Fashion has come a long way since the days of Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, evolving from exclusive haute couture to the everyday streetwear we know and love today. What started as a niche, underground phenomenon has blossomed into the mainstream. Street style has grown and changed over the years, with different eras adopting a unique look all their own. This article will explore the evolution of street style from its subculture origins to its current position as an influential part of fashion culture as we know it.
1. The Birth of Street Style
Street style is often seen as a modern phenomenon, but its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century. Starting with the cutting edge fashions of the Parisian avant-garde, a spirit of rebellion and freedom began to infuse style and fashion in cities across the world.
The Walking Mannequin
The early development of street style was strongly influenced by an emerging ‘Walking Mannequin’ culture. This idea centered around the idea of showcasing fashionable garments and items on the streets – often taking part in fashion parades and theatre shows.
In the early 1900s, the streets of Europe gave birth to a growing phenomenon, with women parading the newest fashions in local stores and popular events. It wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that this idea really spread as stores began to feature their best-dressed models out and about in urban areas – crafting a more vibrant fashion culture.
The Subculture Revolution
The 1970s saw a radical shift in fashion – with the emergence of the punk and reggae subcultures. A wave of individualism and creativity infused into street style, creating a unique blend of stylish clothing, jewelry & accessories.
The late 70s and 80s saw the emergence of hip-hop culture, bringing an infusion of bold and vibrant streetwear with it. Street style became an expression of identity and creativity, offering a way for young people to stand out in a crowded urban landscape.
The Digital Age
The trend has continued to this day and has been given an added boost through the digital age – where social media, blogging and influencer culture have allowed for an even greater exchange of style and fashion ideas.
From the regal fashion of 19th century Paris, to the vibrant streets of the digital age, street style has become a powerful cultural force, continuously pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms.
2. Subculture to the Scene
As the Japanese contemporary music scene flourished in the early 2000s, it also gave way to the birth of several distinct subcultures. Each one of these subcultures had a unique style of clothing, hairstyle, music, and way of life that set them apart from the mainstream. Here are some of the most influential subcultures from that era:
- Visual Kei – A form of heavy metal that featured elaborate costumes reminiscent of the glam rock era in Europe.
- Oshare Kei – A rendition of the Visual Kei genre that incorporated more femininity in its fashion and music.
- Gyaru-kei – A term used to describe the “girly-glam” style that was popular among teenage girls.
- Ganguro – A trend characterized by extremely dark tans, bleached and dyed hair, colourful makeup, and unique wardrobe choices.
No matter the differences in their style, what unites these subcultures is the essence of Japanese music culture. The expanding options of music allowed these subcultures to mix different music styles, giving birth to even more creative variations of songs. Moreover, performances that showcased the unique culture of each subculture received widespread support from the public. It was not unusual for each subculture to have its own magazine covering their culture, events, and fashion.
The presence of these subcultures on the scene formed a friendly rivalry between its members. They would have galas or competitions between them to promote their style and music. These friendly exchanges gave rise to more and more collaborative works that spanned different subcultures. They broadened the boundaries and horizons of what the Japanese music scene was capable of.
The popularity of these subcultures would later lend itself to the wider spread of the entire Japanese music scene. Their influence was present throughout Asia and beyond, allowing the Japanese music industry to gain international recognition. To this day, many of these subcultures still exist and exemplify the dynamic and creative nature of Japanese music.
3. Street Style Goes Mainstream
The advent of street style has taken over the fashion world fresh from the cobblestone-lined streets of cities like London, Paris, and Tokyo. This fashion revolution may have first found its footing on the streets, but has since exploded into a global phenomenon. The way in which street style has gone from small, underground movements to the world stage speaks to a growing cultural acceptance and appreciation of individual style.
As street style has grown, so has the prevalence of classic and contemporary pieces. From artfully distressed garments to modern cuts, street style is an eclectic melting pot of fashion. Bold patterns, bright colors, and unexpected prints are all staples that define the street style aesthetic. Logo-emblazoned pieces are also a core element, bringing both a sense of nostalgia and signaling the designer of one’s eye for style.
By letting us celebrate our individuality through clothing, street style has liberated us to proudly express ourselves in new ways. By creating a space where self-expression is encouraged, street style has helped cultivate a culture where creativity and expressiveness can meet.
- Eccentricity: Street style does not shy away from eccentricity, allowing everyone to showcase their personal style.
- Unconventional Cuts: Street style caters to a unique collection of fabric and clothing cuts, from tailored to baggy.
- Shapes and Silhouettes: Street fashion allows the wearer to find a silhouette that subtly flatters their figure.
As street style continues to push its way into our everyday lives, one thing is certain – this fashion movement is here to stay. By embracing individuality in fashion, street style encourages self-expression and celebrates the essence of personal style.
4. The Future of Street Style
appears to be both exciting and dynamic, with an endless array of possibilities for people to express themselves through the clothes on their backs. Numerous trends, both new and old, will continue to develop and evolve as society progresses, presenting unique opportunities for people to experiment and showcase their individual style.
Environmental factors and technology will have a major influence on street style in the years to come:
- Climate Concerns: As the effects of climate change become increasingly catastrophic, sustainable fashion choices will become more and more pertinent. Consumers are increasingly turning to thrift stores, eco-friendly brands, and upcycling garments to make more responsible styling choices.
- Technology: As the digital age progresses our lives will continue to be intertwined with the internet, presenting opportunities for street style to take on a new form. Virtual fashion shows and influencer events have already become popular, only increasing with time.
These trends appear to be resonating strongly with younger generations, in particular Generation Z, who will seek to blur the boundaries between traditional fashion and streetwear to establish a unique, personalized style. Personal branding, customization, and creative expression through clothing are becoming increasingly prominent, and these trends continue to develop in response to contemporary culture and societal trends.
In the years ahead, street style will offer a unique opportunity for individuals to express themselves and make a statement without saying a word. The rise of individuality will continue, and the possibilities for street style creativity are truly endless.
The evolution of Street Style represents incredible progress. It has transcended the typical boundaries of what is considered fashionable and has changed the way people dress in urban cities around the world. The power of Street Style will continue to live on, transforming and inspiring people like never before.
