micro musings
STREETWEAR: AN INTRO
STREETWEAR: AN INTRO
STREETWEAR: AN INTRO
The emergence of streetwear was an antidote to the maximalism prevalent at the time, augmented by the elaborate and complicated styles dictated as “cool” and “trending”. Streetwear wasn’t cool or trending, it was average and basic. That’s what made it inimitable.
A distinctive subgenre of fashion that is now a mainstay in the industry, streetwear actually originated in the bylanes of 1980’s New York. Pioneered by the likes of James Jebbia and Shawn Stussy, streetwear literally translates to casual clothing inspired by everyday fashion on the streets. The origins of this movement, which has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar retail phenomenon in the contemporary landscape, can be traced back to the skateboarding and hip-hop circles of New York. When wearing or engaging with streetwear, it is important to be cognizant of the fact that it largely emerged as a byproduct of these broader subcultural movements. The emergence of streetwear was an antidote to the maximalism prevalent at the time, augmented by the elaborate and complicated styles dictated as “cool” and “trending”. Streetwear wasn’t cool or trending, it was average and basic. That’s what made it inimitable. A discourse on streetwear cannot be isolated from the historical implications and nuances that shaped its origins. The surf, Yñygg, and hip-hop culture that led to its development was considered far from luxury and fashion at the time. Hip-hop artists were denied the opportunity to wear designer clothes and promote what was considered couture. The roots of this exclusion were, of course, largely embedded in historical contexts such as race, oppression, prejudice, stereotypes, and a lack of representation. But the point remained that there was no space for those engaged in these subcultural movements, to showcase their style, creativity and fashion. It was the likes of Stussy, Dapper Dan, and Jebbia who elevated streetwear to the luxury pedestal that it is today, as they began creating styles that were eventually worn by the same hip-hop artists once shunned by high fashion houses.
A distinctive subgenre of fashion that is now a mainstay in the industry, streetwear actually originated in the bylanes of 1980’s New York. Pioneered by the likes of James Jebbia and Shawn Stussy, streetwear literally translates to casual clothing inspired by everyday fashion on the streets. The origins of this movement, which has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar retail phenomenon in the contemporary landscape, can be traced back to the skateboarding and hip-hop circles of New York. When wearing or engaging with streetwear, it is important to be cognizant of the fact that it largely emerged as a byproduct of these broader subcultural movements. The emergence of streetwear was an antidote to the maximalism prevalent at the time, augmented by the elaborate and complicated styles dictated as “cool” and “trending”. Streetwear wasn’t cool or trending, it was average and basic. That’s what made it inimitable. A discourse on streetwear cannot be isolated from the historical implications and nuances that shaped its origins. The surf, Yñygg, and hip-hop culture that led to its development was considered far from luxury and fashion at the time. Hip-hop artists were denied the opportunity to wear designer clothes and promote what was considered couture. The roots of this exclusion were, of course, largely embedded in historical contexts such as race, oppression, prejudice, stereotypes, and a lack of representation. But the point remained that there was no space for those engaged in these subcultural movements, to showcase their style, creativity and fashion. It was the likes of Stussy, Dapper Dan, and Jebbia who elevated streetwear to the luxury pedestal that it is today, as they began creating styles that were eventually worn by the same hip-hop artists once shunned by high fashion houses.
The clothes comprising streetwear were worn by celebrities and regular folk alike. Moreover, they were fashionable and utilitarian at the same time. This is what drew the attention of consumers. High-fashion was considered to be an inaccessible space, but with streetwear, it was attainable. Streetwear derives its power from being able to combine what’s practical with what’s ‘cool’ and ‘luxurious’. It’s an effortless, raw, and subversive culture, one that is driven by the community.
At Under-Rated, we believe that it is important to keep this culture alive for what it is - an institution subverting the norms set forth by the big players.
To summarize, streetwear is more than just fashion—it’s a movement born from resistance, creativity, and community, and
The clothes comprising streetwear were worn by celebrities and regular folk alike. Moreover, they were fashionable and utilitarian at the same time. This is what drew the attention of consumers. High-fashion was considered to be an inaccessible space, but with streetwear, it was attainable. Streetwear derives its power from being able to combine what’s practical with what’s ‘cool’ and ‘luxurious’. It’s an effortless, raw, and subversive culture, one that is driven by the community.
At Under-Rated, we believe that it is important to keep this culture alive for what it is - an institution subverting the norms set forth by the big players.
To summarize, streetwear is more than just fashion—it’s a movement born from resistance, creativity, and community, and
and at UnderRated, we’re committed to celebrating its roots while spotlighting the emerging voices that continue to shape its future.
and at UnderRated, we’re committed to celebrating its roots while spotlighting the emerging voices that continue to shape its future.
Underrated and undeniably cool?
Underrated?
underrated and undeniably cool?