In fashion, iconic streetwear styles have been around as long as the urban fashion movement itself. Rap stars, athletes, and musicians have all helped to bring rise to the streetwear culture over the years. With this article, we explore the influential figures of streetwear, shining a spotlight on the makers, designers, and influencers who have help create the ever-evolving landscape of urban fashion.
1. Exploring the Rise of Streetwear Icons
In recent years, streetwear has severed as the go-to style for many trendsetters seeking an urban identity. Although streetwear’s roots can be traced back to the late 60’s, it has become increasingly popular in the 21st century. Streetwear has become its own global fashion statement, and its influence even extends to popular culture and celebrities. Behind this success are streetwear icons: individuals who disrupted the mainstream fashion industry with their vision and style.
Today, streetwear icons have created a movement that has enabled them to transcend conventional labels and create something bigger than themselves. From renegade designers, hip-hop stars, and streetwear moguls, these individuals have made an indelible mark in the world of fashion. Some of the best-known streetwear icons include A$AP Rocky, Virgil Abloh, Rihanna, and Kanye West.
A$AP Rocky is a rap artist and fashion icon from Harlem who has inspired generations of street fashion disciples. His influence is credited to his ability to mix high fashion with streetwear and make it look effortless. Virgil Abloh is an architect-turned-creative director who gave street fashion a mainstream presence with his brand, Off-White. His story has evolved from pioneering fashion to taking a front-row seat on the runways with distinguished designers.
Rihanna, the pop star and fashion mogul, is another major streetwear influence. Through her innovative clothing line, Fenty, she engages in boundary-pushing streetwear and chic athleisure. Finally, Kanye West is one of the most acclaimed streetwear icons of the generation. His polarizing fashion statements have set him apart, but his creative voice has made an integral impact on street fashion.
- A$AP Rocky: Rap artist and fashion icon from Harlem
- Virgil Abloh: Architect-turned-creative director and founder of Off-White
- Rihanna: Pop star and creator of Fenty
- Kanye West: Acclaimed streetwear icon
2. A Look at Urban Fashion Through the Decades
Urban fashion has been through an ever-changing evolution and its style, color and texture have been drastically reinvented throughout the decades. From the ’90s to now, let’s take a look at how urban fashion has flowed through the years.
- 1980s: The ’80s were highlights with streetwear culture and bright, neon colors that made bold statements. Brightly colored jackets, oversized sweaters and tracksuits dominated the streets of New York City, inspired by hip-hop and rap music.
- 1990s: During the ’90s, comfort was a priority and oversized hoodies, jackets and sweaters were a staple. During this era, relaxed fit denim jeans, sports jerseys and leather bomber jackets were popular this era.
- 2000s: During the ’00s, urban fashion had an extreme transformation with the popularity of hip-hop. Wearing oversized T-shirts, baggy jeans and hoodies as a fashion statement was the style.
- 2010s: The 2010s has seen urban fashion run the gamut from the classic streetwear look to designer streetwear. The 1980’s and 1990’s trends are making a comeback, including crazy and colorful sneakers, graphic tees and oversized jackets.
Today, more than ever, streetwear influences everyday fashion, and celebrities, models and influencers are donning popular streetwear trends. The rise of urban fashion has seen it become more than just a style. It has become a lifestyle that transcends the streets and is now deeply rooted in pop culture.
Whether its within your wardrobe, or you adopt it as a lifestyle, urban fashion will certainly be around for a while. There is no doubt that urban fashion will continually shape and be shaped by the generations that come in the future.
3. Pioneering Footsteps: Legends of Streetwear Style
Streetwear style has, of course, its historical roots. From the bold-printed t-shirts, tracksuits, and sneakers of the 1970’s, to the oversized T-shirts and jeans of the 90’s, it all started with a few pioneers.
Streetwear fashion wouldn’t be what it is today, however, without a handful of industry heavyweights, all of whom pushed for creativity, innovation, and maximum cultural impact. Here are a few of those legends who took streetwear style to the next level:
- James Jebbia: Founder and designer of Supreme, James Jebbia was the first to see the potential for a fashion empire housed solely around streetwear apparel. He was also responsible for taking collaborations with other big-names to the next level, with products designed with Nike, Lacoste, and Levi’s.
- Kanye West: Before jumping into the world of hip-hop, Kanye West dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. His first foray into the world of streetwear came through the launch of Pastelle Clothing. The line was eventually shelved, but West’s influence would soon manifest itself through Yeezy, one of the biggest fashion phenomena in recent memory.
- Sk8thing: A skateboard graphic designer in Japan, Sk8thing was a major influence on streetwear culture, creating iconic logos for headwear brands like BAPE, Hysteric Glamour, and Neighborhood. As his influence grew, he also began creating designs for the likes of Nike, Tokion, and Marvel.
- Kerby Jean-Raymond: French-Haitian designer and founder of Pyer Moss, Kerby Jean-Raymond has made a major influence in modern streetwear fashion. He’s gained notoriety for his work with Nike, and his blend of fashion and activism that touches on important social topics.
These legends of streetwear style have paved the way and set the tone for what the genre could be. With their influence, streetwear is now a major force in the world of fashion.
4. Cultural Reverberations: Streetwear Icons and Their Influence
Streetwear as a fashion movement has long been an inspiration to the general public. From the early days of Def Jam to the emergence of Virgil Abloh’s Off-White, street culture has been informing the style of the culture at large. But what about the influencers that made it all happen? Let’s explore some of the biggest style icons in streetwear history:
- Kenya “KD” Davis was an influential DJ and music producer from New York in the late 80s and early 90s. He was credited with bringing streetwear to the mainstream, popularizing the now iconic baggy jeans worn by both hip hop and skater cultures.
- Eddy LeVasseur, better known as Hypebeast, is one of the first streetwear superstars to find fame on the internet. He helped popularize certain trends, such as “sneakerhead” culture, and even wrote a book on the subject. He was the face of streetwear for a while, before fading from the limelight in the early 2000s.
- Kanye West is one of the most iconic figures in the streetwear scene. His combination of hip hop swagger and high-end fashion sensibilities have helped shape the direction of streetwear today. His Yeezy line has become a staple in the streetwear world, and his innovative and boundary-pushing designs continue to inspire.
- Ivan “Prynce” Williams was the first independent streetwear designer in the United States. From his music-inspired graphic T-shirts to his pioneering streetwear magazine The Hundreds, his influence on street culture cannot be overstated. He helped push streetwear to the forefront of fashion, where it remains today.
These streetwear icons have helped shape the way we dress today, and their influence can still be seen in the fashion world. From Kanye West’s Yeezy sneakers to Eddy LeVasseur’s bold fashion choices, these streetwear legends have shown us that style is always evolving.
Today, streetwear remains a highly influential force in the fashion world. As more fashion icons come to the forefront, it’s easy to see why streetwear is here to stay. As long as there are icons like these to inspire us, streetwear will never go out of style.
5. Breaking Barriers: New Voices in Streetwear Trends
Streetwear has been making waves in the fashion industry as a popular trend. And recently, new voices are coming out to disrupt and revolutionize the Streetwear movement. From the rise of gender nonspecific fashion to the call for size inclusivity, these inspiring innovators are breaking down barriers and pushing the boundaries of Streetwear trends.
- Gender Nonspecific Fashion: Many traditional Streetwear brands actively cater to specific genders, often using gender as a base to frame the entire Streetwear culture. However, creative visionaries are pushing against gender norms and allowing consumers to express themselves holistically. These gender-neutral brands are popularizing pieces like skinny suits, cargo trousers, and waterproof puffers.
- Size Inclusivity: Streetwear silhouettes are often made in slim-fitting sizes. But, many small business owners and designers are now embracing size inclusivity and creating attire that accommodate people in all shapes and sizes. From oversized hoodies to extra-long t-shirts, these selections allow everyone to participate in Streetwear trends.
- Sustainable Fabrics: Sustainable fabrics are the future, and they have made their way to Streetwear trends. Plant-based materials such as hemp, jute, and even banana silk are being used to make stylish Streetwear garments. While these vegan-friendly options are slowly becoming popular, they are introducing a new level of sustainability to the industry.
As Streetwear continues to evolve, it’s ever-so-important to keep our eyes on the inspiring innovators who are seeking to break down barriers and shift current trends. Not only are they diversifying the Streetwear scene with alternative silhouettes, but they’re also lending their creative vision to the movement.
As streetwear evolves to be more than just a simple trend, these creative forces, who championed its rise, will remain iconic within fashion circles for years to come. Defying all expectations and creating waves across the industry, the legacy of these streetwear icons will never be forgotten.
