The Evolution of Streetwear: From Counterculture to Universal
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Streetwear is not just a trend, it is a cultural movement that has crossed eras and borders. From its roots in the streets of New York and Tokyo to the catwalks of the great fashion houses, it has become a symbol of expression and universality . At METIS , we draw inspiration from this evolution to offer fashion that celebrates miscegenation, inclusivity and plural identity .
Rebel Roots: 70s-80s Streetwear
Streetwear is born in the street, carried by urban countercultures :
- Skateboarders in California, who are repurposing sportswear for comfort.
- New York hip-hoppers , who show off their style through baggy outfits, sneakers and bold logos.
- Punk and graffiti culture , where clothing becomes a tool of rebellion.
Brands like Stüssy , founded in 1980, began offering t-shirts and hoodies with designs inspired by surfing and urban art.
The 90s: From Underground to Mainstream
It's the golden age of streetwear. Hip-hop explodes with figures like Tupac, Notorious BIG and Wu-Tang Clan , who impose brands like Tommy Hilfiger, FUBU, Karl Kani and Champion .
Meanwhile, in Japan, streetwear culture is taking another direction with labels like A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and Comme des Garçons , mixing American influences and local aesthetics.
Streetwear becomes a symbol of success, assertion and creativity .
The Years 2000-2010: The Era of Collaborations and Global Influence
With the rise of the Internet, streetwear brands exploded internationally. Collaborations emerged between Nike x Supreme , Louis Vuitton x Kanye West , and later, Balenciaga x Adidas .
Streetwear is moving out of the neighborhoods and into luxury houses. Designers like Virgil Abloh (Off-White, Louis Vuitton) and Demna Gvasalia (Balenciaga) are blurring the lines between haute couture and street fashion.
The codes of streetwear (hoodies, sneakers, oversized cuts) are becoming a universal language.
Today: A Universal and Committed Movement
Streetwear is no longer reserved for young people in big cities , it touches all generations and all cultures . It is also becoming more ethical and responsible , in response to ecological challenges.
Brands like METIS are part of this new era by promoting values of universality, diversity and commitment :
✔ A fashion that unites and tells a story
✔ Timeless clothing inspired by world cultures
✔ More transparent and sustainable production
Today, streetwear has no boundaries . It is not limited to a style, it is a state of mind . METIS is part of this vision, where fashion becomes a common language, beyond origins and influences .
🔥 And you, what does streetwear represent for you?
Share your style and identity with METIS . 🌍👕 #WeAreMetis