What is Street Fashion?

Street fashion is supposed to have arisen from the streets, rather than being groomed by designers in front of directors and models on Parisian runways. It is said to have grassroots foundations in the most recent decade’s youth culture.

This type of fashion does not refer to a single style of clothing but rather to a variety of styles, each of which is distinct in that it was produced and styled by the young individuals who prefer it.

This style has started to impact the designers of high fashion. Tight-fitting jeans, originally worn by punks, are now a typical feature in high-end designer attire. Similarly, hippie-style, free-flowing dresses with filmy material are being reinterpreted in a more demure, concentrated way in the fashion world.

This fashion has been incorporated into the collections of well-known designers—Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein, to name a few, all incorporate street fashion trends into their collections. These designers, and others, have elevated the style by allowing it to impact dress and formal wear.

Though mostly influenced by the trends observed among the youth of the United States, street fashion may be found worldwide, as every culture has a generation of young people who want to make a statement. The clothes selected to be worn by any given age group make this statement several times. Every decade that brings forth a new generation of young people has its distinct street fashion.

The Evolution of Street Fashion

 

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Even while street fashion or street style has always existed and been a part of human culture, it is considered a phenomenon of the 20th century. It did not, however, create an impression on fashion until the end of World War II.

Fashion icons like Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior contributed to the street style freedom of experimentation. People with higher salaries were able to acquire high-fashion items.

During that period, “street style” icons’ outfits were mostly comprised of a single high-fashion label. Women wore the “new look,” which included a long circular skirt and a fitted jacket with a tapered waist and large shoulders created by Christian Dior.

The “utility look” of the wartime period was replaced, which accentuated the female physique. The abundance of cloth, which had been rare during the war, was used to create this hourglass shape.

This phenomenon has been studied for a long time in England, and it has revealed the importance of young people’s street styles in the postwar period, which may be linked to the baby boomer generation, which came to constitute a new sociocultural category – the “teenager” – who has money to spend and can be a powerful motivator.

Hip-hop Fashion

 

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Hip-hop fashion, which has its roots in streetwear, has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. While it is now regarded as an iconic style, it is still a reflection of the music culture from which it arose. Hip-hop streetwear arose from the African-American urban movement, found its way into the music industry, and was worn by several well-known athletes.

Japanese Street Fashion

The streetwear found in the US has had a significant influence on Japanese street fashion. Even though most of their clothing lines are made in Japan, they are heavily affected by international trends. 

The underground club culture in Japan, which many young people frequent, dictates Japanese fashion. Many of the appearances seen on the streets of Japan may be traced back to hip-hop culture.

Sports Street Fashion

 

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You could argue that street fashion is simply an excuse to wear athletic clothing as much as possible on the streets.

Supermodels who work for numerous sports businesses, on the other hand, clearly affect consumers. As a result, regular people liking athletic gear, such as Kanye West, who dabbled in fashion despite his primary vocation being music, find it easier to influence.

While he’s best known for his current Yeezy brand, which includes Adidas collaborations, eye-catching catwalk shows, and plenty of Kim Kardashian street style, West has also released Louis Vuitton and Nike sneakers along with a few clothing lines.

Skateboarding is another sport that has had a significant impact on the development of street fashion. Skateboarding is frequently associated with the image of the street fashion follower.

Sneakers with specific bottoms that prevent feet from skidding on the board have become fashionable and may be found in non-skaters’ closets.

Street Fashion’s Biggest Hubs

Paris

Paris is the world’s fashion capital, so it’s no wonder that it’s mentioned everywhere, at all times. Paris is the epitome of a “city look,” a collective image – certain fashion characteristics, clothes, and lifestyles that reflect urbanity in a metropolitan context.

Japan

Japanese street fashion is headed by high school girls who became immensely important in determining fashion trends, rather than by recognized professional Japanese designers.

This form of Japanese fashion is dictated by these fashion-obsessed, or fashion-conscious, youths, both directly and indirectly. They are not overplaying it when they say the Japanese are fashion agents, as they participate in the production and distribution of fashion.

Japanese street fashion has arisen via social networks involving many fashion institutions and various street subcultures, each with its distinct style.

To declare their symbolic, subcultural identity, these teenagers rely on a distinct appearance. This is not an ideological or political identity; rather, it is a fashion statement that indicates their group allegiance.

London

London is among the world’s most important fashion centers. In contrast to Paris and Milan, London’s fashion is more closely associated with aristocracy, heritage, and vibrant street-style culture.

As a multiethnic city with a diverse range of cultures and customs, London is a place where street style incorporates not only general popular fashion notions but also serves as a means of expressing cultural and social identities.

British fashion players are perceived as having a more flexible, open, and innovative approach to fashion, and working with young potential talents is one of the key reasons London has established itself as a European street style center.

This mindset encourages increased open-mindedness and love for street style and the promotion of environmentally friendly fashion methods.

New York

In New York City, you can never go wrong in the name of fashion.

It makes no difference whether you go to the bakery in your pajamas or high heels. You can sing, walk, and dance wherever you want, and it won’t look unusual because it’s the city of big dreams and fashion, after all.

Remember the film 13 Going on 30? You’ll understand what this is about, as this film would have done it if they hadn’t invented the street style yet.

Learn more about the different fashion styles; check out French chic fashion!