For many fashionistas urban style is ultra-cool thanks to the many entertainment and sporting icons that wear such a wide range of designer clothing. Getting the street look has never been more popular, and the great thing about urban chic is that what looks good on the catwalk is easily translated for high-end shops and boutiques, referencing many of the sporting themes the style is built around.
From hip hop to urban
The style started with the emergence of hip-hop among African-American young people in the late 1970s, with sportswear brands attaching themselves to the scene. Over the decades, the styles became known as “urban” and are remained aligned with sportswear, with many top designers in the high fashion industry being inspired by the streetwear and putting clothes and accessories inspired by the street out onto the catwalk.
Popular trends
Who doesn’t have some denim lurking in their closet? The original work clothing has had so many makeovers over the years that it could be forgiven for having an identity crisis, yet denim is ideal for imaginative makeovers and there are always plenty of fresh ideas coming through from major denim designers.
The bright, in-your-face concepts of Pop At are a trend – think Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol — using comic strips and globally recognized advertising brands to decorate clothing and accessories such as bags, pencil cases and backpacks. It’s an urban style that will always catch the eye.
Are sneakers always in fashion? The answer has to be yes when it comes to streetwear. The trend was huge in the last season and has always been popular both for the gym and as comfortable daywear when pounding the city streets. This season sees colorful and chunky sneaker styles being created with a cheeky nod to the 90s and some vibrant effects to show off the footwear. They look good on the catwalk and equally fine in the urban environment.
Sports style
Sports clothing has been the bedrock of urban style from the beginning. It’s both functional and fashionable and provides a massive range of opportunities to mix and match shirts, tops, shorts, socks and sneakers to create individual looks that can be as formal or casual as required for any occasion.
Athletes such as basketball players – think of the incredible Michael Jordan – football and hockey stars and the giants of the gridiron are all models for the type of sports clothing to found in the stores. Athletes, whether professional or weekend warrior, also need support for recovery from their exertions and featured compression clothing is the perfect addition to an urban wardrobe.
Trending
Menswear with athletic themes are showing this season, with fused tropical textile prints featuring sporty silhouettes, a modern take on the perfect vacation wardrobe. Tunics and sporty separates feature with a variety of kaleidoscopic prints – iconographic fashion design and comfortable to wear.
Urban chic
The catwalk may be the showcase for urban style, but when it translates as successfully as it does to the high street and mall then it’s going to be in fashion for many years to come.
