THE CURRENT STATE OF STREETWEAR - WHERE DO WOMEN FIT INTO THE MIX

Nate and Mel from No Chance Radio

Streetwear is an ever-evolving culture that has been taking up a larger space in the fashion industry as of lately. Streetwear is a subculture of fashion that is looked at as a space where the youth of today utilize to freely express themselves. There’s no rules to streetwear; you wear what you want and “brand” yourself in a way that is unique to every person. Streetwear is more urban fashion, and brands in this space usually take it back to the roots of it all in their representation. 

The pioneers of streetwear are all men, and the aesthetics are usually more baggy and neutral colored. As a woman, I still find myself struggling to figure out where I fit into this world, and how I can make a name out of myself in streetwear. I’m a small Asian girl who’s obsessed with sneakers. When people look at me first glance, they would never expect that I was as into sneakers and streetwear until they hear me speak. My passion for streetwear and learning more about the culture is what motivates me daily. It’s fun for me to research new brands and explore their Instagram pages.  

With that being said, I still feel like there’s a stigma surrounding woman in streetwear where the assumption is they don’t know anything. I still feel uncomfortable when I walk into a streetwear shop and workers assume I don’t know about the products I’m wearing. Woman in any aspect of the streetwear space tend to usually be in the background. The woman you see in the industry are usually the stylists, editors, photographers, creative directors, etc. There are so many talented woman who have jobs in the streetwear industry that we have no idea exist. I’m still waiting for the day more female representation is apparent in streetwear so I have more role models to look up to. If it wasn’t for the women I follow on Instagram (@esymai, @atothebed, @dianeabapo, @dianakmir, etc) I wouldn’t have the continued interest in becoming something in this space. If they can make a name for themselves in streetwear, then someday I can too.