How Streetwear Transformed High Fashion Luxury Runway Shows Forever
When it comes to high fashion luxury runway shows, the traditional image that comes to mind is one of opulence, elegance, and exclusivity. However, in recent years, there has been a major shift in the fashion landscape, and one key driver of this change is streetwear. What was once considered a niche style for rebellious youth has now become a powerful force that has transformed the high fashion industry. In this article, we will explore the impact of streetwear on high fashion luxury runway shows and how it has forever changed the fashion game.
The Rise of Streetwear
Before we dive into how streetwear has influenced high fashion luxury runway shows, let’s first understand what streetwear is. Streetwear is a style of fashion that emerged from urban culture and is often associated with skateboarding, hip-hop, and other subcultures. It is characterized by casual, comfortable clothing with bold graphics and designs. It became popular in the 1980s and 1990s and has since evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry.
The rise of streetwear can be attributed to several factors. First, the emergence of social media and the internet has made it easier for streetwear brands to reach a global audience. Social media platforms like Instagram have become the go-to place for streetwear enthusiasts to showcase their style and discover new brands.
Second, the democratization of fashion has also played a significant role in the rise of streetwear. Traditional luxury fashion brands were once the only ones setting the trends, but with the rise of streetwear, consumers now have more influence on what is considered fashionable. Streetwear brands have become experts at creating hype and generating demand for their products, making them highly desirable among fashion-savvy consumers.
Streetwear Meets High Fashion Luxury
The growing popularity of streetwear caught the attention of traditional luxury fashion houses. They began to incorporate streetwear elements into their collections, blurring the lines between the two seemingly opposite styles. This fusion of streetwear and high fashion luxury is commonly referred to as ‘lux-street’ or ‘hype-luxe’.
One of the first luxury brands to embrace streetwear was Louis Vuitton. In 1999, the brand collaborated with streetwear label Supreme, which caused a frenzy among fashion enthusiasts and sparked the trend of luxury-street collaborations. Since then, luxury brands like Balenciaga, Gucci, and Dior have all jumped on the bandwagon, partnering with streetwear brands to create limited-edition collections that sell out within minutes.
The Impact on Runway Shows
The impact of streetwear on high fashion luxury runway shows has been significant. Runway shows were once reserved for showcasing the latest couture collections, but with the rise of streetwear, they have become a platform for luxury brands to showcase their collaborations with streetwear labels.
One of the most notable examples of this is the Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration show in 2017. The show featured a combination of high-end luxury pieces and streetwear-inspired looks, all presented on a runway adorned with graffiti. The show generated a buzz in both the high fashion and streetwear communities and solidified the convergence of the two styles.
Another aspect of runway shows that has been transformed by streetwear is the idea of exclusivity. Streetwear brands have always been known for their limited-edition drops, and luxury fashion houses have taken note. By collaborating with streetwear brands, luxury brands have been able to create the same level of hype and limited availability for their collections. This has made luxury fashion more accessible to a wider audience and added an element of exclusivity to their collections.
The Future of High Fashion Luxury Runway Shows
The influence of streetwear on high fashion luxury runway shows shows no signs of slowing down. As the fashion industry continues to shift towards a more casual and accessible aesthetic, we can expect to see more collaborations between luxury and streetwear brands. We may also see traditional luxury fashion houses adopting more streetwear elements in their collections to appeal to a broader audience.
In conclusion, streetwear has forever transformed high fashion luxury runway shows. What was once considered a rebellious and niche style has now become a dominant force in the fashion industry. Streetwear has brought a new level of excitement, inclusivity, and creativity to the world of high fashion, and we can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve.
