The hottest new trend isn’t coming out of a store window — it’s coming straight off the runway. From embellished denim to oversized coats, high fashion is inspiring street style in creative and unexpected ways. From the red carpets of Hollywood to the street corners of New York, fashionistas everywhere are using their own flair for style to transform runways looks into their own unique ensembles. Read on to learn more about how high fashion is influencing street style.
1. Understanding the Intersection of High Fashion and Streetwear
From the red carpet runway to the basketball courts of the urban streets, there is a growing age of fashion-fusion between what we call ‘high fashion’ and ‘streetwear’. This intersection has been long in the making; on one side, fashion houses have flirted with street style elements from hip-hop culture, on the other, urban-inspired fashion has continued to appreciate of its luxury counterparts.
Gone are days of rigidly enforced categories of dress, where fashion was predetermined and styled according to class and profession. Fashion labels now epitomise a new sense of freedom; tom-boy looks are no longer the preserve of the city slicker but can be seen on many catwalks alongside the most ethereal and extravagant of designs. Sweatshirts can bear statement logos and slogan word play, while hoodies and logos can be part of any red carpet ensemble.
The impact of streetwear on a global scale is unprecedented. It has become accepted in all areas of life, going as far as informing interior design. To look at what has been achieved in such a short space of time is nothing short of incredible, and true testament to the ingenuity of designers. From bold colours to statement messages, streetwear is having a moment.
- Brands such as Off-White, Aimé Leon Dore, and Marine Serre marrying luxury and streetwear
- Incorporating streetwear elements into traditional luxury clothes and accessories
- Fashion houses embracing elements of streetwear
- Celebrities on red carpets sporting oversized ‘dad’ fits
- The menswear/womenswear categories blurring and merging
Although the concept of high fashion and streetwear residing together may have once seemed like an oxymoron, labels such as these have pushed the envelope and made it possible. They also offer the perfect opportunity for the fashion enthusiast to mix and match elements, freeing up creativity. Times have changed, and so have the garments that we wear, and the results are entirely promising.
2. Exploring the Evolving Relationship between Runway and Sidewalk
The vast universe of fashion, with its rapidly evolving trends and styles, is undoubtedly filled with a sense of awe. As fashion grows more diverse and spliced with other conventions, the relationship between the traditional runway and the sidewalk becomes increasingly complex. While this duo has always been deeply entwined, the realities of fashion today are pushing the limits and stretching the definition of the catwalk. Here are a few ways fashion designers are exploring the ever-changing bond between the runway and the sidewalk:
- Integrating Streetwear into the Runway: Streetwear and designer clothing often appear as two opposing forces, rarely blending together. However, many fashion houses are boldly experimenting with this idea by taking bold pieces of street culture and integrating them into the runway looks. This gives wearers new and exciting ways to express themselves with elevated high-fashion aesthetic.
- Crossovers between Runway and Digital: Runway shows are getting an increasingly digital twist, as fashion houses choose to stream their shows and feature digital models. This helps to further blurs the lines between the traditional concept of the catwalk and the sidewalks, as fashion shows become increasingly accessible.
- Recycling Through Runway to Sidewalk: In an effort to reduce fashion waste, many fashion brands are repurposing fabrics and reshaping garments after they appear on the runway. Some pieces are reused in multiple shows, while others new creations are produced from the repurposed garments and available for purchase on the sidewalks. Creativity and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
- Collaborations between Boutiques and Runway: Increasingly, boutiques and platforms are partnering with fashion shows to create exclusive clothing lines. This adds depth to the blurred boundary between the runway and the sidewalks, as each collection provides exciting new ways for consumers to experience both the designer world and the streetwear world however they like.
The relationship between the runway and the sidewalk is ever-evolving, as fashion moves beyond traditional conventions and reaches out to the rest of the world. There is certainly much to be done in terms of pushing and extending the boundaries of fashion, as fashion continues to reach out to ever widening circles. Now, more than ever, the fashion industry is deeply challenged, as they must explore new ways to merge high-fashion with streetwear, the catwalk with the sidewalks.
3. Analyzing How High Fashion Translates to Everyday Wear
From the latest hairstyles at Paris Fashion Week to the everyday looks seen around town, high fashion styles can be brought down from the runway into the wardrobes of ordinary citizens. Analyzing how high fashion looks are translated to everyday wear allows us to recognize how culture affects fashion trends.
High fashion has an immense influence on popular trends. Designers often take bold risks when it comes to fashion, aiming to set the stage for the upcoming season. Although the majority of the public might not understand the meaning behind choices like Lilac hair seen at London Fashion Week, influential fashion figures have the power to start a movement and shift public opinion. With the help of the power of immediate worldwide communication, trendy street stylers can take a high fashion look and make it their own.
The key to translating a high couture look to an everyday outfit is to think practically.
It’s important to acknowledge a few points when making this transition.
- Think of the look’s purpose. What activities do you plan to do while wearing it?
- Be mindful of the fabrics you’ll use for everyday wear. Don’t be afraid to go for higher quality fabrics like cotton as opposed to expensive fabrics like leather.
- Pay attention to color. Color changes the entire vibe of an outfit.
- Examine the details of what sets the high fashion look apart.
Understanding how to make a look wearable can be challenging, but with the right know-how, anyone can create a unique look. Now more than ever, high fashion can be realistic and accessible. As long as we learn to recognize the progression of trends and how to combine high fashion with everyday comfort, anyone can be a fashion stylist!
4. Leveraging Street Style to Make a Personal Fashion Statement
More than ever, fashion these days is about creativity and making a personal statement when it comes to street style. It can be a scary prospect at first, but donning a unique personal style can be an incredibly liberating and self-fulfilling experience. We’ll go over four great ways to leverage the infinite possibilities of street style into something special.
1. Play With Proportions
When it comes to street style, playing with proportions is essential. Artful balancing of different clothing items, such as pairing a long top with short bottoms or vice-versa, is one way to draw attention to your outfit. Mix it up by throwing on some lightweight boots or a funky-colored hat to put your unique twist on the look.
2. Clashing Is Key
Fashion these days isn’t limited by traditional ideas of what items belong together. Ideally, the more mismatched the ensemble is, the better. Clashing different colors, prints, or patterns can bring an edgy and standout look. Another good way to inject a dose of unexpectedness is through texture – think fuzzy fur, chunky knits, and so on.
3. Layer Away
Layering different items of clothing never goes out of style. An easy way to blend items you wouldn’t normally combine is to layer them together. An oversized T-shirt or flannel over a plain dress, over-the-knee socks or leggings beneath shorts or a skirt; whatever combination you come up with, not only does layering add warmth in cooler months, but it can also be a great way to infuse subtle color and texture.
4. Make It Accessory
No look is complete without a few accessories; the right accessories can elevate your ensemble to the next level. Think around-the-waist pouches, backpacks, scarves, or if you’re feeling extra bold, some statement sunglasses or facial jewelry. Experiment with different styles, colors and materials to give your look a burst of individuality.
What started as a trickle of runway-inspired trends has become a tidal wave of fashion-forward streetwear. The age-old debate of whether runway shows influence street style or vice versa continues, but the end result is clear: fashion is powerful, and high fashion has transformed into a source of inspiration for the stylish pedestrian. The connection between runway runway and sidewalk fashion is undeniable – and it shows no signs of going away.
