RETURN to
ELEGANCE
W
hat goes up, must come
down. Has the increased
rise of the streetwear trend
reached its peak?
As fashion month is approaching, you
can feel fashionistas hold their breath in
anticipation of the newest changes to the
fashion industry. With the overwhelming rise
of streetwear, couture shows have been faced
with the decision to either jump on the trend,
or stick to their native values. The second
chunky dad sneakers were in style, they
Photo Credit: Gabriel Saldana/CC BY-SA 2.0
were on the shelves of major fashion labels
like Balenciaga, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
The jointure of streetwear and high fashion
basically made them synonymous. Many are
now opting for a Balenciaga hat instead of a
couture gown. Chanel, for example, debuted
shows with youthful looking models,
accessories and shoes in an attempt to appeal
to the youthful streetwear trend.
Houses that were once known solely for
their immaculate construction chose a more
style and image-oriented route. Logomania
is yet another attribute of the street style
trend. Designers are now selling their brand
based on the idea that the customer is paying
for their logo, instead of the idea that the
customer is paying for immaculate
construction; Thus, street style is in full effect.
However, after the debut of Resort
2019, many have debated weather
designers have chosen to go back to their
roots. It is uncommon in the fashion
industry to stick with what everyone else is
doing. For example, Alexander Wang just
announced that he will now be showing his
collections on a June/December calendar to
make room for more collaboration drops.
Aside from changing the fashion calendar,
other designers have strayed from a more
youthful look. Chanel, for example, debuted
a Resort 2019 collection filled with Mary
Jane shoes, white stockings, and even
elongated the hemline of their tweed jackets.
So what is in store for this September’s
fashion month? Judging by the recent Resort
2019 collection, many designers could
choose to opt out of the current streetwear
trend. With a huge rush in the upward trend
of street style, it is about time for designers
to go an alternate route. By going back to
their core values of immaculate, handmade
construction and drapery, fashion houses
could be beginning to go back to their root
values that made them so popular and
differentiated them from the crowd.
However, many might not be willing to
give up the street style trend yet. American
culture has grown more and more
comfortable with athleisure wear on a daily
basis. Businesses are opting for a tieless
dress code, and many are caught wearing
athletic wear to more than just the gym.
So, is it appropriate for couture to fight
back and focus on construction? Or will no
one be interested because they would like to
pay for the logo instead of the hidden label?
BY RAE CRESCAS
38
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