Streetwear began to appear in the early 1980s to reflect the hip-hop culture that was emerging at the time. Similar to music itself, fashions and clothing have changed, matured, and evolved over the years into what we know to be worn around the world. As has always been the case, many fashion trends follow the clothing and appearance of those in the music industry, and indeed, the hip-hop genre is no different. In fact, “urban fashion” has developed its own subculture.
When we think of streetwear, many of us with more than a passing interest will be able to name dedicated designers, but that wasn’t the case in the early ’80s. At the time, I was more closely associated with major sportswear companies. like Nike and Adidas, backed up by the fact that Run-DMC had a hit called “My Adidas.” Trainers, sneakers, and lots of glitter were considered must-haves for dedicated fashionistas. A signature hairstyle, one that would break the boundaries was also considered essential if you wanted to look the part!
As hip-hop grew in popularity, so did its legitimacy in terms of being recognized as a music genre in its own right. As this was happening, streetwear became more recognized and noticed by brands outside of the sportswear industry. Streetwear was more than a passing fad, it was something that was here to stay.
In its early days, the styles could be closely associated with an African influence with artists like Will Smith dressed in green and gold associated with the continent. As we moved into the 1990s, gangsta rap started to emerge and became a part of fashion. A street look influenced by gang and prison cultures was beginning to develop. Baseball caps, baggy jeans, T-shirts and sports jerseys were taking over the original image of great shape and style. Later in the decade, some began to pursue a more refined look, with double-breasted suits and dress shoes now becoming part of the required clothing.
As we move into the new millennium, streetwear began to move more into the mainstream, and indeed had a wide variety of influences, including those outside of hip-hop. As a result, high street chains began to include the clothing as part of their ranges and various artists in the music industry began to develop their own clothing lines, including Russell Simmons’ Phat Farm and Jay-Z’s Rocawear.
In the modern age of fashion, we are all familiar with major brands, many of which are still associated with the sportswear industry. Some like to show a lot of skin, while others are much more conservative. However, whatever your taste for both men and women, no look would be complete without the right accessories. Streetwear is all about the glitz and glam of living large.
If you’re a dedicated fan of streetwear, you’ll want to find a supplier that carries the best brands and the latest designs. You want to be sure that you look in business and your style cannot be questioned!