From Street Style to High Fashion: The Influence of Urban Culture on Trends
Urban culture has long been a source of inspiration for fashion designers. From the streets of New York City to the runways of Paris, the influence of urban culture can be seen in every aspect of the fashion industry. What was once considered “street style” has now become high fashion, with designers incorporating elements of urban culture into their collections. In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of street style and its impact on high fashion, and how urban culture continues to shape the trends we see on the runway.
The Origins of Street Style
Street style can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when young people in urban areas began to reject mainstream fashion and create their own unique looks. This was a time of political and social upheaval, and young people used fashion as a form of self-expression and rebellion. One of the first subcultures to emerge was the punk movement, which originated in London and quickly spread to other cities like New York and Los Angeles. The punk aesthetic was characterized by ripped clothing, safety pins, and bold, unconventional hairstyles.
As the 1980s rolled around, hip hop culture began to emerge in the Bronx, New York. Hip hop fashion was heavily influenced by streetwear, with baggy pants, oversized t-shirts, and sneakers becoming the signature look. This was a time when urban youth were creating their own fashion trends, and brands like Adidas, Nike, and FUBU became popular among this demographic.
The Rise of Streetwear Brands
In the 1990s, streetwear brands started to gain mainstream attention. Designers like Shawn Stussy and James Jebbia founded their own streetwear brands, which quickly became popular among young people. The rise of streetwear brands can be attributed to the fact that they offered something different from traditional high fashion. Instead of following the latest trends, they focused on creating unique and edgy designs that spoke to the urban youth.
One of the biggest streetwear brands to emerge in the 2000s was Supreme, founded by James Jebbia in 1994. Supreme’s popularity exploded when celebrities like Kanye West and Jay-Z started wearing their clothing, making it a must-have brand for fashion-forward individuals. Supreme’s collaborations with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton further cemented their status as a high fashion brand.
From Street Style to High Fashion: The Influence of Urban Culture on Trends
The Influence of Urban Culture on High Fashion
As streetwear brands gained popularity, high fashion designers began to take notice of the urban aesthetic. This led to collaborations between streetwear and luxury brands, blurring the lines between street style and high fashion. In 2003, Marc Jacobs collaborated with streetwear brand, Vision Street Wear, for his Spring/Summer collection. This was the first time a high fashion designer had incorporated streetwear into their collection, and it was met with both praise and criticism from the fashion industry.
Since then, collaborations between high fashion and streetwear brands have become more common. In 2017, Louis Vuitton collaborated with Supreme for their Fall/Winter collection, causing a frenzy among fashion enthusiasts. This marked a significant moment in the fashion industry, as it showed that high fashion was no longer just about luxury and exclusivity, but also about embracing the urban aesthetic.
The Impact of Social Media
In recent years, the rise of social media has played a significant role in the influence of urban culture on fashion. Platforms like Instagram have given street style and urban fashion a global audience, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Fashion bloggers and influencers have also played a significant role in popularizing streetwear brands and showcasing how to incorporate them into high fashion looks.
Today, it is not uncommon to see high fashion designers like Virgil Abloh, founder of the streetwear brand Off-White, collaborating with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. The merging of street style and high fashion has become a common occurrence, as designers continue to draw inspiration from urban culture.
The Future of Street Style and High Fashion
As fashion continues to evolve, it is clear that urban culture will continue to have a significant influence on trends. Streetwear brands are no longer just for the urban youth, but have become a staple in high fashion. The merging of street style and high fashion has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for designers, and it will be interesting to see how this trend evolves in the future.
In conclusion, the influence of urban culture on fashion is undeniable. From its origins in the streets to its impact on the runways, urban culture has shaped the fashion industry in ways that were once unimaginable. As we continue to see the merging of street style and high fashion, it is clear that urban culture will continue to be a driving force in the ever-changing world of fashion.