Final Project: Street Trend Analysis

Fashion has historically been about creating hierarchical relationships, and street trends, in particular, are a direct result of these innate relationships. In addition to stratifying classes or defining relationships, “street trends” are complex versions of informal activism “by proposing alternate options or choices of dress that become concrete collective demonstrations.” [1] So while traditionally, fashion has trickled down from the upper classes to be accepted among the masses, street trends begin with marginalized social groups who are often opposed to mainstream fashion and whose styles are eventually (and ironically) accepted by the very masses they opposed.

[1] http://discussion.academyart.edu/sectionContent/54-23431/27080/session_05.html

The following two posts discuss emerging street trends and the following 8 posts depict popular street trends from the last century:

Part 3: New Street Trends: Effortlessly Chic

One can be dressed fashionably by wearing simple, classic pieces in muted or subtle colors. But to make a fashion statement and be fashionable at the same time involves a wow factor paired smartly with other elegant pieces. Effortlessly Chic is a trend that revolves around being bold in only one item of your ensemble. The first two images above portray this trend in that the first woman is dressed entirely in black, but her jacket lends interest by way of its avantgarde silhouette and fur trim. A stand out, yet chic and subtle look. The second woman is seen wearing an otherwise blase and relaxed outfit made up of leggings, skirt, and sweater. But by throwing on that fur vest, this woman managed to make her nonchalant look eye-catching.

This street trend can be seen on the runways as well: Marc Jacobs accomplishes this effortlessly chic look in the third image by adding ruffles to the trousers of an otherwise average pinstriped suit in his Spring 2010 RTW collection. And lastly, Lanvin proves how a few well placed ruffles on his garment can transform an average strapless cocktail dress into a statement making garment in his Spring 2010 RTW collection.

Street images sourced from: http://fashion.elle.com/blog/2009/12/street-chic-new-york-9.html
Runway images sourced from: http://www.style.com/fashionshows

Part 3: New Street Trends: Layers

The rules of choosing ones accessories wisely are out the window. As the economy continues to struggle, and our wallets feel that hurt, rather than wear the bare minimum (and physically show how one might be cash poor) individuals are wearing it all!

The popular street trend during these cooler winter months is that of layering: Chunky knits under cozy jackets, topped with wrapped scarves and warm hats, paired with skinny pants, leggings, stockings or tights, exposed socks and multiple shirts is just the tip of the clothing iceberg.

The first two images above depict this layered street trend, well, on the streets.
The third image is from 3.1 Phillip Lim's Fall 2009 RTW collection. The last two images display this layering trend as seen on the Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 RTW runway.

Images courtesy of: http://www.elle.com/Fashion/Street-Chic/Street-Chic-Layers/%28imageIndex%29/1/%28play%29/false
and http://www.style.com/fashionshows

Part 1&2: Zoot Suit

Zoot Suit:
Zoot Suits emerged during the 1920’s, 30’s and into the 40’s and gained mainstream status before being abolished due to textile restrictions associated with WWII. A Zoot suit is characterized by a “high-waisted, wide-legged, tight-cuffed, pegged trouser, and a long coat with wide lapels and wide padded shoulders. This style of clothing was popularized by African Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Italian Americans, and Filipino Americans.” [2]

The first image is circa 1943 of a man wearing an original Zoot Suit.
The second image is a "Zoot Suit" Look by Dior Homme, Fall 2008 with an obvious influence on the tight-cuffed, wide-legged pants.
The third image is John Galliano's take on a Zoot Suit in 2009 also featuring tight-cuffed, wide-legged trousers and a long coat with wide lapels.
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoot_suit

Part 1&2: Beatniks

Beatniks:
“The beatniks started in the 1940s in San Francisco among existentialist intellectuals and artists. It represented a philosophy of anti-materialism and was a direct inspiration for the hippies’ movement.” [1] “According to the media, you could tell a beatnik because beatniks wore berets and dark glasses and goatees and snapped their fingers a lot.” [2]

First image above is undated and shows a group of Beatniks.
Second image: Marc by Marc Jacob's Fall 2008 RTW collection was infused with somber colors, berets, sunglasses and otherwise Beatnik influenced looks.
Third image: DSquared2's Fall 2009 RTW collection provided this beatnik inspired look featuring a beret style hat, sunglasses and relaxed look.
[1] http://discussion.academyart.edu/sectionContent/54-23431/27080/session_05.html
[2] http://ponderingpig.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/the-terrible-truth-about-beatniks/

Part 1&2: Teddy Boys

Teddy Boys:
“Teddy Boys were in England first in the 1950s and then the US. They were introduced by young middle- and lower-class youth as a rejection of the ultra-functionality of 50s fashion. Instead of the New Look, they favored Edwardian elegance. “ [1] “Teddy Boy clothing was long draped jackets, usually in dark shades, sometimes with velvet trim collar and pocket flaps; high-waist "drainpipe" trousers, often showing brightly colored socks. Favored footwear was chunky brogues, large crepe-soled shoes, often suede. Plus a high-necked loose collars on a white shirt; a narrow Slim Jim tie, and a brocade waistcoat.” [2]

The first image above is a young man posed to show off his Edwardian-style suit in Tottenham, London, 29th May 1954. [3]
The second and third images are from Comme Des Garcons Fall 2005 collection that featured long draped jackets with velvet trimmed collars, black nylon cropped trousers and narrow ties.

[1] http://discussion.academyart.edu/sectionContent/54-23431/27080/session_05.html
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Boy
[3] http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/71440011.jpg%3Fv%3D1%26c%3DIWSAsset%26k%3D2%26d%3DB368F141FF5C4DC233EE69EF56275536&imgrefurl=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/71440011/Hulton-Archive&usg=__QZ_CP9Opj1zgAqPH2MqOltrZrkM=&h=594&w=399&sz=36&hl=en&start=16&sig2=luTZW2flbJ-xri8nDDZ4bA&um=1&tbnid=fbeBSWN3AgqckM:&tbnh=135&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doriginal%2Bteddy%2Bboy%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=Rr8tS-jRIaiWtgOew4nOAw

Part 1&2: Mods

Mods:
“The mods started in England in the 1960s among the street savvy youth interested in rock-and-roll music. To differentiate themselves from the conservative adult culture, they favored vintage and colorful outfits, accessorized with long hair.“ [1] “Color played a big role in defining the look. The muted and pastel palette of Fifties fashions gave way to bright, bold color often splayed in geometric patterns. Art, usually Pop Art, infiltrated fashion as works of art translated from canvas into fabric.” [2]

The first image is of Twiggy, a supermodel of the 60's who is seen here wearing a brightly colored dress. circa 1967
The second image is an Alice + Olivia Tunic dress playing with bright colors, a bold geometric print and shorter hemline.
The third image is a Eley Kishimoto fall 2009 Mod inspired dress, portraying bold an geometric patterns.
[1] http://discussion.academyart.edu/sectionContent/54-23431/27080/session_05.html
[2] http://www.fiftiesweb.com/fashion/mod-fashion.htm