“Luxury is a lot more inclusive these days,” according to Jeff Carvalho, the managing director of Highsnobiety. The site, founded as a blog about sneakers in 2005, is a fast rising resource for finding the next streetwear brand that will launch into the fashion world. Streetwear has moved from daily wear to a top selling market in the fashion industry. Coveted brands sell high and then resell even higher in subsequent auctions. More and more designers, like Angus Chiang, are presenting streetwear inspired looks on the catwalk. Let’s take a look at the brands that are inspiring these fashion designers as we look at some coveted streetwear brands that are the new symbols of luxury.
Supreme
Supreme is the Hermes of streetwear. Their merchandise is highly sought after and extremely difficult to obtain. Supreme is an American original. Opened in 1994 in Manhattan, the brand was the home to New York skate culture. Neighborhood kids, statewide skaters, and local artists came together to build a brand that embodies downtown culture. As skating culture grew worldwide, so did Supreme’s brand recognition. Internationally recognized, you can find the Supreme logo on collaborations with fashion powerhouses like Louis Vuitton.
This quilted and studded leather jacket is from Supreme’s fall and winter 2018 line. Lambskin leather is diamond quilted and then finished with nickel studs. This lightweight jacket is made of top of the line materials while retaining it’s street credibility. The orange wool trench coat featured above is also part of Supreme’s fall/winter collection.
Stussy
Skate boarding culture also provides inspiration for Stussy, another fashionable streetwear brand. Shawn Stüssy developed the label in 1980 and has stayed true to his roots. The brand’s style is a mix of art, music, skater and surf life. Stussy has never been in a runway show, but that does not stop celebrity headliners from wearing their fashions and propelling the brand into the spotlight. Many brands, like Dover Street market, have collaborated with Stussy. Their no fuss, everyday wear has unique construction details and prints that make them a cut above the rest.
The classic bowling shirt is a new arrival. Available in three vivid colors, the classic bowling shirt sports an embroidered logo. Double chest pockets complete the look. The zip up shadow plaid long sleeve shirt is another new addition to the Stussy line of men’s apparel. Also available in three colors, this shirt is mid weight and of 100% cotton yarn dyed to a plaid finish.
Buscemi
This luxury footwear and accessory brand for men, women and children is the work of Joe Buscemi. Founded in 2013, Buscemi’s goal was to create the most elegant sneaker possible. He merged creative street style with high quality craftsmanship to create this highly coveted brand. Every item is handcrafted in Civitanova, Italy, using the finest leathers and high end additions like 18 carat gold locks. The hand painted edges and stitch applique take 24 hours to construct. Buscemi offers luxury streetwear in eye popping colors with high end finishes.
This women’s white militare is in nubuck and the edges are hand painted. The shoe comes with gold plated hardware, including a belt closure and the Buscemi signature lock. The Weekend Bag in black royal is a mid size duffel bag hand crafted with Calf Leather. The signature Buscemi silver plated feather puller finishes this hip bag.
Expect to see more designs like these on the runways as fashion lines are blurred and more iconic design houses collaborate with streetwear designers. These three brands have shown that streetwear can be luxurious.