Streetwear has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a subculture of hip-hop and skateboarding in the 1980s. Fast forward to 2023 and it has now made a significant impact on luxury fashion. The rise of streetwear in luxury fashion is a trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. I am thankful because it is high time for streetwear to begin seen for what it is, luxury, stylish, and recognized.
Streetwear is all about blending comfort, style, and practicality. It is characterized by oversized fits, bold graphics, logos, and a distinctively urban aesthetic. For a long time, streetwear was considered a niche market, but it has now become a mainstream trend in luxury fashion. Look out fashion world, we are finally being seen.
Luxury fashion houses have taken notice of the streetwear trend and have begun incorporating streetwear elements into their collections. The combination of luxury and streetwear has created a new sub-genre of fashion that is becoming increasingly popular. This is great and all, but we need to start recognizing and supporting black streetwear designers, where the culture and history reside. No one knows streetwear like the black community.
Black-owned streetwear designers have been making their mark in the fashion industry for years, and 2023 is no exception. In fact, many luxury fashion houses have been collaborating with these designers to create unique and innovative collections. Here are some of the top luxury black-owned streetwear designers to watch in 2023:
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Off-White by Virgil Abloh: Virgil Abloh is one of the most well-known black-owned streetwear designers in the world. His brand, Off-White, combines streetwear with high fashion to create unique and trend-setting collections.
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Pyer Moss by Kerby Jean-Raymond: Kerby Jean-Raymond is the founder and creative director of Pyer Moss. The brand is known for its unique prints, bold graphics, and empowering messages.
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Fear of God by Jerry Lorenzo: Fear of God is a luxury streetwear brand founded by Jerry Lorenzo. The brand is known for its oversized silhouettes, premium materials, and minimalist designs.
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A-Cold-Wall by Samuel Ross: Samuel Ross is the founder of A-Cold-Wall, a luxury streetwear brand that combines traditional tailoring techniques with urban streetwear style.
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Telfar by Telfar Clemens: Telfar Clemens is the founder of Telfar, a brand that celebrates inclusivity and gender-neutral fashion. The brand is known for its signature Shopping Bag, which has become a must-have item among fashion enthusiasts.
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Fearless Fundamentals by Brandon Blackwood: Brandon Blackwood is the founder of Fearless Fundamentals, a luxury accessories brand that focuses on quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. The brand's signature tote bags have become a cult favorite among fashion lovers.
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Christopher John Rogers: Christopher John Rogers is a fashion designer who is known for his bold and colorful designs. His collections have been worn by celebrities like Lizzo, Rihanna, and Michelle Obama.
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Mowalola by Mowalola Ogunlesi: Mowalola is a luxury streetwear brand founded by Mowalola Ogunlesi, a Nigerian-born designer based in London. The brand is known for its bold, colorful prints and unique silhouettes.
These black-owned streetwear designers are changing the face of luxury fashion and bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. Their unique designs and inclusive approach are inspiring a new generation of fashion enthusiasts and paving the way for a more diverse and representative fashion industry.
The rise of streetwear in luxury fashion has also been fueled by social media. Streetwear has become a global phenomenon thanks to the influence of influencers and celebrities who wear streetwear-inspired outfits on Instagram and other social media platforms.
The popularity of streetwear has also led to the rise of sneaker culture. Sneakers have always been a part of streetwear, and now luxury fashion houses are incorporating them into their collections. Sneakers have become a status symbol, with some limited-edition releases selling out within minutes of their release.
Streetwear has also influenced the way fashion shows are presented. Brands are now staging runway shows in non-traditional settings like warehouses and parking lots, with models walking down the runway in streetwear-inspired outfits.
To wrap it up
The rise of streetwear in luxury fashion is a trend that is here to stay. It has brought a new level of accessibility and inclusivity to the world of luxury fashion. By incorporating streetwear elements into their collections, luxury brands are appealing to a younger demographic and making their products more relevant to the current fashion landscape.
-Crystal