The Influence of Street Style on High Fashion
Fashion is an ever-evolving entity, and one of the key aspects that drives this evolution is street style. Street style refers to the fashion trends and looks that emerge from the streets and subcultures of cities around the world. From the casual and edgy outfits spotted on everyday individuals to the unique and daring garments worn by fashion-forward influencers and celebrities, street style has become a prominent force in shaping high fashion.
Traditionally, high fashion has been thought of as exclusive and unattainable, reserved for a niche group of designers and consumers. However, the rise of street style has disrupted this notion, bringing fashion from the runways to the streets and making it accessible to the masses. The influence of street style on high fashion is visible in the way in which designers now draw inspiration from street looks and incorporate them into their collections. What was once considered underground and anti-establishment has now become one of the biggest sources of inspiration for luxury brands.
One of the ways in which street style has influenced high fashion is through the fusion of high and low-end fashion. Prior to the rise of street style, these two realms remained largely separate, with high fashion being associated with luxury brands and high price points, while street fashion was considered more affordable and accessible. However, the emergence of street style has blurred these boundaries, as individuals began to mix and match high-end designer pieces with vintage finds and fast fashion items.
This can be seen in the rise of collaborations between luxury brands and streetwear labels. Versace and Supreme, Louis Vuitton and Supreme, Balenciaga and Vetements are just a few examples of high fashion brands teaming up with streetwear brands to create limited-edition collections and redefine the boundaries of fashion. These collaborations not only demonstrate the influence of street style on high fashion but also appeal to a wider consumer base, attracting both streetwear enthusiasts and luxury fashion connoisseurs.
Another way in which street style has impacted high fashion is through the democratization of style. In the past, fashion trends and styles were largely dictated by high fashion designers and editors, with consumers following their lead. However, with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and the emergence of street style photographers and bloggers, individuals have gained the power to shape and influence fashion themselves.
Street style bloggers and influencers have become the new arbiters of style, with their outfits and looks being dissected and copied by millions around the world. Designers now take into account the impact of street style on their creations, as they know that the individuals wearing their clothes are just as likely to influence fashion trends as they are. This has resulted in high fashion becoming more inclusive and responsive to the desires and needs of everyday consumers.
Moreover, street style has also influenced high fashion in terms of diversity and representation. Traditionally, the fashion industry has been criticized for its lack of diversity and limited representation of different body types, ethnicities, and gender identities. However, street style has challenged this norm by celebrating and showcasing a wide range of styles and individuals.
Street style photography captures the unique and individualistic looks of people from all walks of life, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive representation of fashion. This has put pressure on high fashion to embrace diversity and foster a more inclusive industry. As a result, we have seen an increase in models of different ethnicities and body types walking the runways, as well as fashion brands featuring a broader range of sizes in their collections.
In conclusion, the influence of street style on high fashion cannot be underestimated. From the fusion of high and low-end fashion to the democratization of style and the promotion of diversity and inclusion, street style has truly revolutionized the fashion industry. What was once considered underground and rebellious has now become an integral part of high fashion, shaping trends and pushing boundaries. As street style continues to evolve and thrive, it will undoubtedly continue to have a lasting impact on the world of high fashion.
