The rise of streetwear in high fashion can be traced back to the early 2000s when mainstream luxury brands began experimenting with collaborations.
Brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci partnered with streetwear giants like Supreme and Off-White to create limited-edition capsule collections that fused high-end fashion with street style elements.
This trend quickly caught on, inspiring other luxury labels to try their hand at streetwear-inspired designs. The result was a new wave of high fashion that embraced streetwear’s bold colors and irreverent designs.
Collaborations Between Streetwear Brands and High Fashion Designers:
The collaborations between streetwear brands and high fashion designers have been immensely successful, allowing both sides to experiment with different styles and ideas. These collaborations have also helped elevate streetwear to respectability it had not previously enjoyed.
The Impact of Streetwear on High Fashion
The Importance of Comfort and Functionality
One key feature of streetwear that sets it apart from traditional high fashion is its emphasis on comfort and functionality.
Different from some high fashion pieces, which may be difficult to move in or impractical for everyday wear, streetwear focuses on fashionable and comfortable pieces. The trend towards practical yet stylish clothing has allowed people to express their style while feeling comfortable in their skin.
The Demolition of Traditional Gender Roles
Streetwear has also challenged traditional gender roles in fashion. Merging male and female styles has provided space for those who do not identify with either gender to express themselves through clothing.
Streetwear has become an avenue for self-expression and creativity, allowing people to combine styles to create unique looks without being restricted by outdated gender norms.
The Rise of Diversity and Inclusivity
Finally, streetwear has opened up the conversation around diversity and inclusivity in fashion. Streetwear has allowed for more representation in the fashion industry by embracing different body types, ages and ethnicities. Furthermore, streetwear is more accessible than high fashion due to its affordable prices. This has helped to reduce barriers to entry for those who may have yet to be able to participate in fashion trends due to financial constraints.
Conclusion
Streetwear has had an undeniable influence on high fashion. High fashion brands have embraced this new style wave by incorporating streetwear elements into their collections, creating unique and stylish designs.
Streetwear has changed how we view fashion, and its influence can be seen in the designs of high-end fashion labels.
The impact of streetwear on high fashion will continue to be felt for years to come. As streetwear continues to evolve, so will its influence on high fashion.