Tag: streetwear

Curating Your Unique Personal Style

December 3, 2023

Without a question, fashion tends to heavily rely on trends. What’s hot now will be all over Instagram or Twitter until the next best thing comes around. How many Denim Tears sweat suits are posted on a regular basis? How about Nike Panda Dunks? Some trends have people in a chokehold will others bring out the best of fashion. Creating your unique personal style isn’t about following trends to a T, but instead experimenting to find a unique fashion taste.

Trends come and go. Personal style stays around for years to come. Anyone can follow a trend, but few actually take pride in finding their own unique style.

Unique Personal Style Through Trial and Error

Personal style isn’t meant to remain stagnant forever. It often changes, shifts, morphs, and adjusts to forever changing muses and inspirations.

Throughout trial and error, a prevalent unique personal style comes over time. Anyone who looks to stand out curates a look unique to them for countless reasons. When starting to take fashion and overall appearance more seriously, it’s inevitable to not feel or look your best 24/7.

Taking the time to curate personal style takes time and patience. Style constantly changes as bodies change, ideals shift, and influences transform. Dramatic and subtle changes both play a role in one’s unique style. Inspiration can literally come from anywhere. Someone might be influenced or inspired by their favorite rapper or something more general like Japanese streetwear.

As fashion moves forward, so does personal style and the process of determining how appearances are viewed and curated. Anyone can buy clothes, but few take the time to curate a personalized wardrobe. Curation requires persistence, trial and error, and countless mistakes along the way.

Inspirations, Muses, and Influences

Influence comes from everywhere and anywhere. Fashion is influenced by countless aspects such as nature, art, music, sports, etc. Anyone can be inspired by virtually anything. For example, sports heavily influence numerous aspects of fashion and more specifically streetwear. It wasn’t common to wear sports jerseys outside of game days until hip-hop made it cool and fashionable. Now, wearing a basketball jersey on a random Monday in the middle of the summer is considered the norm.

Art obviously heavily influences fashion. Different types of art inspire looks in countless ways. Abstract art impacts the ability for designers to push boundaries. Fashion has no limits on what can or can’t be done.

Keeping up with every trend is virtually impossible because of the endless influences and inspirations constantly changing the makeup of fashion and how people around the world wear clothing. Curating your unique personal style is about finding a balance between following (some) trends, wearing what you like, and experimenting with different options.

Even people can be muses for individuals who take their appearance seriously. Rappers, celebrities, and even athletes have room to try out new ideas and fits. Their clothing choices influences countless fans and supporters. Someone who never cared for Adidas suddenly hopped on the bandwagon when they saw the favorite Chicago raised hip-hop artist wear running shoes with street clothes.

Individuals who aren’t celebrities or famous still can have influence on others’ style choices. When we see one of our friends wearing a certain pair of sneakers or an interesting jacket, we may be unconsciously influenced. Those exact sneakers or that jacket might not make their way into our closet, but we may look for something similar without even thinking twice about how we were influenced.

Unique Personal Style: Curation Over Time

Style comes to some easier than others. Anyone can wear clothes. However, the way people wear clothing is more important than the pieces themselves. An all designer fit might not look great if it isn’t styled well. In comparison, a fit composed of clothes from the thrift store may look elevated when put together effectively.

Clothes are meant to be styled and worn uniquely rather than having clothes do all the talking. Many people in streetwear have noticed how trends have become styles. How many of the same sweat suits are posted on Instagram everyday? Clothes should be worn by you rather than having clothes wear you.

Thrifting and Vintage Finds

October 5, 2023

Like the sneaker world, thrifting and vintage clothing markets have become grossly oversaturated. Your local Goodwill or Salvation Army probably has little to no “hot finds” after everyone started thrifting in the past few years. However, there will always be vintage clothing to buy at numerous stores, at both reasonable and unreasonable prices.

Thrifting and vintage go hand in hand but aren’t always talked about in a positive manner. Countless people around the world think those go thrift to flip clothing aren’t conducting business ethically and/or morally. What most fail to realize is that major thrift stores have so many clothes that they eventually end up throwing out. So while that annoying local thrifter who seems to pick up every grail may not make many friends at Goodwill, they are helping the planet and being resourceful at the same time.

Hand-Picked Vintage

Besides Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other well-known thrift stores, the availability of hand-picked vintage clothing is slim especially in smaller towns and rural areas. When you walk into a second-hand/resell shop, the sticker price of a popular vintage shirt is factored in using many important aspects.

First, the quality of the piece of clothing is one of the most important things to consider. Someone who calls themselves a vintage enthusiast probably doesn’t want a torn-up and shredded t-shirt that couldn’t be worn. Next, the rarity and demand for a vintage piece of clothing plays a major role into the pricing of a particular piece. A mass-produced Super Bowl t-shirt from ten years ago is not nearly as sought after as a similar vintage shirt from the 90s. Age is an important factor in the vintage world. A piece must age to near perfection to keep its full market value.

Also, the type of stitching is another factor when shopping for vintage clothing. Vintage tees are usually single-stitched. Double stitching is a sign of modern clothing as single stitched t-shirts were produced in the mid 90s or earlier. Countless vintage enthusiasts look at the stitching as an indicator of a product being “true vintage.”

The best vintage finds are hand-picked. It’s much more efficient to go to vintage resell stores to find throwback heat. The alternative is to spend numerous hours and miles traveled to find a gem at a local thrift store. Some vintage clothing prices may seem ridiculous, but the price tags include the work and hours put in to find those vintage pieces.

Thrifting and Vintage Resell Culture

Like sneaker reselling, vintage reselling usually comes with a negative connotation. Even when someone may conduct business ethically, they are typically seen as sleazy and overly opportunistic too many people outside of the vintage community. Reselling brings extra baggage that must be handled accordingly. All resellers aren’t bad, but there are plenty of resellers who give the good ones a harder time when doing business.

The thrifting and vintage resell culture has shifted drastically over the past few years. Similar to sneakers, it seems like everyone and their mother thrifts and/or resells vintage clothing. The subculture has become extremely mainstream mainly due to the enormous rise of social media.

Reselling vintage clothing is more accessible than ever. Someone can buy and sell clothes without ever leaving their house. Some can even have a piece of clothing sold before they even get the item in hand. Online buying and selling has blown up resell culture. Thrifting and vintage clothing have been around long before reselling vintage pieces became mainstream. Social media often makes it difficult for the masses to realize there are more vintage enthusiasts who love vintage clothing without worrying about their profit and loss sheets.

Vintage clothing has shifted, changed and morphed drastically since collecting vintage has become a staple in the community. Trends come and go but one thing remains certain: people all around the world will continue to buy vintage of all varieties because of the love and appreciation for well-aged clothing.

The Future of Vintage

One person’s old and outdated is another’s thrifting and vintage gem. Like sneakers, vintage clothing is extremely subjective. There are objective baselines but limitless possibilities for personal expression and uniqueness.

Vintage clothing will continue to become more mainstream. However, more niche areas of interest and expertise will develop within the subculture. There are tons of music vintage enthusiasts as well as sports vintage apparel connoisseurs. The future will bring new fields of interest that don’t exist presently.

Streetwear Brands: Identity and Trust

September 4, 2023

Streetwear brands all over the world appeal to countless different niches within the subculture. A certified brand will not try to cater to everyone’s needs. The Hundreds knows their audience well just like Supreme and Stüssy know their own. A well-run streetwear label embraces their differences and what sets them apart from their competition.

Timeless labels stick around for various reasons. First, they respect those who came before them. Anyone who is new to something must learn from or simply appreciate the greatness of the top of that specific field. Also, streetwear labels achieve a sense of longevity once they have a clear purpose and focused audience/target customers. Nobody can build something substantial without a clear sense of direction. Lastly, brands who make it in the long run never stay complacent. The best of the best are always looking towards what’s next and what’s to follow. Greatness takes no days off.

Honor the Gift

One of the most popular recent streetwear brands, Honor the Gift has made a name for itself since coming onto the scene in 2017. Founded by NBA star Russell Westbrook, the label is heavily influenced by Los Angeles street culture and the inner city. Westbrook has created his own path to separate his style from others.

By using his personal style to form his own streetwear brand, the California native is already well ahead of the game. Westbrook has been able to translate his personal knowledge about the fashion world and transform a new brand into a force to be reckon with.

Honor the Gift continues to put out quality pieces that are high quality yet still affordable compared to many other streetwear brands. Some brands only appeal to a select few, but Honor the Gift knows its audience well enough to cater to numerous streetwear enthusiasts.

Kith

A New York classic label is sure to have heavy influence on the streetwear world. Anyone who keeps up with streetwear knows how influential Ronnie Fieg’s touch has been over the past decade. He started the label to bring streetwear and high-end fashion together in an effortless manner. With tons of collaborations already in the books, Kith will continue to look to work with powerhouses like Adidas, Nike, Mitchell & Ness, Levi’s, Columbia, Coca-Cola, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Kith’s collabs instantly set themselves apart from other streetwear labels. Streetwear brands are abundant in the twenty-first century; labels who separate from the pack often make it much longer than those who look to follow the status quo. By working with extremely credible brands, Fieg has been able to boost Kith’s credibility in return. A trustworthy brand like Coca-Cola wouldn’t work with a streetwear company if the said brand could potentially harm the beverage giant’s social image.

Undefeated

California and streetwear go hand in hand. Undefeated was founded in Los Angeles in 2002. Since then, the label has made a remarkable name for themselves in the streetwear world. Countless enthusiasts can appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of clothing produced by Undefeated. Many streetwear brands look to put out clothing at a fast pace which often sees the quality of the garments suffer. The California-based streetwear brand prides itself on releasing quality clothing that will last for years to come.

The collaborations at Undefeated have been worthwhile and eye-catching since the brand’s inception in the early 2000s. Sneakers with Nike, Jordan Brand, Puma, Adidas, and Reebok all headline some of Undefeated’s most notable collabs. Again, proof of a trustworthy brand can be found by looking at the labels they have worked with in the past. A solid collaboration record with global organizations often indicates the longevity and well-regarded reputation of a particular streetwear brand.

Streetwear Brands Leaving a Lasting Impact

Many streetwear brands find themselves all over the place. The power of one of well-known streetwear brands like Honor the Gift, Kith, and Undefeated comes from having a strong identity and never changing key values and ideals for anyone or any company.

The products do not solely represent a particular streetwear label. Quality is all around when you know the right places to look. What separates brands from one another is an unbreakable identity, a clear purpose, and distinct target audiences/customers. Without these three key concepts, a clothing brand is heading down an unexpected path.

Nobody or no organization can prepare for everything that will happen in the future. However, many can still have ideas of what they want to do and create executable plans to focus on what they control directly. Streetwear is forever evolving. A powerful streetwear brand must be adaptable and open to every type of change imaginable.

Is Streetwear Still in Style?

June 16, 2023

Streetwear has been around for over thirty decades now. Although the current state of streetwear differs greatly compared to its humble beginnings, the culture generally remains the same. Individuals consider streetwear in style because of its freedom of expression. Most people don’t want to feel confined, especially with the clothing they wear day in and day out. However, streetwear has noticeably slowed down in terms of consumption in the recent past.

More niches in streetwear pop up every year. Certain aspects are borrowed and directly influenced from other subcultures. Even some of the largest streetwear brands must make major shifts to keep up with the ever-changing state of fashion.

Streetwear Origins

It only makes sense to start a narrative in chronological order. Streetwear as it as known today originated in the late 1970s/early 80s. The subculture took original inspiration from New York hip-hop culture, surf/skate and graffiti cultures in Los Angeles, as well as influence from Japanese street fashion. By the early 90s, streetwear became a global phenomenon. Young individuals all over the world looked to dress more comfortably and casually; people started to “dress up” t-shirts and sweatshirts that were once meant only for gym/athletic purposes.

Punk, new wave, heavy metal, and sportswear and workwear influenced the early beginnings of streetwear as well. Streetwear has remained in style because of its diverse background; countless people are able to find something they like in some aspect of streetwear.

Supreme and Bape are some of the most noticeable and well-known streetwear brands. Although they were not first in the industry, both major labels have paved the way for countless brands.

Stüssy is widely known as one of the most influential streetwear brands of all time. Shawn Stussy manufactured surfboards in California in the 1980s. He inscribed the boards with his signature and later began to sell clothing with the soon-to-be iconic logo. Stussy and Frank Sinatra Jr. (not related to the singer) partnered in 1984 to start selling the apparel. Since then, the streetwear brand has reached virtually every corner of the world and became a well-known global brand.

Other streetwear brands started off similar to the likes of Stüssy. The Hundreds is another label that started off with two individuals with a strong passion for streetwear. Bobby Kim and Ben Shenassafar, two law school classmates, founded The Hundreds in Los Angeles in 2003. Numerous streetwear labels have come from humble beginnings before amassing a considerable following.

New York and Los Angeles are undeniably hotbeds for streetwear labels. The West and East Coast both influence streetwear in dramatically different ways; they bring key complementing aspects to keep streetwear in style for multiple decades.

Considerable Streetwear Shifts

Like any subculture, streetwear is no stranger to key changes and shifts. Over numerous decades there are sure to be countless periods of evolving states and times.

Enthusiasts and casuals consider streetwear in style because of its adaptive culture. One year may be full of skinny jeans while the next brings flared and wide-leg pants. Nobody will ever know which trend sticks around for the long run.

One considerable shift in streetwear is the push towards more vintage and “aged” looking pieces. Countless streetwear enthusiasts used to prefer fresh, out-of-the-box looks (many still do) and now many have swayed towards the distressed and vintage trend.

Another noticeable trend in streetwear is the shift away from jeans. Obviously jeans of countless styles will always be in demand in the fashion world. However, streetwear has witnessed a visible move towards pants outside of denim. Cargo pants, track pants, and flared pants are all in right now. They can even be dressed up in certain cases and look as good, if not better than jeans.

Fashion constantly undergoes a multitude of shifts and changes over the years. Subcultures change as new trends and subcultures intervene with one another. Streetwear and vintage have heavily influenced each other which directly explains why the “aged” look has been hot in the recent past.

Streetwear will never be a stranger to adaptation and innovation. Expect the unexpected in any realm of fashion.

Is Streetwear in Style Forever?

At the end of the day, streetwear will be most popular amongst younger crowds. The same population often influences trends coming and going.

Subcultures in any realm tend to peak and then plateau before becoming mainstream. One can argue that streetwear is quickly becoming mainstream, if it hasn’t already. After a subculture makes its way to the masses, brands usually start shying away from their true identities in order to appeal to a larger crowd. The most successful streetwear brands are those that find a middle ground between appealing to a considerable following while not alienating the hardcore enthusiasts.

Who knows if streetwear will be as in demand in only five or ten years from now. Only time will tell the fate of fashion and streetwear as a whole. Nothing lasts forever, but it feels like the influence of streetwear will continue for multiple decades to come.

Streetwear and Vintage: A New Look

June 2, 2023

Countless subcultures such as streetwear and vintage have many norms and expectations. Some are more strict than others, but all of them allow some freedom of expression.

Fashion is extremely subjective. Very few aspects are considered objective by most people. Individuals create their own style and flare through trials and numerous errors. Nobody figures out their personal flare overnight; however, the realization often comes during unexpected or unlikely times.

Personal style becomes an acquired taste; it is called personal for a reason. People all around the world are constantly looking to follow the latest trends yet so little are seeking to establish their own unique tendencies. A fashionable individual may follow trends, but always looks to stand out from the crowd.

Streetwear Style

Some subcultures are more rigid and have strict determining factors, but that is definitely not the case for streetwear.

Streetwear’s most recognizable piece is the classic t-shirt. Most streetwear brands start out with a tee to introduce their label and keep upfront costs as low as possible. Some of the most well-known streetwear brands that have been around for a while continue to produce quality t-shirts without shying away from their ground roots. Labels like Stüssy and The Hundreds put out both simple and loud shirts; some brands may add extra alterations to shirts for extra flare.

Without a rigid structure, streetwear is more widespread than a large number of other niches. For example, goth and grunge both have particular looks that are often clearly defined. Streetwear consists of anything from t-shirts to basketball shorts to jerseys and sneakers.

Vintage Looks

Vintage clothing is definitely not a new concept in the fashion realm. However, vintage designs have proven to be noticeable inspirations for collectors and artists alike.

The rise of vintage-inspired designs have skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade. From washed or distressed to throwback colors and looks, there are numerous designs that give nods to authentic vintage clothing. Many streetwear brands create tees with a washed look to provide an aged and “pre-worn” feel that is noticeable amongst most vintage pieces.

A fresh t-shirt today might be one that looks like it has been worn and washed countless times. The distressed and aged look seems to be one particular trend that has no signs of going away anytime soon. Vintage collectors and streetwear enthusiasts both appreciate vintage looks in different ways. Streetwear and vintage have noticeable similarities as well as apparent differences.

The Noticeable Divide Between Streetwear and Vintage

Streetwear has been around for a relatively short period of time. Vintage clothing dates back long before streetwear came into existence; collectors and enthusiasts often look for vintage pieces dating back to the 90s (when streetwear was first actualized).

Although streetwear and vintage have noticeable differences, they have complementing factors as well. The time periods of both subcultures’ origins are generally contrasting, but there is modern overlap between the two as well.

Streetwear got its start in the 90s while vintage clothing saw a massive rise in popularity in the 1960s. Vintage is a term that can describe anything from clothing to furniture to record players and trading cards. Streetwear has a wide scope but typically consists of clothing and some accessories. Both streetwear and vintage highlight key aspects from their origins to contemporary pieces.

Vintage clothing and streetwear are often paired together and complement each other well. Cargo pants are easily worn with a vintage t-shirt; fresh Jordans paired with vintage jeans or another style of pants are timeless combos. These subcultures are compatible because they add their unique yet distinctive aspects to create an original pairing.

The Future of Streetwear and Vintage

Times will tell how impactful streetwear is towards vintage and vice versa. Both produce large followings for countless reasons; they complement each other because of noticeable similarities.

Vintage and streetwear pair well because they add key features to one another. For example, vintage style tees have been a major trend in streetwear lately. Even if they are not truly vintage, numerous labels are going for “vintage” looks to appeal to a wide audience.

The future of virtually any aspect of fashion is widely unknown. These two subcultures may become closer or divide farther apart due to a rise in more differences. In the end, both streetwear and vintage are complex aspects of fashion that cannot be predicted in any possible way.

The Future of Streetwear: Ambiguous and Enticing

May 19, 2023

Like any subculture in fashion, streetwear is sure to evolve countless times throughout its entire existence. Anyone who is under the age of forty can relate to streetwear and its influences regardless of if they wear typical streetwear pieces or not. The over-saturation of social media pushes fashion through numerous outlets. People do not have to wonder anymore as it is right in front of their eyes; smartphones have made fashion easily accessible for anyone regardless of their prior knowledge. The future of streetwear is generally uncertain, but there are some aspects worth speculating.

Streetwear consists of a broad range of clothing. A simple t shirt can be considered streetwear depending on how it is paired and styled. At the same time, this vagueness may lead to misunderstandings more often than not. Sneakers are arguably one of the most recognizable aspects in the streetwear world. Nobody questions how impactful sneakers are towards fashion and certain subcultures.

Multilayered Future of Streetwear

When streetwear first became popularized in America, it was a unique subculture that was directly influenced by hip-hop and rap as well as surf and skate cultures. There are tons of streetwear brands all over the world; the ease of accessibility is widespread. Anyone with a vision and some financial resources can launch their own brand. Over saturation in any particular will either be viewed positively or negatively- rarely in between the two. Streetwear will continue to evolve and develop over the years.

As any subcultures grows, there will be sub-categories that distinguish themselves from other divisions. In streetwear, differences are typically embraced. This leads to tight-knit communities that take pride in their style and outlook towards streetwear. Techwear differs greatly from skate and high-end/luxury fashion. There are more than a few that have noticeable differences. However, they all bring something unique to streetwear.

The future of streetwear cannot be predicted. Although the future is uncertain, there is one thing for certain- the layers of streetwear will not be going away, in fact they may become even more influential in the streetwear community and overall fashion industry.

Business Longevity

Nobody can ever predict how long a particular brand will stay in business. Most don’t even stay open for more than a few years, so how is it possible to predict the most influential labels twenty years from now?

Even the most seasoned community and industry advocates will never be able to fully predict the outcome and longevity of streetwear brands. Consumers preferences shift, random events occur, and too many aspects outside the direct control of a business can all lead to their end.

Businesses of the future must be preparing for the worst at this very moment. Labels that do not think past tomorrow will not have many tomorrow left to look forward to. It’s enough to be two steps ahead anymore; leading brands must be thinking about several steps ahead of the act of thinking about potential next steps. Thinking about thinking about actions that must be taken in the near and distant future.

Trends and Industry Leaders

Trends are another aspect that will never be fully understood. One year skinny jeans are popping, the next they are practically banished. Wide, flare pants are in now which was first popularized decades ago. Trends in the future of streetwear often repeat themselves. No human predicts exactly when and how these shifts occur, but most know they are coming at some point.

What’s hot today probably won’t be too fashionable in a decade; as times change, people get older and younger generations pave the way for the next to break boundaries and barriers.

Industry leaders typically stick around for far longer than the average label. For example, Stüssy has been around since 1980. Co-founded by Shawn Stüssy and Frank Sinatra Jr., the California-based label paved the way for streetwear and other brands to emerge. Streetwear wasn’t really a thing when the Orange County fashion house came into existence. Very few labels have the longevity as an industry leader such as Stüssy.

Other industry leaders stay relevant for numerous reasons. However, only the best thrive for multiple decades. Some may be prevalent for a decade or so, but those at the top lead with a purpose that enables them to be leaders for so long.

Uncertain Yet Promising

Although the future of streetwear is far from predictable, there is a lot to be excited about and look forward to. New trends, brands, and concepts will come about in the near and distant future. Technology will continue to improve; clothes are going to be more durable, shoes more comfortable, and accessories more unique and wearable.

There is no humanly possible way to tell how streetwear will evolve, at which periods, and how transformations will occur. Uncertainty allows for new ideas to emerge with minimal interruptions. Streetwear will become more advanced as time goes on; a powerful subculture will not stay stagnant as long as consumers, trendsetters, and industry leaders look to evolve.

Streetwear, like any other type of fashion, will never stay stagnant. People flock to streetwear because of the constant trends, unique styles, and household name brands that influence millions. At the same time, streetwear is about supporting local and independent labels. Supporting up-and-coming brands is everything streetwear represents. Even the most influential brands had to start from humble beginnings.

The power of change is ubiquitous and surrounding virtually every aspect of human life. Streetwear is no stranger to expected and (more often than not) unexpected shifts.

Vintage and Streetwear Classics

May 12, 2023

Trends come and go over the years, but some looks stay in styles for multiples years and even decades. People have their own individual styles; fashion will always be subjective. However, vintage and streetwear staples prove to be worthy of the effort and attention of countless people. Vintage and streetwear classics build solid foundations for new trends to come in the future.

As the years go by, some pieces of clothing become more coveted than others. Reasons may vary, but these shirts, pants, jackets, or any other article of clothing typically stick around for the long run. Nobody can ever full predict trends nor can they speculate which clothes will become classics.

Vintage and Streetwear Sports Clothing

Throughout the vintage world, there are endless subcategories that often develop an intense following. Collectors instantly spot hot pieces in a room full of vintage clothing that may look unappealing or disinteresting to countless individuals outside of the vintage community.

Vintage sports t shirts, jackets, and jerseys are timeless vintage and streetwear staples. Fans all over the world appreciate throwback jerseys and apparel; even people who don’t know a thing about sports may find vintage sports clothing appealing. The colors used back in the day seemed more vibrant and stood out effortlessly. Also, the fonts used typically drew more attention to the jersey, shirt, or jacket. Throwback colors, logos, and typefaces stand out effortlessly on a perfectly aged t shirt.

Sports will never go out of style around the world, especially in the United States. The major American professional sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL) produce some of the most recognizable and unique jerseys in the world. American sports vintage clothing will forever be a staple in not only the American vintage clothing market, but in overseas markets as well. Vintage sports tees, jerseys, and other apparel will be staples for years to come because of franchises’ rich histories and electric designs.

Streetwear and sports compliment each other well like sneakers and track pants. Sports will always have a major impact on fashion especially vintage and streetwear. The influence of sports towards streetwear and sneaker culture is ubiquitous and will likely never go away.

Band and Rap Vintage

Vintage band tees are another staple in the vintage world. With the rise of various types of music, band tees are not exclusive to groups with multiple members. Vintage rap and hip-hop shirts showcase just one artist at a time. Regardless, vintage band and rap shirts bring back endless memories and are often covered in unique designs like vintage sports tees.

Music will never go out of style. New songs, albums, and artists come out every year. There is an abundance of music throughout the world. Countless genres leave people with endless options when they get bored of one particular type of music. Music from the past will always be popular due to nostalgic reasons; many enthusiasts elect to listen to music exclusively from the past without any regard for new music.

Band and rap tees prove to be popular because of the memories and history attached to particular artists and bands. Vintage enthusiasts know how difficult it can be to find specific shirts from certain national and world tours.

Vintage music clothing will always be vintage and streetwear staples regardless of the era of music. People are constantly looking for nostalgic pieces of clothing for various reasons. Favorite artists and types of music are always subjective similar to one’s taste in vintage clothing. Individuals who appreciate vintage clothing know how valuable particular pieces will be today, tomorrow and in the distant future.

Vintage and Streetwear Staples: Denim- Jeans & Jackets

Denim is another staple in both vintage and streetwear. From light wash to fresh indigo to multi-colored or unorthodox colors, denim brings a classic look to any wardrobe. Now, denim is used in a more versatile way than ever. Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss introduced the material to the fashion world in the nineteenth century. Levi Strauss & Co. continues to produce some of the most durable and well-crafted denim jeans in the United States and the rest of the world. Denim took fashion by storm.

In the twenty-first century, the long-lasting material is widely used and is no longer exclusive to blue jeans. Shoes, jackets, shirts, hats, bags, belts, and even furniture is constructed with denim. Vintage denim typically holds up very well; the character of worn and broken in denim is evident on any pair article of clothing made of denim. Vintage enthusiasts are always searching for a pair of Levi’s, Lee, or Wrangeler jeans. Some vintage jeans seem to withstand washes and wears better than most contemporary pairs.

Jean jackets have been extremely popular in the United States since being introduced in the late 1800s. After an explosion in terms of popularity in the 1950s, the denim jacket has been a staple in American fashion. The Canadian Tuxedo (denim jacket on denim jeans) saw a meteoric rise in the 90s and early 2000s. Since then, there has been a resurgence of the noticeable fashion trend.

Denim is not going away in the fashion world especially in American culture. Jeans and jean jackets have proven to be vintage and streetwear staples over the recent past and will likely continue to be for years to come.

Memorable Quality Pickups

January 25, 2023

Within the past few years, I have quickly realized quality is almost always more important than quantity. A medium-sized closet with quality, staple pieces beats a large wardrobe consisting of just okay clothing. Exceptional materials and longevity are essential for a piece of clothing to stay in a solid rotation. New pickups can be rewarding and exciting especially more sought after items that require some dedicated hunting.

Earlier in 2022, I donated and sold over 40% of my closet. It makes no sense to continue to hold on to clothes that barely get worn. There is too much time and space taken up by things we don’t find useful anymore. Now, it is vital to personally only buy clothing that will last a while and will get worn often.

Mind Over Matter

When we clutter our personal space, the mind often feels confined too. Focusing more finding useful materialistic things temporarily places over consumerism in the rearview mirror. Vintage and second hand clothing strongly promote reusability and keeping goods circulating in the market.

Fast fashion is more prevalent now than ever in the history of clothing. The rise of the vintage market over the past few decades promotes economically and environmentally friendly choices from countless consumers.

Placing an emphasis more on quality lets pickups become more meaningful and thought out.

Vintage Finds

Casual collectors, serious hunters, and vintage enthusiasts alike know the feeling of finding a hidden gem at the local thrift store or second hand shop. One person throwing away an old shirt might be another’s perfect vintage find. Subjectivity rules in almost all aspects of fashion, especially within the vintage realm. Universally, condition and age are more objective than other features of vintage pieces.

The vintage market is ever evolving. Trends come and go just like other niches. However, some of the best vintage clothing comes with more time. Aged pieces are often worth more than newer ones; rarity brings more thrill in the hunt for the next vintage pickup.

Sports vintage resonates with countless collectors. Timeless pieces from memorable games, celebrations, and championships rarely go out of style. Old school lettering and logos have seen a major resurgence in the recent past. A vintage t shirt will always be a classic staple that pairs well with streetwear and sneakers alike.

This Pittsburgh Pirates 1994 All Star Game shirt caught my eye as soon as I saw it. Black classic lettering with yellow bordering and vice versa both stand out effortlessly. The 1994 MLB All Star Game logo showcases the Pittsburgh skyline with one of the city’s prominent bridges in the forefront.

Vintage sports clothing is easily one of the most coveted subcategories in the vintage world. Throwback uniforms and logos contribute a great deal of importance to vintage sports pieces. Historical aspects of franchises across various sports provide even more significance.

Undefeated Pickups

Founded in Los Angeles, CA in 2002, Undefeated is a well respected sneaker boutique and apparel brand. There are several brick and mortar stores across the United States as well as in Japan. As a brand known for its quality and craftsmanship, the label has not been shy in terms of collaborations. Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Bape, and Anti Social Social Club are just a few well known brands that have produced remarkable collabs with Undefeated.

Good fitting quality pants are not easy to find especially for men over six feet tall. After looking around on Grailed, some Undefeated cargo pants caught my attention. Once they came in the mail, they did not disappoint especially for below retail price.

The Undefeated olive cargo pants are noticeably made of quality materials that are built to last. Minimal branding adds fine yet recognizable touches to the relaxed fitting pants. Spacious pockets and drawstrings at the leg openings are both necessary compliments.

Streetwear pickups- Undefeated — Undefeated Olive Cargo Pants

Another Grailed pickup makes the cut. Undefeated pants might be my new go-to option; the fit and materials combine for an exceptional execution by the LA based label.

This particular pair was more of an impulse decision. However, since getting the pants in person, they have not been disappointing at all.

The reflective workout pants provide a fresh look to a comfortable clothing option. Perfect for casual wear and working out, this pair is a solid alternative to basic gray sweats.

Future Pickups

Vintage and streetwear are constantly evolving. Trends come and go, but personal touch is typically built to last. A individual’s particular style depends on the inspirations they draw from their surroundings and consumed media, ads, and previous purchases. Fashion niches like vintage and streetwear see endless changes due to numerous factors. However, one thing remains stagnant- the ability to express oneself freely and openly.

As time goes on, I am making a conscious effort to be more selective when buying clothing and accessories. It is easy to buy clothes to simply increase the size of one’s closet. In the future, personal pickups will focus on quality rather than quantity. Anything worthwhile should be of high quality and built to last.

“Virgil Abloh Was Here”

December 29, 2022

It has been over a year since the sudden passing of the fashion designer and streetwear icon, Virgil Abloh. Nobody within the past decade has impacted the sneaker community as much as Abloh. His influence is still impactful and will be for the foreseeable future; nobody can deny the fact that Abloh broke down barriers for designers everywhere no matter their opinion on his creative work.

Streetwear has typically been a subculture within the larger fashion scene. With Abloh’s presence and prominence, streetwear became widely accepted by almost everyone in the fashion industry. After the work of the Illinois native, the crossover between high-end/designer fashion and streetwear became normalized. Sneakers were one of Abloh’s main focuses that pushed limits and redefined the impact and precedents regarding collaborations.

Virgil Abloh’s most recognizable creative production is his collaboration between his world renowned brand, Off-White and the sneaker/apparel giant in Nike. “The Ten” collection showcased the true genius that Abloh was. He put his own creative touch on classic models like the Air Jordan 1, several Air Maxes, and Air Forces without doing too much. Abloh decided to work on already established shoes and turn them into unique sneakers that have never been actualized before. Past designers did not have the creative freedom that Nike granted to Virgil Abloh. He tweaked timeless models that were otherwise not altered since their inception.

After his first collection with Nike, Virgil Abloh’s influence showed no signs of slowing down. Nike has released countless pairs in collaboration with Off-White since their partnership first started. The quotes, “unfinished” materials, and exposed foam all are prevalent in numerous sneakers and in other brands looking to capitalize off of the well-known details popularized by Off-Whites’ founder.

Since Abloh worked with Kanye West on numerous creative collaborations, he solidified himself as a creative genius. The work between the two creatives started when they first interned together with the major fashion house, Fendi. Their work and influence together flourished; eventually, Abloh became the creative director at Donda. Through his own brand and West’s ties to Louis Vuitton, the trained architect became the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection in 2018 and later received more creative control of the major French fashion house.

Abloh broke boundaries at Louis Vuitton after he got full creative control of the men’s clothing line . He became the first person of African descent to command LV’s menswear clothing line. Virgil Abloh showed how Black designers can lead a major fashion house LVMH despite decades of prejudice and discrimination. As the son of Ghanian immigrants, Abloh rose to the top of the fashion world even with the odds stacked against him. If Abloh could do it, so can other marginalized individuals who wish to become influential designers in the industry.

Abloh provided blueprints and gave aspiring designers a chance to learn from his personal work. He quickly became a renowned leader and mentor in the high-end fashion and streetwear communities. Virgil Abloh openly mentored Jordan Bentley, a young Black creative who founded Hypland, a widely recognized and influential streetwear brand. Virgil Abloh could have easily kept to himself and focused only on his work. However, he wanted to provide for kids and young adults who look up to him as a man and an influential designer.

“Life is so short you can’t waste even a day subscribing to what someone thinks you can do versus knowing what you can do.”
Virgil Abloh

The Illinois native will be remembered for numerous things especially his major contribution to current state of sneakers. Nobody has recently paved the way for future creatives like Abloh. His concept of tweaking something already great by just three percent unlocks countless doors for upcoming artists and designers. The fact that one has to come up with a new, completely original idea is almost dead. Now, creatives have the ability to twist and change an already existing concept into something of their own without completely reinventing the wheel.

Streetwear and high-end fashion owe the world to Abloh. Very few designers have produced the amount of creative mastery that he did over a rather short period of time. May he forever live on through his original creations, collaborations, and noticeable influence on other artists and labels.

RIP Virgil Abloh 1980-2021