Fashion Capitals: The Streetwear Edit
Written by: Alexandra Jerez
Image courtesy of Young Chul Kim / Vogue
From hypebeast culture in the States to the runways of Seoul Fashion Week, streetwear has dominated the conversation and doesn’t look like it’s leaving the chat anytime soon.
Streetwear is hard to pin down. While there is an emphasis on comfort in fashion and putting together what feels right and looks good, that’s where the similarities end. Where a 23-year-old Black man from Harlem might draw on hip-hop culture and haute couture, a 21-year-old Korean woman might draw her inspiration from K-Pop and skater culture. This fluidity has allowed this fashion genre to span countries, economic status, and age. Streetwear is for everyone — all shapes, sizes, and gender expressions — a stark contrast to the industry we once knew. Being the OG of the streetwear game, Nike has seen a rise in demand for their 90s lines, shoes, track suits, and sweaters. Brands like Stüssy and HUF, part of streetwear’s initial genesis, are now worth billions of dollars. Streetwear revolutionized the industry, causing a cultural shift.
Across the globe, streetwear is varied with characteristics considered niche to their respective region. While some form of it lives in the heart of your favorite major city, all these places have their spin on what streetwear is, represented by some of the most formidable figures in the fashion industry.
New York, New York
Streetwear was born in New York with influences from the 80s and 90s hip-hop, skater culture, and later drawing from haute couture. KITH is an NYC-based streetwear powerhouse that has recently upended the fashion community. Serving neutral tones and minimalist designs, KITH is versatile and comfortable, the embodiment of streetwear. Unique to New York and American streetwear is sneaker culture. Sneaker drops have become full-on events across the nation, no longer with lines that wrap around the block but through mobile apps that release the shoe for purchase at a specific time. Shops like Flight Club and A Sneaker City provide a one of one experience to hypebeast culture with shelves lined with limited edition shoes and one-of-a-kind colorways. NYC streetwear emphasizes comfort and gender fluidity, with oversized tees and hoodies at the top of the must-haves list.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul streetwear fashion is one of one. Drawing from K-Pop influences as well as hip-hop, punk culture, and “idol style,” this fashion community has found a million and one ways to set itself apart. South Korean streetwear style includes vibrant colors, oversized clothing, unisex styling, and large logos. The brand ADER is at the forefront. ADER’s pieces serve as collector’s items with the launch of only two collections a year.
In stark contrast to ADER’s vibrant colors, Hyein Seo deals almost exclusively in black and white. The brand has only just picked up global exposure, showcased at New York Fashion week and worn by everyone’s favorite fashion mogul, Rihanna. Layering and maximalist style are significant attributes of South Korean street fashion.
Paris, France
Streetwear arrived in France in the 90s. Today, its streetwear scene draws from hip-hop culture, haute couture, and sustainability. Yes, you read that right. Sustainability is a significant part of streetwear brands in Paris because their consumer market cares deeply about the environment. Marked by a few different traits, streetwear in the city of love can be heavily patterned but offers a special ode to monochromatic looks and pops of color. Streetwear brand Poyz & Pritz is heavily influenced by Parisian fashion. Often collaborating with local artists, the brand is known for its odes to French culture, art, and music.
Another French streetwear brand, Andrea Crews, is focused on bold colors and activism. She uses upcycling in her design process, placing it firmly within the sustainability category and adding an edge with print and design. Andrea’s brand does not rely heavily on large logos for emphasis. Instead, they rely on effortlessly putting together basics and making a bold statement.