Streetwear- one of the most significant subcultures of the previous decade, specifically spearheaded by skateboarders and sneakerheads, is based on the original "Cool Kids on the Block" gang. Nowadays, several subcultures have changed the fashion industry forever, with streetwear representing over 10% of the global fashion industry, but for how long will this trend last?
With the ever-evolving industry, trends often disappear, only to be revived later in the creative process as a result of the cyclical nature of the sector. However, one thing is clear: Does streetwear have a long-term position in the fashion industry, or will it eventually slip into the abyss like so many other fashion subcultures? Streetwear is far from dead.
Instead, we predict that in the future technology will rapidly transition from being a direct contributor to today's shallow, mindless consumption to a more deliberate and thoughtful way of going about daily activities. Streetwear as a whole is a hype beast in its own right, and as a result, it is becoming too huge to completely go away. However, the definitions of the drip as we know it are expanding. Production and consumption practices are currently shifting toward more ethical practices, and the subculture is going to have to respond. Streetwear, a key contributor to fast fashion and pollution, will have to change its approach to remain competitive.
While many people consider sneakers to be essential for having a proper fit, they are usually not biodegradable and therefore contribute greatly to landfills. The introduction of new eco-friendly and sustainable processes or partnerships by various businesses is already in motion. These companies include Christopher Raeburn, CAFIN (Catching a Fish in Norway), Architects of Change, Pangaia, Caravana, Heron Preston, Veja, and Nothing New.
As such, Streetwear will be reinterpreted and reworked to launch a fresh, intentionally wearable, and sustainable alternative to conventional fashion as well as an extremely individualized style. Architects of Change, a London-based design is using streetwear to raise questions about the current topics. The collection Architects of Change presented in 2020, which they titled “ALIEN WORLD TOUR 2020,” is based on the events and cities that have marked 2020 and they carry the messages that have influenced our lives.
Streetwear is contemporary art; it can use whatever techniques necessary to get an impressive piece, which is both emotive and related to the brand and audience. There are several established businesses and designers, all of whom are using what they have learned from streetwear to go further in the future. I'm sure we all look forward to the next installment of brands like Architects of Change, and as for us at Casual Fridays, we can't wait to see what happens next.