Streetwear – a ubiquitous term that is so hard to define. Ordinary people and celebrities alike wear streetwear clothes. Even the high fashion world has incorporated streetwear, to everyone’s surprise. So, on one hand, it is a style of casual clothing inspired by subcultures such as punk, hip-hop and surf and skateboarding. On the other hand, it is composed of high-end pieces and expensive items that come in limited editions. What makes it so appealing is the fact that it mixes a wide range of styles, from casual sportswear, military pieces, hip-hop and urbane influences, workwear, skateboarding and surfing elements and so on. It is basically a style that has no strict rules and is always changing and evolving according to what the street dictates. If you like street culture clothing and you want to always wear the most trendy items but can’t afford to spend money on high-end limited edition pieces, you can find replica clothes from your favourite brands on blvcks.com.
How did Streetwear become mainstream?
It is speculated that streetwear originated as early as the late 1970s with the emergence of the punk rock and early hip hop scene. First, punk artists began to produce their own T-shirts and merchandise. Then, some surfers and skaters began to produce their own branded surfboards and self-designed T-shirts. It also became associated with the hip hop scene. One reason why it caught on is that it became much easier for people to launch their own fashion line. The thrifty DIY approach to producing clothes with one’s own design was seen as cool, rebel, defying. It was also due to the fact that society’s dress codes became more relaxed, there was no longer such a strong emphasis on having to wear certain designer labels. By the 1990s. streetwear became global. Celebrities started wearing it over any other type of style and some even collaborated with streetwear brands in order to create their own collections. Nowadays, streetwear is becoming almost indistinguishable from pop culture. Most recently, a new turning point occurred for streetwear, mainly collaborations with high fashion brands. One example is the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Supreme, a luxury Parisian brand founded in 1854 and a 23-year old streetwear brand. However, collaborations between streetwear brands such as Anti Social Social Club x Bape, Palace and Supreme ad others are also a reason for the ever-growing popularity of streetwear.
Back to the roots
Although many accuse brands such as Supreme of “selling out”, the popularity of streetwear fashion doesn’t give signs of fading out soon. The quintessential streetwear style is still built around comfortable basic items such as graphic tees and sweatshirts. There are still plenty of brands, expensive or affordable, that give off the same kind of bold, unconventional vibe as in the early days. One such brand is Rip and Dip. Take for example this RIP N DIP T-SHIRT. It features the logo of the brand, Lord Nermal, the gleefully infamous cat dressed as Virgin Mary, that beckons you with his middle fingers – an instantly recognizable icon. The profane design is surely a hit with bold people who want to make a statement. Another proof that this brand is faithful to streetwear’s original creed is the hoodies they produce. They focus on classic, basic hoodies, but add a special twist to the design, for example, the Lord Nermal logo hanging from the pockets. Not afraid to stray from the norm – this is the basic concept of their designs and it is an attitude that appeals to more and more people. That might be a reason why streetwear’s popularity is growing by the day.
