Yo, what’s good? My name’s Alex and I’m here to take you on a ride through the history of streetwear brands. Whether you’re a hardcore hypebeast or just looking to dive into the culture, this is the perfect place to start. 🤙

The Origins of Streetwear

So, where did this whole streetwear thing even begin? Well, it all started in the 1980s with the rise of skate culture. Brands like Vans and Thrasher became staples among skateboarders and their style began to influence other aspects of street culture.

As hip-hop grew in popularity, it too became intertwined with the burgeoning streetwear scene. Labels like FUBU and Cross Colours started to mix elements of music and fashion to create something entirely new.

A skater doing a trick on a half-pipe

The 90s: The Golden Age of Streetwear

By the 1990s, streetwear was in full swing. The fashion industry began to take notice and brands like Stüssy and Supreme began to gain traction. Alongside urban streetwear, we saw the emergence of high-end luxury streetwear as well. Brands like A Bathing Ape and Polo Sport capitalized on the trend, blending themes from hip-hop and skate culture to create something truly unique.

A look at Stüssy's iconic designs

The Birth of Collaboration

One of the defining features of streetwear is the collaboration between brands and designers. In the early 2000s, we saw some truly iconic collabs come to life. Supreme teamed up with Nike to create the SB Dunk Low, sparking a resurgence of interest in the sneaker world. Kanye West’s partnership with Nike gave us the Air Yeezy, a shoe that still demands top dollar today.

Some of the most exciting recent collaborations include Virgil Abloh’s Off-White x Nike collection and the ongoing partnership between Supreme and The North Face.

A look at the Off-White x Nike collection

Streetwear Goes Mainstream

Over the past decade, streetwear has well and truly gone mainstream. Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci are now embracing streetwear elements, incorporating graphic tees, hoodies, and even sneakers into their collections.

Social media has played a huge role in this shift as well, with influencers and celebrities like Kylie Jenner and ASAP Rocky championing streetwear brands and trends.

A look at Gucci's streetwear-inspired collection

The Future of Streetwear

So what’s next for streetwear? It’s hard to say for sure, but one thing’s for certain: it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Streetwear continues to evolve and grow, embracing new technologies and collaborations while staying true to its roots.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the culture for the first time, there’s never been a better time to be a part of the streetwear world.

A group of people walking down a city street, dressed in streetwear

And that’s a wrap folks – we’ve covered everything from the origins of streetwear to its mainstream takeover. Hope you enjoyed the ride! 🛹