Posing the Question: What if Street Style Dictated High Fashion?
Before journeying down the "What If?" pathway, let's revisit the origin of 'street style.' Starting as a counterpoint to the gate-kept, high society world of high fashion, street style assures democracy in the fashion world. It segues from the rigid definitions of what is chic and fashionable, instead emphasizing individuality, creativity, and the "real real" aspect of everyday life.
Envision a world without the influence of street style – a world where fashion remained the exclusive domain of the specially invited guests at runway shows, exclusive on the inside, but oblivious to the real world's diversity and vibrancy.
What If: Street Style as the Norm
As engaging as it sounds, let's imagine: ‘What If’ our timeline had a different fashion curve? In other words, ‘What If’ street style had become the defining philosophy of all fashion, including high-end?
Gone would be the glossy magazine pages filled with ethereal couture draping on skinny models, replaced by real people in street style outfits expressing their unique identities. Street Style 2023 would no longer be restricted to the realm of Instagram influencers or photographed passersby at fashion weeks - it would pervade the glossy magazine editorials and direct the sartorial choices of the elite.
Peeping into Future: Street Style 2024
Borrowing clothes from the realm of street style would instigate an inclusive era in high fashion. The fabled haute couture of Paris would echo the grunge style seeping from the heart of Seattle, or the vibrant geometric prints found in the vivacious markets of Lagos.
Street Style 2024, imagined in this alternate universe, could possibly lieu of restricting designer whims, the palate would expand to different cultures, eras, and individual tastes. It seems impossible, but let’s encourage ourselves to ponder: a Dolce & Gabbana collection inspired by the hip-hop scene of 1970s New York or a Chanel line reverberating with the punk-rock echoes of Britain.
The Era of Individuality and Realness
This "What If?" scenario could veer fashion towards real bodies, real diversity, and a real representation of cultures. Instead of an assembly of impossible beauty standards, the faces of fashion could reflect the variety of human beauty - giving a platform to those whose styles celebrate their unique identities.
"Street style outfits" in this narrative wouldn't just be about expressing personal style; they'd dictate trends seen on the runways. The love for luxury wouldn't dissipate, instead it would incorporate things that are 'the real real,' touching the lives of people beyond glossy fashion weeks.
Final Thoughts
Revering the "What If?" can be fun, ground-breaking, even revolutionary. It surely says a lot about the present. Our fashion world does need to evolve, take a few tips from the street style democracy. A place where the catwalks are the bustling streets, and the fashion influencers are the vivid, unique individuals bringing color to their cityscape.
Perhaps the real question we should be asking isn't just "What If?" but "Why Not?"
