Urban clothing began to appear in the early 1980s to reflect the hip-hop culture that was emerging at the time. Similar to music itself, fashions and clothing have changed, matured and evolved over the years into what we know is worn around the world. As has always been the case, many trends in fashion follow the clothing and appearance of those in the music industry, and indeed the hip-hop genre is no different. In fact, “street fashion” has developed its own subculture.
When we think of streetwear, many of us who have more than a passing interest will be able to name dedicated designers, but that wasn’t the case in the early ’80s. At the time, it was more closely associated with major sportswear companies. like Nike and Adidas, supported by the fact that Run-DMC had a hit called “My Adidas”. Trainers, sneakers and lots of glitter were considered must-haves for those dedicated followers of fashion. A signature hairstyle, one that breaks boundaries was also considered essential if you wanted to rock the part!
As hip-hop grew in popularity, so did its legitimacy in terms of being recognized as a music genre in its own right. As this was happening, streetwear became more recognized and noticed by brands outside of the sportswear industry. Urban fashion was more than a passing fad, it was something that had come to stay.
In its early days, the styles could be closely associated with an African influence with artists such as Will Smith wearing green and gold associated with the continent. As we moved into the 1990s, Gangsta rap began to emerge and became a part of the craze. A street look influenced by gang and prison cultures was beginning to develop. Baseball caps, baggy jeans, t-shirts and sports jerseys were taking over the original image in great shape and style. Later in the decade, some began pursuing a more refined look, with double-breasted suits and dress shoes now becoming a must-have.
As we moved into the new millennium, streetwear began to enter more of the mainstream, and indeed had a wide variety of influences, including those outside of hip-hop. As a result, high street chains began to include clothing as part of their ranges and various music industry artists began developing their own clothing lines, including Russell Simmons’ Phat Farm and Jay-Z’s Rocawear.
In the modern era of fashion, we are all familiar with the major brands, many of which are still associated with the sportswear industry. Some like to show a lot of skin, while others are much more conservative. However, whatever your taste for both men and women, no look would be complete without the right accessories. Urban fashion has a lot to do with the glitz and glamor of living large.
If you’re a dedicated streetwear fan, you’ll want to find a supplier that carries the best brands and latest designs. You want to be sure that you look in business and your style cannot be questioned!