Punks not dead… maybe so, but another fashion statement is about share the spotlight with the punk look, and that is—streetwear clothing! Not to be confused with the regular ‘hip hop’ look, streetwear fashion is a little less loud and a little more casual! If the hip hop fashion makes you think of the ‘rapper’ look, then streetwear clothing should make you think of the ‘skateboarder’ or ‘surfer’ look. With its cool designed shirts and vintage shoes, you can be expressive and still remain conservatively casual!
But just when exactly did this fad start? The fashion statement was said to have started during the late 1970’s to the early 1980’s. A popular name behind the surfer/skateboarder fashion craze is Shawn Stussy. Stussy was the local surfboard shaper of the Laguna beach. His logo which was first only found on the surfboards was translated into t-shirts. This has caught the attention of many and the streetwear fashion was born! The style that primarily started in California made its way across the USA and eventually took over more countries across the world!
Japan is one of the first Asian countries to adapt the streetwear statement. As they adapted this fashion, they put their own ideas into it. The Japanese streetwear was inspired by their very own animés, gadgets and toys, as well as their own cultural styles. This made way for streetwear to become an even bigger thing as the world adopted it in different types and styles. Right now, the streetwear has evolved greatly. From shirt designs, it has moved on to influence the looks of jeans, shoes, bags, and even sunglasses!
But what exactly is streetwear fashion about? It takes on many different themes like a space age clothing line. Sure, maybe it’s a fad. It has become a craze all over the world. But what exactly is it really about? — Expression! That’s what it’s all about! When Shawn Stussy started this craze he was expressing himself through the clothes he designed. Fashion is art that communicates and expresses, that also includes the streetwear fashion. With its attention-getting designs, it seeks to express the mind of the wearer. The choices of clothes people wear tell us something about them. It creates a preview of an individual’s personality. So have you found your perfect set of clothes?