Streetwear has come a long way since its inception in the 1980s. What started as a fashion movement for skateboarders and graffiti artists in the underground scene, has now become a mainstream trend that has taken over the entire fashion industry. Today, streetwear has found its place in high-end luxury fashion houses, with collaborations between streetwear brands and luxury labels becoming increasingly popular.
So how did streetwear evolve from a subculture adopted by a rebellious youth movement to a billion-dollar industry? Let’s take a closer look.
The Roots of Streetwear
The origins of streetwear can be traced back to the 1980s when skateboarding and hip-hop culture were on the rise. The fashion of the time was largely influenced by the music, art, and attitude of these subcultures. Skateboarders wore baggy pants, oversized t-shirts, and sneakers for practicality, while hip-hop artists adopted a style known as “bling-bling,” featuring flashy jewelry, oversized clothing, and baggy pants.
The term “streetwear” was first used in the 1990s, coined by Shawn Stussy, the founder of Stussy, a surf and skate brand that later became a streetwear clothing label. Other notable brands that emerged during this time include Supreme, Fuct, and A Bathing Ape, each bringing their own unique element to the streetwear scene.
Revolutionizing Sports Apparel
The early 2000s marked a new era for streetwear with the emergence of brands such as Nike and Adidas, who began to incorporate elements of skate and hip-hop culture into their products. Nike released the “Dunk” sneaker, inspired by skateboarders, while Adidas created a line of track jackets and sneakers inspired by the hip-hop community.
This shift towards incorporating streetwear elements into sports apparel marked the beginning of the mainstream adoption of streetwear. Soon, high-end fashion brands began to take notice and started collaborating with streetwear labels, blurring the lines between high-end luxury fashion and streetwear.
The Rise of Collaborations
Collaborations between streetwear and luxury labels quickly became a trend in the 2010s. In 2017, Louis Vuitton enlisted the help of streetwear brand Supreme for a special collection, which made headlines and quickly sold out. This collaboration was a turning point for the industry, proving that streetwear had finally reached a level of mainstream recognition and acceptance by even the most prestigious fashion houses.
Other notable collaborations include the collaboration between Nike and Off-White, which created a new hype for sneakers and streetwear in general. Adidas announced a collaboration with Kanye West, which became one of the most anticipated and successful collaborations in the industry.
The Evolution of Streetwear Style
Alongside the rise of collaborations, streetwear style has also evolved. While baggy pants and oversized t-shirts were once a staple, the style has become more refined, with a focus on quality fabrics and a more tailored fit. Minimalism has become more popular, with brands like A.P.C incorporating the understated aesthetic into their collections. While some streetwear labels remain loyal to their roots, others have moved towards more mature, sophisticated styles.
The Future of Streetwear
The future of streetwear looks bright, with the industry forecasted to reach $80 billion by 2025. The trend has become so mainstream that even luxury fashion houses are creating their streetwear-inspired collections. With the recent rise of gender-neutral fashion, streetwear brands have also become more inclusive, blurring the lines between what is considered “male” and “female” fashion.
But despite the high demand and commercial success, some streetwear brands remain dedicated to their underground roots, focusing on creative expression and authenticity. The streetwear community reflects society and its ever-changing values and beliefs, which will continue to drive the evolution of this fashion movement.
Conclusion
Streetwear has come a long way since its early beginnings in the underground skateboarding and hip-hop scene. From its inception in the 1980s to its rise in mainstream fashion, streetwear remains a trend that continues to evolve.
Collaborations between streetwear and luxury labels have blurred the lines between high-end fashion and streetwear. The style has also evolved, with a focus on quality fabrics and minimalism. The future of streetwear looks bright, with the trend expected to keep growing and reaching new heights.
Streetwear’s evolution reflects the changing values and beliefs of society. It has become more inclusive, gender-neutral, and sophisticated, while remaining true to its rebellious roots. One thing is for certain, streetwear will continue to innovate and push creative boundaries, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.
