There’s a new streetwear movement taking place right now, and if you haven’t caught wind of it, here’s the lowdown: It’s all about disproportionate, experimental silhouettes and in-your-face slogans (the bolder, the better). Below, take a look at some of the hottest brands that the Instagram-savvy generation can’t live without:
Its Singapore outpost opened in September, but we’ve been eyeing American label Off-White’s effortlessly cool separates long before that. Founded by Virgil Abloh – aka Kanye West’s creative director – in 2014, the brand injects a youthful, urban air in its hoodies, oversized long-sleeved tops and slouchy pants. How else the brand differentiates its pieces: By introducing singularly unexpected details, like a cut-out back on a sweater or splitting two different sweatshirts into half and making them into one piece.
Since coming on board as German sportswear giant Puma’s creative director two years ago, Rihanna has obviously been busy creating one hit product after another. Whether or not the line’s popularity is due to her celebrity status, it’s clear that the sneakers, creepers and fur slides she’s designed have gained cult followings worldwide.
The Fall ’16 collection from the Fenty Puma line debuts at On Pedder this month, and you can expect mostly monochromatic offerings like sweatpants and jumpsuits with Rihanna’s signature grungey-meets-edgy appeal.
Since the anonymous design collective behind cult French label Vetements showed their first collection two years ago, streetstyle as we know it has changed. Favoured by the fashion cognoscenti, Vetements’ androgynous tailoring and loose, oversized fits are all the rage now. As one of its founders told W magazine in a 2014 interview: “If there’s one word that’s taboo for us […] it’s sophistication.”
G-Dragon, Rita Ora and Kanye are fans of this eight-year-old Japanese label, and it’s easy to see why: every piece has a show-stopping quality, ranging from a halter top with metal chains in place of straps to elaborate chokers and oversized rings.
Co-founded by South Korean rapper Verbal and graphic design-trained wife Yoon, the brand started out in jewellery but moved into ready-to-wear last year, and recently opened its first-ever flagship store in Shibuya, Japan.
The brand was borne out of Los Angeles-based founder Neek Lurk’s frustration with life, and while pieces are simple in their construction and design (they typically feature the brand name emblazoned across caps, jackets and tees), the response has been nothing short of phenomenal (items are usually sold out in minutes). And even though it’s only over a year old, it already counts over 250 thousand followers on its Instagram account, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rita Ora spotted in its caps.
Founded four years ago by American designer Jerry Lorenzo, the brand has quickly become one of the most coveted high-end streetwear brands with its distinctively edgy aesthetic. Its artful layering of oversized separates lends a contemporary ’90s hip-hop vibe grunge vibe.
The photography tumblr-turned-fashion label stands out with its raw ’90s grunge influences that are evident in not just their apparel, but also in how they market them. From gif-style portraits to washed-out Polaroids, the brand is the epitome of urban cool. Head over to their Tumblr to see a full range of their works.
Apart from its eye-catching and highly coveted tri-ferg emblem, Palace is definitely a brand that isn’t just all hype. With ’90s skate gear influences, the six-year-old label has won over celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Rihanna. Its recent collection embodies inspirations from the ’90s clubbing scene (think trippy, psychedelic graphics and tracksuits galore).
Many streetwear brands have drawn inspirations from American or UK culture and hip-hop influences, but for the founder-designer of the eight-year-old eponymous label, his collections are heavily influenced by his own roots, i.e. Russian culture. His unique take opposes current trends by playing with quirky elements, contrasting colours and odd patchwork designs.
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