Emergence of Local Subgroups in Streetwear
Fashion has innumerable genres and styles, ranging from gorpcore to haute-couture looks. In more recent years one genre that has exploded in popularity is '“Street-wear”, but this genre has been globally popular since the 1990’s. Streetwear is directly influenced by the notorious HipHop scene of NYC and Californian surf culture from the 1980’s. Streetwear is a casual style comprised of unique combinations of various genres, including sportswear and punk. There is no one definition of streetwear, and many people customize their outfits to showcase their individual personalities.
Courtesy of https://www.nssmag.com/en/fashion/18643/global-streetwear-report
When thinking about authentic streetwear the majority of us imagine New York City or Tokyo as the best place to find these looks, but streetwear can be found anywhere and everywhere, not just these major fashion centers. These categories of style are greatly influenced by locality and where they originate geographically, which is why the emergence of subgroups within specific communities is so prevalent.
Richmond Virginia, and more specifically, the VCU community has an eclectic taste in streetwear fashion. One of the subgroups we’ve identified is “Alt-Pop”; described as alternative looks that feature pops of color with layers of customization. As “retro” trends have made their way through the Fashion Cycle, punk influences have begun to resurface. Punk is a subculture style that emerged in the 1970s as a part of the larger punk rock movement. It is known for its rebellious and anti-establishment attitude, expressed through clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. Black has provided the foundation for modern punk looks.
These bases are then adorned with highly personalized accessories and/or enhanced by pieces that have a more colorful display. While these looks encapsulate an alternative motif, the individuality displayed in each of these ensembles further proves how they are also inspired by a major theme of today’s zeitgeist, self-expression.
Outfits found across VCU’s Campus that Resonate with the “Alt-Pop” subgroup; Spring 2023.
