Exploring the Best Streetwear Brands of the Decade
Streetwear, a fusion of culture, art, and fashion, has swept across the globe in the last decade, dictating trends and redefining the concept of fashion itself. The rebellious child of the fashion industry, streetwear emphasizes personal expression, effortless style, and a certain amount of nonchalance. Let’s dive into a retrospective of the best streetwear brands that defined the past decade.
Supreme
If there’s one brand that has become almost synonymous with streetwear, it is Supreme. Founded in the heart of New York’s skateboarding culture, Supreme has seen a meteoric rise to fashion supremacy. This brand has produced some of the most hyped and sought-after pieces over the decade, gaining recognition from industry heavyweights and pop culture icons alike. Supreme is renowned for its limited drops and collaborations with brands like Louis Vuitton, establishing itself as a bridge between luxury fashion and street style.
Off-White
Virgil Abloh’s Off-White, launched in 2013, has made a profound impact on the fashion industry in a relatively short time. Off-White is known for its signature quotation marks and diagonal stripes that have become iconic within the streetwear scene. Abloh’s meteoric rise represents the shift in fashion towards more street-oriented aesthetics and the blurring line between high fashion and streetwear. The brand’s sneakers and accessories have been particularly influential, spawning countless imitations.
BAPE (A Bathing Ape)
A brainchild of Nigo, BAPE is a brand that’s been at the vanguard of the streetwear scene since its inception in the early ’90s, but its influence over the last decade has been undeniable. From its shark hoodies to its camouflage prints, BAPE’s design elements are instantly recognizable and widely celebrated. Despite its age, the brand has successfully maintained its relevance and edginess, especially through successful collaborations with other top-tier streetwear and luxury brands.
Stussy
Founded in the ’80s by Shawn Stussy, this brand has managed to maintain a consistent presence in the streetwear world. Over the past decade, Stussy has stayed true to its roots by continuously producing staple pieces, such as their logoed tees and sweatshirts, that capture the spirit of the surfer and skate culture. It’s the longevity and ability to stay true to its brand’s identity that has kept Stussy on the frontline of streetwear fashion.
Palace Skateboards
Palace Skateboards, hailing from London, has been a defining brand for UK streetwear. Known for its irreverent humor and slick design, Palace has earned a cult following among skateboarders and streetwear enthusiasts alike. Their triangular logo and bold graphics have become a hallmark of the brand. Palace’s growth in popularity over the past decade is a testament to their originality and dedication to the culture.
Fear of God
Founded by Jerry Lorenzo in 2013, Fear of God balances luxury and streetwear in a distinctive manner. Their designs are a blend of grunge aesthetics with an emphasis on high-quality materials and construction. Over the last decade, Fear of God has produced pieces that blur the lines between street, sport, and high fashion, such as their unique layering pieces, boxy tees, and tapered sweatpants.
Stone Island
An Italian brand initially focused on technical outerwear, Stone Island has evolved into a darling of the streetwear scene. Known for its innovative fabric treatments and dyeing techniques, Stone Island has managed to marry functionality with street aesthetics. Over the past decade, their distinctive compass patch has become a symbol of high-quality and stylish sportswear.
Yeezy
Kanye West’s Yeezy line, in partnership with Adidas, has dominated the sneaker scene in the last decade. Yeezy has set trends and caused hysteria among sneakerheads and streetwear fans with each release. With its minimalistic aesthetic, earth-toned palettes, and innovative silhouettes, Yeezy has carved out a unique spot in the fashion world.
Streetwear’s importance in the fashion industry over the past decade is undeniable. These brands have managed to not only dictate fashion trends but also change the way the industry operates. With an emphasis on cultural relevance, personal expression, and cross-industry collaborations, they have reshaped the fashion landscape. As we move into a new decade, it will be exciting to see how these brands evolve and who the new disruptors will be.
