Mission: Street Trends Become High Fashion

PART I

Zoot Suit

Beatniks

Beat Generation poets artists in North Beach, San Francisco photographed by Larry Keenan (1965)

In the 50s, during the post_World War II era, a new movement manifested that were intellectuals concerned with social issues. This look can include slim-fitted slacks, berets, darks sunglasses, and for men, goatees.

Teddy Boys

The Great Balls of Fire! film photographed by Bob Marshak (1989)

This Edwardian-inspired look hails from London and was typical for young men. In the 50s, the look became associated American rock and roll music.

Mod

Twiggy Lawson (1962)

This style was inspired by the 60s London subculture and supported by fashion-forward designers such as Mary Quant who introduced the miniskirt. Twiggy was the epicenter of this era with her wide-eyed waifish look.

Hippies

Hippie Girls photographed by Ralph Crane (1970s)

This street style was influenced by the social and political issues during the late 60s and 70s. Hippies are known for wearing looks that challenge the status quo like these young girls in tunics embellished with stars and stripes.

Disco

Saturday Night Fever film poster (1977)

The disco era was about being flashy and the look was glitzy with a lot of shimmer and shine. The clothing styles included silky jumpsuits, shiny fitted jeans, and sequinned dresses.

Punk

Japanese Punk Rockers (1990s)

This style is inspired from the punk rock music genre. Fans of the music started to emulate that favorite rockers and sported some of their outrageous looks by wearing studded leather gear, dog collars, and sported brightly colored and spiked hait. The look also included clothing that appeared heavily worn with large tears.

Hip Hop

Faada Freddy of the Senegalese rap crew Daara J (2005)

Hip hop found its origins from inner cities among the Afrtican American community and young rap musicians. THe style that emerged from this cultural and entertainment movement was marked by oversized garments, name-brand gear, and flashy jewelery termed “bling bling.”

PART II

Zoot Suit

Christian Dior Spring 2008

This suit resembles a zoot suit with a long double-breasted blazer and wide-legged trousers.

John Galliano Spring 2002

This suit has classic zoot suit styling with a flamboyant print and wide-leg trouser with a narrow cuff.

Beatniks

Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2009

This Burberry look resembles the relaxed look of the Beat Generation, which was about simplicity.

Calvin Klein Fall 2008

This coat has the classic look often seen in fashions worn by Beatniks.

Teddy Boys

Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2009

This look gets inspiration from menswear with classic pieces like a cardigan, collarded shirt, and a pencil skirt.

Ralph Lauren Fall 2006

This tailored 3-piece suit has British influences in style and silhouette, mimicking the look of 50s London subculture.

Mod

Lacoste Spring 2009

This geometric print A-line shift dress is the epitome of the styles that were popular during this era.

Missoni Pre-Fall 2008

Bold color on a mimidress was the uniform of the Mod fashionista. The modern look has a pop art influence and a streamlined aesthetics.

Hippies

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009

This shabby chic look has a hippie influence evident by an abundance of florals, an mix of textures, and free-flowing silhouette.

Marni Spring 2003

An eclectic blend of styles with the addition of vintage-inspired pieces like a fur stole create a Boho chic look reminiscent of the Hippie era.

Disco

Balmain Fall 2009

This sequinned embellished minidress has the glitz and glamour that was popular in the Disco era.

BCBG Max Azria Spring 2009

This silky jumpsuit has the look that discothèque-goers sported out on the town.

Punk

Just Cavalli Fall 2009

The influence of punk rockers in this ensemble is in the shredded leggings paired with the acid washed blazer.

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2009

Punk gets an upscale look with a leather ruffle-trimmed trench and cutout patterned hosiery.

Hip Hop

Alexander Wang Fall 2007

One of the many looks of wearing hip hop gear includes blending sportswear with jeans like these black leather jeans coordinated with combat boots, baseball cap, baggy tank, and exposed brassier.

Christian Dior Spring 2004

Hip hop is known for its over the top appeal with flashy garments like this fur jacket paired with silk lounge pants and a Kango hat.

PART III

Gothic Lolita

Japanese girl (2007)

Japanese street fashion has a look all its own derived from styles around the globe. Gothic Lolita has an influence centered on Eastern and Victorian Goth style. The look is characterized by dark colors, feminine silhouettes, and accessories. Dresses and skirts are typically knee-length atop petticoats for fullness. The bodices of the dress and blouses are often embellished with ruffles or trimmed in lace. The Lolita allure is achieved with the girly air of the ensemble and knee socks and hosiery worn with Mary Jane or ballet-inspired shoes.

Alexander McQueen Fall 2008

Luella Fall 2008

Harajuku

Gwen Stefani backup dancers known as the Harajuku Girls (2005)

This is another example of a Japanese street style. The look has influences from street styles from other parts of the world incuding Guatemala and Jamaica. There is also a eclectic mix of other local street styles from club kid and skater to grunge and hip hop.

L.A.M.B. Spring 2008

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2004