STREETWEAR 101

Hi ZonERz,

Over the last five years (yes I’m turning 25 soon, officially going to the wrong side of age), I’ve found my personal style evolving from “Show off/ designer hungry/ 90’s model poor imitator/ form-fitting everything” to a cooler vision of clothing. This has for sure something to do with the fact that I feel better in my own skin (even though there is still a long way to go on that topic).

"It’s a sweet balance between being your goofy self and knowing the cool language of the moment"

But I think that, most importantly, it stems from the recognition of the magnetism that an “aura of individual cool” has on other people. I’m not a law of attraction expert, but it’s hard not to argue that the more you embrace what makes you unique while being very aligned with the Zeitgeist of the moment, the more people will be interested in what you have to say and will pay attention. It’s a sweet balance between being your goofy self and knowing the cool language of the moment.

That is also why I developed a fascination for the cool kids (Instagram famous or not). Those people that you bump into in the street thinking “Wait, you look fascinating”. It sounds creepy (I guess my own “unique” trait is that I am a variation of creepy after all) but it comes from a very good intention of figuring our that cool juice they seem to be cooking.

I want to touch base with you on those pieces/ trends/ locations/ anything in between that make me feel a bit fresher (and hopefully will make you feel fresher too), so that we can become the coolest kids on the block together.

In that article, I wish to touch base on what I love about streetwear. It has over the years become a large inspiration and a fair part of my wardrobe.

Since I was a child I remember having a huge resentment for formal dressing: it was uncomfortable (ballerinas, in particular, giving me countless blisters), definitely not convenient to go outside and play. I think it never really changed because formal workwear and corporate dress code give me anxiety today.

---

"Streetwear is the most exciting “genre” of fashion today"

I found that streetwear particularly resonated with me these past few years because it was aligned with my musical tastes (leaning towards rap, hip hop music). More specifically I love the large confidentiality, or rather the selected communication surrounding product drops.

Case in point: when I am riding the subway, I feel an extreme sense of pride when I spot someone with a very fresh pair of sneakers (an exclusive collab, that not many people know about), and I actually recognize the shoes. I find it brilliant to be under the impression of belonging to a group of shoe connoisseurs who share an exciting bit of sub-culture.

Also, streetwear is the most exciting “genre” of fashion today. First, the absolute freedom brands like Supreme, Kith, Palace get in terms of how they want to present themselves (everything surrounding their brand image) makes everything they do unpredictable, thus very exciting. Their creative juices are much less constrained than the stories “traditional” designers serve their customers with. It doesn’t mean that the streetwear brand itself is diluted in crazy marketing/ collabs/ events that have nothing to do with the core message it tries to convey: less straight forward doesn’t mean incoherent.

Holding and encouraging that kind of creative space is what allowed those brands to blur the lines with the luxury industry (Versace x Kith, Supreme x Louis Vuitton for example), with the construction world (DHL x Vetements , IKEA x Off white)… The colliding of those worlds was unthinkable a couple of decades ago. Plus the obvious humor those brands instill in their collection is quite refreshing when couture oftentimes comes up as very stiff and serious.

I know the price point of some of the merchandise is ridiculous for the quality, but I keep being fascinated with all the WTFesques stuff they come up with (and the occasional: “You look SO cool” when you happen to wear an exclusive Supreme T-Shirt doesn’t hurt … #ego).

Here is thus a non-exhaustive list of my streetwear starter pack, so you can nerd on sneakers in your free time (as you should!).

What to wear?

Start slow: cool sneakers will almost always do the trick.

Get educated on Jordans (their numbers, colorway, collabs …) and you’ll already feel part of the gang.

If you want to take it a step further follow @sneakertrkr on IG to be the know-it-all, and see how much your fresh kicks are worth the resell market on StockX (app or desktop).

- A bucket hat. Because that’s what the cool kids are wearing (and I bought one, so please make me feel validated)

- Cool printed t-shirts and shirts (the short sleeves kind). Tealer makes amazing prints, Garçons Infidèles is the coolest brand if you have a bigger budget.

- Check out these other brands (that are not your usual sportswear attire, nor Yeezy): Kith, Fear Of God, Palm Angels, Bape, Walk in Paris, Wasted Paris amongst others.

- As for places to shop, if you are in Paris I’d recommend: Nous, Graduate Store, Structure Paris, After Drop, The Next Door, Starcow Paris, Vos

What to read/ hear/ follow

- Highsnobiety/ Highsnobiety sneakers, Hypebeast — to have all the burning tea on streetwear culture

- BOF and the BOF Podcast — if you are a nerd and a know it all (guilty)

-@Clara.Berry and @BillieEilish because … Kweens. You’ll get inspiration from the best of the best

Mad love …