Tag: style

Finding Your Niche in Sneakers

January 17, 2024

It’s easier than ever to find your niche in sneakers because of how widespread the sneaker world has become. Sneakers have gone noticeably mainstream over the past few years. It’s inevitable to see someone wearing Jordan 1s or Yeezys on the street but they aren’t really “sneakerheads.”

Niches are evident in every fashion subculture. Sneakers have literally something for everyone; anyone can find a sneaker that suits their style and personal appearance. From “dad” shoes to timeless Air Jordans to new silhouettes and models, there is an abundance of variety in the world of sneakers.

Niche In Sneakers: Something for Everyone

Sneakers have evolved since they were first introduced in the fashion world and will continue to evolve for the foreseeable future. Shoes have been around forever. However, sneakers are a rather recent phenomenon in the vast history of footwear.

Most sneakers used to be considered basketball, running or even “tennis shoes.” Now, sneakers aren’t limited to sport or athletic wear. Finding a particular niche in sneakers is easier than ever because of the variety in the sneaker realm.

Sneakers have expended into niches in fashion that haven’t been touched before. Companies like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen appeal to high-end and luxury consumers with sneakers that look and feel “elevated.” These luxury fashion houses have gone deeper in their bags to include sneakers in their footwear lines to reach niche audiences and bring in more customers who wouldn’t have been reachable otherwise.

Of course, footwear giants like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and even Puma produce a vast array of sneakers which gives almost everyone something to fit into their wardrobe. Some sneakers are better paired with athletic wear while some can be “dressed up” and others are meant for practical purposes like playing a sport or engaging in intense exercise.

One Size Fits Most

Sneakers are an incredibly general type of footwear. They can be used for a few purposes or many, depending on the type of sneaker. One sneaker will not serve every purpose possible, but they will often be versatile and compatible for a variety of occasions.

For example, a pair of Jordans can be worn to play basketball, going shopping, and even going on a date. However, all sneakers aren’t like this. Sneakers built for running are more limited in their capability. They aren’t practical for much besides its intended use.

Although sneakers cover a broad range of footwear, some are better for certain purposes than others. A niche in sneakers doesn’t necessary limit the shoes. Sometimes they are multi-functional. Other times they are more focused towards a particular specialty.

Finding A Unique Niche in Sneakers

Someone new to the sneaker world may be overwhelmed by the plethora of choices. Once a niche is carefully picked, buying sneakers becomes ten times easier and simpler.

Someone who wants a pair of comfortable New Balances will often have a certain price point in mind. Also, they have a better idea of where to look and where to stay away from. A basketball-focused site won’t be ideal to find a pair of 990s. Once a niche is selected, sneaker buying becomes much more enjoyable.

Most sneaker enthusiasts target a particular type of sneaker. Some may prefer timeless silhouettes like Air Jordan 1s or 3s, while others are more interested in new models and colorways from Nike or New Balance. As people get older, they get a better idea of what type of sneaker suits their style and which ones don’t. Sneaker buying becomes more enjoyable because options become more limited and focused on fitting into a particular unique style.

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.

Recent and Upcoming Sneaker Releases

July 22, 2023

This year has been rather slow for sneaker releases compared to the past few years. There have been some notable hits, but they appear to be more spread out and more selective than previous years.

Although sneakers are subjective, many sneaker enthusiasts know a hot release when they see one. All types of footwear has loyal fans; sneakers are no different and often have obsessed collectors who constantly stalk the release calendars.

atmos x New Balance 2002R “Cybernetics Blue”

New Balance has been on a noteworthy run in the collab realm over the past few years. Works with Aimé Leon Dore, Joefreshgoods, Salehe Bembury have exceeded expectations. Atmos brings a fresh look with their collaboration with New Balance. Hints of blue are highlighted on the pair for the cyber world’s inspiration and to show the signature color of the Japanese based sneaker and streetwear boutique. Gray and white also complement the blues for a classic New Balance look

atmos’ Next New Balance 2002R Draws Inspiration From The Cyber World

Sneaker News: atmos x New Balance 2002R “Cybernetics Blue”

Reflective materials, mesh, and pebbled leather all pop out and give the sneakers a premium feel.

The “Cybernetics Blue” released on July 15th for $160.

Nike NOCTA Glide Black and White

Drizzy is no stranger when it comes to teaming up with Nike. With his own Nike sub-label, NOCTA, the duo shows no signs of breaking up anytime soon. Drake’s collaborations in the past have caught the attention of sneaker enthusiasts all over the world. This collab is different as it showcases a throwback look that appears to be more “retro” compared to his previous works with Nike.

Sneaker releases: Nike NOCTA Glide — Major 90s Vibes (Photo by Sneaker News)

The NOCTA Glides clearly take inspiration from 90s Nike basketball shoes. The oversized and heavy look has returned to the Nike forefront thanks to Aubrey Graham. Similar to the Nike Zoom Flight 95, the Glides don oversized air bubbles which were a mainstay in the 90s. Carbon fiber and icy bottoms complete the classic look.

Where To Buy Drake’s Nike NOCTA Glide

Sneaker News: Nike NOCTA Glide

The Nike NOCTA Glide Black/White released June 29th for a retail of $160.

As more colorways continue to release, the Nike NOCTA Glide will be a silhouette to keep an eye out for as Drake continues to push out more NOCTA gear and sneakers.

Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 “NCAA Pack”

Although the Adidas Ultraboost hype has died down, the model will always be an Adidas staple and one of the most comfortable sneakers on the market. Different variations provide unique looks while staying true to the iconic shape. The Ultraboost has seen tons of colorways from simple black and white to loud vibrant colors and numerous collaborations with highly recognizable branding.

Adidas always makes sure to show love to their sponsored colleges and universities. In this particular pack, thirteen Adidas-sponsored schools receive their own color-coordinated Ultraboost to flaunt throughout their respected campuses and during game days.

13 Different Colleges Represent The Latest adidas UltraBOOST 1.0 NCAA Pack

Sneaker News: Ultraboost 1.0 NCAA Pack

The Adidas Ultraboost comes in the school colors of Washington, Kansas, Indiana, Miami, Nebraska, Grambling State, NC State, Rutgers, Louisville, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Arizona State and Georgia Tech. Each pair shows the school’s respected mascot/logo on the tongue for a fresh look. Lace locks and fused eyelets give a new feel to the Ultraboost as well.

Any fan of these Adidas schools shouldn’t be sleeping on this release. The college-inspired Ultraboosts are a perfect pair for any Adidas sports lover.

The Adidas Ultraboost “NCAA Pack” released on July 15th for a retail price of $200.

Air Jordan 1 UNC Toe

Not much has to be said about white and black color blocking complemented by virtually every color imaginable. Jordan 1s are still some of the hottest kicks from Jordan Brand especially when they come in UNC colors.

These will be bangers. Real ones will forever appreciate icy blues on a fresh pair of Js. Everyone talks about the leather “quality” on Air Jordans particularly Jordan 1s; all Jordan quality is nowhere near great. Stop complaining about the quality of materials on leather basketball shoes. They are meant to be appreciated as they are, not as designer or high end sneakers.

This pair combines classic colors and a classic model. Not much has to be said about the levels of anticipation for this edition of the Air Jordan 1.

The Air Jordan 1 UNC Toe/University Blue released July 22nd for a retail price of $180 (Men’s).

EVERYTHING You Need To Know About The Air Jordan 1 “UNC Toe”

Sneaker News: Air Jordan 1 UNC Toe

Adidas Yeezy August 2023 Releases

There’s definitely no shortage of news and headlines involving Kanye West. Only a select number of people can be “cancelled” and come back to stay relevant and virtually hold up the sales of a major footwear and clothing brand. Adidas was known to be taking a potential loss if they completely cut ties with West.

Yeezy Boost 350 v2s, 350 CMPCT v2s, 450s, 700s, Yeezy Slides and Foam Runners will be releasing in August. Kanye’s influence will forever impact Adidas and how they do business. The Chicago-born rapper has given Adidas more time to figure out what they will do post-Ye.

Full List Of adidas Yeezy Releases Expected In August 2023

Yeezys still draw tons of attention particularly amongst younger crowds. New colorways are constantly being released and classics are continuously rereleased. Most Yeezys will attract numerous fans for countless reasons. Adidas may think twice about giving up completely on West’s signature line.

Second Half Releases

Although 2023 has been relatively slow in the sneaker world, there are numerous releases to look forward to. Everybody has their own unique style; the releases for the rest of the year will be sure to satisfy countless sneaker enthusiasts in various ways.

Stay tuned for another sneaker releases post in the upcoming future.

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.

The Art of Sneakers

May 4, 2023

Shoes are meant to be worn and obviously protect feet from countless elements both outside and indoors. Most people look at sneakers as an accessory that do not deserve too much attention. The art of sneakers captures many aspects that would otherwise go unrecognized by most people.

Shoes are worn to get dirty; they are touching grimy surfaces all day and night. However, there are a select number of individuals who appreciate sneakers more than the average person.

Sneaker Construction- Materials and Colorways

Sneakers are unique because they are crafted differently and showcase numerous types of materials. From leather to suede and nubuck to velvet, mohair, canvas, foam, and rubber, the possibilities are virtually endless in the makeup of sneakers around the world. Shoes today feature countless different types of materials that would have never thought of being used in the past.

Materials can make or break a pair of sneakers; nobody wants shoes that are made of the same substance lacks character and usually comfortability.

Now, materials are used to reach optimal performance and comfort. Technology continues to improve vastly with new advancements coming every year.

Colorways are another major improvement among shoes and sneakers specifically. In the past, shoes were bland and did not stand out much at all. Nike pushed boundaries when they released the original Jordan 1 ‘Breds’ in the 1980s. Michael Jordan was banned from wearing them because they did not match the Bulls’ team colors. Now, the NBA sees players wearing crazy colorways that often have nothing to do with their uniforms.

The basketball sneakers in the NBA is representative of the sneaker world in general. It is now uncommon to wear boring shoes- a whole 180 from the ’80s. Sneaker enthusiasts assume things about other people based on the sneakers they wear; someone wearing all black or all white shoes 24/7 might not have much character or flair in their style.

Norms are meant to be broken. Materials and colorways today are continuing to push boundaries and reach new heights for sneakers all over the world. There is not signs of unique sneakers slowing down anytime in the near and even distant future.

Concepts and Stories

Sneakers today are meant to be worn as much as they have in the past. However, there are concepts and stories that make shoes meaningful and impactful. People all around the world seek to buy shoes that are tied to their favorite rappers, basketball players, celebrities, or creative designers.

Sneakers now have more purpose than ever. They support charities, raise awareness for marginalized communities, tell untold or misheard stories, and often bring out the best in humanity when brands and consumers come together for a common goal.

The art of sneakers has evolved because of the rise new concepts constantly being introduced. Sneakers bring to consumers today than just the physical aspect; enthusiasts cherish particular pairs for countless reasons. For example, they might have a personal story about how they acquired the shoes or they have exciting and unforgettable memories/experiences while wearing a particular pair.

More individuals are collaborating with major sneaker brands; the rise of independent labels has been more than noticeable as of the recent past as well. Many designers showcase their creative abilities through the use of sneakers- a universal piece of apparel that almost everyone in the world can relate to in some way one or another.

Art of Sneakers- Creative Touches

Creative designers have been improving and pushing fashion boundaries for centuries. The subcultures under the enormous fashion umbrella seem to be ever-evolving. New alternatives pop up every so often, stemming from other subcultures or completely paving a new and uncharted territory.

Sneakers are a particular sector of fashion that has seen a metric rise over the past fifty plus years. People used to look at shoes as just shoes (some still do), but now more individuals realize sneakers are a form of art. There are designers who specialize in creating their own sneakers and/or reconstructing existing pairs using an abstract and unique techniques.

Designers such as Tinker Hatfield, Peter Moore, Bruce Kilgore, and Eric Avar have created some of the most recognizable sneaker silhouettes in recent history. Independent creatives like Virgil Abloh (RIP legend), Ronnie Fieg, Salehe Bembury, Joe Freshgoods, and Don C have utilized their creativity throughout the sneaker industry.

Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Asics collaborated with these artists and countless others to reach a much wider audience than they would have by as separates entities unwilling to team up.

In today’s age, the world of customs has blown up dramatically. It is easier (and harder) than ever to create a pair of custom sneakers. The art of sneakers is always subjective. One pair of customs may be considered trash to some and grails to others. Creatives such as The Shoe Surgeon, Mache, and Devlin Carter (founder of Sia Collective) have all influenced enthusiasts through numerous aspects.

Some individuals flock towards customs or independent labels. Others stick to the household names. Every sneaker enthusiast is appreciating art whether they realize it or not. The art of sneakers will forever be influential towards millions around the world.

Sneakers: Curating Your Own Style

April 8, 2023

In the sneaker world there are countless options for figuring out a unique style. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. The paradox of choice often makes sneaker purchases harder than they should be. However, as time goes on, individuals typically get a better sense of what they will wear more often; it does not make sense to keep buying sneakers that only collect dust and look nice on display.

People often look to social media and celebrities to figure out what’s hot and what’s not. This follower mindset is what usually leads to collecting sneakers that barely get worn. Instead, sneaker enthusiasts should seek to figure out their personal style before buying countless pairs of shoes.

Sense of Style

It often takes an individual years of trial and error before even getting an idea of their personal style. To dabble here and there in different niches is not always a bad thing. One can argue that trying styles outside of their comfort zone leads to a greater sense of individuality in the long run. Mixing and matching typically results in unique styles that cannot be replicated; for example, wearing a mix of streetwear and athletic wear. The possibilities are endless when a person opens up their style to expand upon its current limits.

Style represents much more than what the eye can see. Individualistic taste comes from numerous factors, both internal and external. Some internal aspects can include body weight/height and feeling confident in certain clothes. External factors involve inspiration from others, hot trends, and new drops constantly coming out.

The Limitless World of Sneakers

Individualistic style and sneakers often go together like peanut butter and jelly. New sneakers coming out virtually everyday leads to endless possibilities for people to express themselves. There will never be a shortage of shoes to choose from; following trends to the t severely limits these choices.

The amount of unique brands today allows for enthusiasts everywhere to find their favorites and eventually their most worn sneakers. The rise of boutique labels has led to extremely loyal fans who rep shoes that are not common to see in person.

There will never be a shortage of colorways. From classics to timeless combos to new and unique looks, we are currently living in the most advanced age in the sneaker industry.

The materials used now are far more progressive and boundary-breaking than any period in the twentieth century. Innovation continues to exceed expectations. A sneaker lover can find a comfortable pair of shoes all around; the past only allowed for a select few “comfortable” sneakers (virtually walking around with bricks compared to clouds today). The basketball shoes in the past offered no ankle support. Now players are used to ultra-supportive mid/high tops but low tops even offer more stability than the best high tops in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Custom Creps

Anybody can walk around with exclusive kicks in the present. Customs have proven to be a huge wave with no signs of crashing. From designers like Mache and The Shoe Surgeon, custom sneakers have become an art that captures many for various reasons. Anyone with a marker can even create their own one of ones. The custom hype has no signals of slowing down anytime soon.

Countless collectors would rather own and proudly wear exclusive kicks. When someone does not have the means to obtain sought after sneakers, they can turn to the world of customs. Either a semi-professional, a dedicated veteran, or yourself can create your own pair of customs. Personal pairs often hold great significance no matter how they are created (as long as there is noticeable time and effort put forth).

Structured Style Approach

Personal style depends on how much time and effort a person puts forth. There is no such thing as a unique touch without making “mistakes” first. In fashion, there are unwritten and personal rules that teach plenty about finding one’s unique looks. There is no such thing as unstructured personal style; over time, an individual finds their own lane through various forms of visual and representative organization.

Individualistic taste does not come overnight. There are plenty of awkward phases and figuring out to do before someone truly understands their own preferences and go to styles. Especially in the sneaker world, it may be hard to contain oneself to a specific lane or niche. There are plenty of particular looks among sneakers such as futuristic, beat up/vintage, classics, runners, etc. At the end of the day, nobody can fully structure someone else’s style. If they can, it is no longer personal or unique.

Sneakers are key way for someone to figure out what they like and don’t like in fashion. Pairing shoes with clothes is an art that nobody can ever perfect. Style is always subjective, but it is essential to have some sort of structure and blueprint in the long run. The composition may shift many times throughout one’s life; there are only new beginnings that form from the events and ideas of the past.