The ‘The Evolution of Streetwear: Redefining Paris Fashion Week – ISSUE ARTICLE’ is one of our online ISSUE segments, head to ‘THE IRIS ISSUE’ for the complete editorial and set of images.
In this era of streetwear dominance, traditional high fashion often intersects with street-inspired elements, creating a fusion of styles that is both captivating and influential. Paris Fashion Week, known for its grandeur and opulence, is the perfect stage to showcase how streetwear can be transformed and integrated into high fashion.
Streetwear is not just limited to hoodies, trainer drops, and graphic tees anymore; it has evolved into a versatile style that can be incorporated into any wardrobe. By embracing this evolution and pushing the boundaries of what high fashion means today,
In the world of fashion, the streets have always whispered secrets to those who are willing to listen. What started as an underground movement has now evolved into a global phenomenon, forever altering the fashion landscape. Streetwear, once a niche subculture, has undergone a dramatic transformation, finding its way from New York City corners to the grand runways of Paris Fashion Week. In this exploration, we delve into the evolution of streetwear, key pioneers and moments, and the future it holds for one of the most prestigious events in the industry.
Origins of Streetwear
To understand the significance of streetwear’s presence in Paris Fashion Week, we must first revisit its humble beginnings. Enter Dapper Dan, a Harlem based tailor who came into prominence in the late 80s. He was widely known for directly taking high end items and crafting them into outfits suitable for his clients such as LL Cool J and Run DMC.
Emerging from the countercultural movements of the 1980s and ’90s, streetwear was a means of self-expression for urban youth. Brands like Supreme, Stüssy, and A Bathing Ape laid the foundation, drawing inspiration from graffiti, skateboarding, hip-hop, and punk rock.
Streetwear’s Influence on High Fashion
Streetwear’s rise to prominence didn’t go unnoticed by the high fashion elite. Luxury brands, often associated with exclusivity and tradition, began to recognise the allure of street culture. Streetwear elements such as oversized silhouettes, graphic prints, and sneaker culture were readily incorporated into high fashion collections.
The fusion of streetwear and high fashion became even more evident through groundbreaking collaborations. Streetwear labels began partnering with renowned fashion houses, bridging the gap between the two worlds. Notable examples include the Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration, which sent shockwaves through the industry, and the Nike x Off-White partnership, redefining sneaker culture.
Virgil Abloh’s appointment as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear division in 2018 marked a watershed moment. His blend of streetwear aesthetics with luxury craftsmanship breathed new life into the iconic brand.
These collaborations showcased a willingness to push boundaries and disrupt traditional notions of luxury. Streetwear’s anti-establishment ethos breathed fresh air into the often insular world of high fashion.
The Future of Paris Fashion Week
With streetwear’s growing influence, Paris Fashion Week has undergone a transformation of its own. While still showcasing the elegance and opulence it’s known for, the event has embraced a more diverse and inclusive approach. Streetwear elements are no longer blanket terms but used to describe collections and silhouettes as designer’s in this new age have been brought up on different references.
This shift has opened doors to a wider audience. The melding of high fashion and streetwear speaks to a generation that craves authenticity and diversity. Paris Fashion Week is no longer just about the elite; it’s about celebrating the cultural mosaic that is fashion today. Streetwear’s impact isn’t limited to clothing; it extends to art, music, and culture at large. The fusion of these elements will undoubtedly bring new dimensions to the industry, attracting an even more diverse crowd.
Conclusion/ Analysis
In conclusion, the evolution of streetwear has transcended its subcultural origins, weaving its way into the very fabric of high end fashion. What sets streetwear apart from the others; is authenticity. It was never about setting trends ; it was about defining them. The DIY spirit of customisation and loose silhouettes is what made streetwear more than a niche but a tight-knit community of creatives, who cultivated this movement and it didn’t take long for its influence to transcend itself.
Imagine a Paris Fashion Week where the streets are as essential as the runways, where the most influential designers are coming from streetwear brands to create hybrid collections that blur the lines between high fashion and street style. In the vibrant tapestry of streetwear’s future and the ingenious self-expression of artists, a seamless and electrifying coexistence of this art form beckons.
Written by Leopold Albert