What is Streetwear? Fashion Phenomenon or a Real Identity?

Xavier Mastrorillo

In modern times, streetwear has occupied a fundamental position in fashion activities. To date, it has gone beyond the trend stage and particularly affects young people.

It caters to various alternative suburban subcultures of urban youth. It is adaptable and this in any environment. Its rendering options are endless.

Supreme , Off-White or even Bape and Stussy , for the oldest, but also Vultech or Revengex , for the most recent. The possibilities are endless and accessible to all.

Black printed streetwear t-shirt

Its origin

Street fashion , with varied influences. Streetwear emerged in the 1980s and has become one of the most distinctive clothing styles.

It has its roots in skateboard, surf and punk culture

Take Shaun Stussy for example, who started out by simply scribbling his last name on his surfboards with a marker. His logo was born, and has since found its way onto every item in his store. The fact that the original hand-crafted logo has stood the test of time and is the key to his success, sets a very high bar for his brand, and very few have ever achieved it.

stussy clothing

We also find reminiscences of the jazz era but also and above all, of that of hip-hop .

hip hop music group NWA

As we have already mentioned, the 80's are very marked by the appearance of this new musical style. Which is displayed by the youth of the ghetto and suburbs of New York (NYC), the largest city in the United States.

We can take as an example the American hip-hop group, NWA , acronym for Niggaz Wit Attitudes. It is at the origin of the popularization of the gangsta rap genre but also Public Enemy , without forgetting Run-DMC , The Roots and many others.

They are the very symbol of this culture, both musical and sartorial.

They assert their identities , breaking the codes of a society that is still very puritanical.

The practice of breakdancing, which requires a lot of twisting and body movements, is also favored by this style of clothing. Offering them great freedom of movement, the two become inseparable.

Wide pants, sportswear set, with sneakers and double XL t-shirts. Flashy jewelry, and caps as headwear.

hip hop run dmc

Streetwear and Fashion

The definition of streetwear fashion is steeped in ambiguity, as we discussed above. More generally, however, streetwear fashion is rooted in the hip hop and rap genre.

The basic goal of introducing this type of street fashion was to make clothes more comfortable and cheaper. However, nowadays, many luxury brands have introduced their own line of Streetwear clothing.

Louis Vuitton (Kim Jones), Givenchy (Ricardo Tisci), Off-White with Virgil Abloh and/or Balenciaga with Demna Gvasalia

Haute couture flirts with the street!

It aims to reach the golden youth by responding to their needs, and breaking their most classic dress code.

They work very closely with influential personalities, such as Pharell Williams and Rihanna , aiming to court a clientele hungry for novelty.

Rarity creates desire and brands have understood this perfectly. Exclusivity is expected. Even causing a phenomenon of collections by buyers.

This practice is increasingly common in the streetwear field, where urban brands are teaming up with luxury labels. The effect is immediate and expected. Prices are skyrocketing and these limited collections are flying off the shelves. Not to mention the resale prices between individuals!

hip hop singer rihanna

We can also count on stars like Kanye West , who revolutionized rap and who influences the new generation. Rapper and producer, he is one of the American artists who has most marked the latter. He launched the label << Yeezy >>

We can also find Booba with << Ünkut >> (which he has since left) but also << Avnier >> with Orelsan .

The last word..

Emblematic of the 80's subcultures, streetwear has been popularized and has become a < Must Have > in your wardrobe. A reference in terms of clothing.

With all the possible and imaginable combinations, you can make this style your true identity or simply follow this fashion phenomenon that has truly taken place.

If you want to incorporate urban elements into your look or complete your collection, follow the advice mentioned, keep in mind the origins of streetwear and simply browse the different items available on our online store. Clothes are offered to you and they will not fail to delight your wardrobe!

black cargo streetwear pants

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