Streetwear continues to be a popular trend within both the United States and that of the United Kingdom, both for the very style of the clothing and that of the roots that began it. If you’re not familiar with the term streetwear, it refers to a type of dress and style that is mostly related to that of the skateboard and skate scene, with influences from that of the hip hop music and culture of the early nineties and today.
Many popular athletes, again especially those within the skateboarding and skating world, helped to bring streetwear into the mainstream, which of course was added when celebrities began to dress in the style as well. The most popular wearers are those within the entertainment industry, such as musicians, painters, photographers, and other creative bodies. This could be easily explained because of the creative and unique feel that streetwear gives off.
There are four popular brands of streetwear that are currently in the United Kingdom – that of (listed below). Their uniqueness and customisation of the current styles helps to set them apart from the other creators and resellers:-
1. Mishka – Mishka began distributing streetwear and urban clothing during the late 2000s, during the peak in which a new generation was interested in distinctive clothing and footwear. What sets Mishka apart is that they brought their own style and mark to the reassurance. For instance, one of their trademark designs is that of the ‘keep watch’ design – that of a giant eyeball with a blue iris and veins. For their hats, the design includes an open mouth with fangs on the underside of the bill to create the popular snapback headwear.
2. The Hundreds – originally started as a menswear retailer, The Hundreds has blossomed out, spreading across the world with their take on their native California culture, including that of the music, surfing, and of course skateboarding. One thing that makes The Hundreds, along with competitor Mishka, so popular is that both companies reach out to their customers via social media.
While this isn’t something surprising, the companies have been reaching out far longer than the standard corporations have and do it with a frequency that many businesses have yet to learn or integrate.
3. Stussy – a very popular streetwear brand all over the world, Stussy could easily be considered the very father (or grandfather) of the streetwear and urban clothing culture. Branding clothing since 1980, Stussy has not only survived three different waves of urban clothing interests, but it seems to have survived at least American recessions and even a global one. The brand opened a new store in Las Vegas in March.
4. Supreme – what makes Supreme a popular urban and streetwear choice? To be perfectly honest, the brand isn’t even a streetwear brand or retailer, at least not what the founder would think it to be. Supreme is a skateboarding and lifestyle brand that is originally based in New York, however it has gone worldwide in terms of popularity and looks. The company believes not only in the quality of its wear, but the coolness in it.
Breaking back the classic look, with box logo tees and some very high profile shoes and skatedecks, Supreme has proven time and time again that the new invention doesn’t need to be to new, but innovative with the styles you have.
So why has streetwear become so popular? That in itself is a bit of a misnomer; streetwear has always been a popular choice for the younger generation, who have always found their voices and creative outlets through that of creativity and have always shown it through the music they listen to, the shows they watch, the cars they drive, and yes the clothes they wear. The obvious reason to the popularity is the creative form of expression that a person wearing it has in just stating, “I’m me and this is what I like”.
On the downside of this however, the popularity of streetwear has seen the industry take over that creative expression by placing a high price tag on it. Where before a piece of urban wear was quite affordable for someone looking for some new kicks or shirt, have risen to the point of where only those who can truly afford it can. The down to Earth urban wear, once available to those who were still finding their place in life has now gone corporate, where only ‘the man’ can get the clothing of the streets.
Jack Dean is a urban fashion blogger writing for a number of urban and street fashion blogs in the industry.