Posted on: 2021-04-22
Magazines, Streets of Metropolitan and social media are gushing with imagery of street style. Although many Haute Couture brand have ventured out in creating street style; it is form of fashion that is often casual, and more accessible than Haute Couture.
Less is spoken about how Haute Couture has influenced Street Style. Although Street style has its root in the street culture it borrows some of the aesthetics from haute couture to make it more exclusive and individualistic. Like Jazz borrows voice from the African songs of freedom and nature, haute couture has lent its tone of democratisation to the street style.
The very basis on which any haute couture stands since the fall of anarchist society is democratisation of Luxury. Earlier Luxury was only afforded and allowed to people higher in Hierarchy. With the dawn of democracy Luxury and haute couture became the medium of change in utilitarian traits of existence. Individuals' voices found a meaning and so did the haute couture and found a new audience with new money.
Haute Couture lends this sense of exclusivity and individualism to Street Wear. It speaks to the person who wants to express his individuality through clothes. Not defined by classes, not dictated by hierarchy.
One of the notable ways in which Haute Couture has influenced Street Style is in the use of Material and construction. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have collaborated with streetwear labels like Supreme and Off White to create a stature of avant-garde style with the flesh of century old beauty.
Having said that, Streetwear is highly inspired by the unconventional silhouettes, layering and design that push conventional boundaries of acceptable mainstream fashion. Haute Couture has inspired the street style to create bold and innovative design elements, while keeping it functional and utilitarian.