Last weekend, rumours of an Off-White x Louis Vuitton collab began to swirl, sending the world’s of both streetwear faithfuls and high-fashion connoisseurs into a collective head-spin. After the enduring hype surrounding the Supreme x LV collection, the likelihood of this collaboration isn’t far fetched – with re-sell prices surging just days after release, line-up lengths reaching levels of insanity and the eventual ceasing of all production on the line before the opening of its SoHo pop up, an underlying suspicion that had been bubbling for years was made very apparent.
The ‘streetwear faithfuls’ and high fashion worshippers were one in the same. The same kids who are donning bum bags and Air Max 97‘s are aware of the latest Raf Simons launches and Hermes trends. Chunky sneakers are chic and hoodies are lux.
Streetwear, street-art and hip-hop are undeniably some the most salient and enduring markers of the current cultural zeitgeist (outside of millennial bashing and snapchat filters). Constantly evolving, speaking to in-tune audiences by merging effortlessly cool aesthetics and social awareness, those three elements have maintained their positions at the top of the influence chain for years. High fashion a culture, notoriously white, exclusive and expensive, may seem like a far cry from this, however for the longevity of it’s relevance, it only makes sense to tap into such influential subcultural groups.
Off-White was only established in 2014, and has since earned the status as a vital authority in streetwear. It’s become as essential as a uniform for artists in hip-hop, with acts like Drake, Future, and Kanye all sporting the brand. Even high fashion models like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner are champions of the brand, only furthering just how intertwined the cultures are.
High fashion brands have recognised the consumer power of young people – in particular, the money spending, baller lifestyle advocates of the Hypebeast community. Willing to spend, and totally up-to-date with latest drops, it’s understandable as to why renowned high-fashion labels are appropriating trends once scoffed at by runway walkers.
Hermes ‘bum-bag’
Balenciaga trucker cap
The rise of bootlegger and customising culture has also seen extremely creative designs emerge on DIY platforms. With a total autonomy to really, do whatever they want with whichever brand they wish, customisers are offering a fresh take on traditional logos and patterns put in place by established labels.
The hype surrounding the Supreme x LV launch would have most assume all streetwear enthusiasts where firmly on board with the collaboration. However, during the time of announcement, some were quick to criticise Supreme, stating their ethos was founded on the notion that they were a ‘fuck you’ to the high fashion industry.
Are these collaborations diluting the underground and rebellious crux of streetwear? Or, has streetwear become so engrained within the mainstream now, it’s removed from it’s original attitude and purpose?
