Is Streetwear Fashion On The Decline?
An obsession with streetwear has dominated the fashion scene and has been favored by the general public for multiple years and fashion seasons. Streetwear has become more than simply a niche part of fashion and dress, but a universal trend featured on high-fashion runways and social media feeds. But the dwindle in demand and interest for streetwear begs the question of whether it is here to stay or if it’s beginning to fizzle out.
Streetwear is one of few fashion trends that has had a trickle-up theory in terms of its life cycle, aptly starting from the streets and making its way to high-fashion runways. The origins of streetwear’s meteoric rise to prominence can be traced back to hip-hop, skater, and surf subcultures of the 1980s and 1990s. Brands such as Supreme and Stussy emerged during the movement, becoming pioneers for offering clothing to consumers who sought to emulate the aesthetic in their own way. Harlem-based fashion designer Dapper Dan’s custom-made designs featuring versions of luxury brand motifs such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi solidified his influence in the streetwear scene. So much so, that the innovator later went on to collaborate with Gucci on a collection in 2017.
The 2010s saw the movement surrounding streetwear reach a fever pitch to a global phenomenon. Luxury fashion houses not only started adopting aspects of the trend, but launched collaborations with streetwear brands, such as Louis Vuitton and Supreme or Versace and KITH. Celebrities, influencers, and much of the general public sported the trend regularly, which signified how streetwear was more than just about clothing, but a cultural statement. Streetwear’s ascent into the mainstream fashion scene seemed unstoppable, until a turning point occurred in the latter half of the decade.
Minimalism and the quiet luxury aesthetic has significantly counteracted the dominance of streetwear’s bold logos and flashy designs in the last few seasons. Scandi-style influences as well as the industry’s desire for clean lines and neutral tones have steered many to sport a more refined aesthetic. The late Virgil Abloh, who was the artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, predicted that the concept of streetwear would die in the 2020s as fashion enthusiasts sought to collect vintage and archival pieces instead, which has somewhat come into fruition.
The purpose behind the streetwear fashion movement was the unity between designers and consumers alike who shared an admiration for boundary-breaking designs, innovation, and idiosyncratic artistry. But streetwear faltered when the industry began to value trends, overconsumption, and monetization over its purpose. There is no doubt streetwear isn’t seen as much as it was during the peak of its popularity, but it will likely continue to evolve and influence fashion and dress.
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