Behind the Seams: A Brief History of Streetwear

Streetwear is more than just what you wear; it’s a way of life, a statement, and a constantly evolving culture. Brands like iRiE PAPA are part of this exciting story, taking inspiration from how streetwear grew from underground movements to a global force. Let's explore the key moments and figures that shaped streetwear.

How It Started: Surf, Skate, and Hip-Hop (1970s-1980s)

Streetwear came from the blending of a few different, influential scenes:

• Surf Culture: In the 1970s, surfers in Southern California, like Shawn Stussy, started creating their own custom gear. Making limited-edition designs became a core value for streetwear.

• Skate Culture: Skateboarding paired well with the rebellious type attitude, and that showed in the clothes that many skaters wore. Brands like Vans and Vision Street Wear became popular for their cool, durable styles.

• Hip-Hop: Emerging from the Bronx in the late '70s and early '80s, hip-hop brought its own unique fashion sense. Brands like Adidas, Puma, and Kangol were embraced by artists like Run DMC, making them essential to the culture.

The Rise of the Big Names (1990s)

The 1990s saw streetwear become a global phenomenon, thanks to brands that are still iconic today:

• Stüssy: Shawn Stussy’s brand mixed surf, skate, and hip-hop influences, creating a style that was cool and recognizable worldwide.

• Supreme: Founded in New York City in 1994, Supreme started out catering to skaters but quickly became known for its limited-release items and collaborations.

• BAPE (A Bathing Ape): From Japan, BAPE brought a playful and colorful vibe to streetwear with its signature camouflage patterns and creative designs.

Streetwear Meets High Fashion (2000s-Present)

In the 2000s, streetwear started to cross paths with luxury fashion, blurring the lines between casual and high-end:

• Collaborations: Brands like Supreme and Louis Vuitton, and Nike and Off-White showed how much influence streetwear had gained in the fashion world.

• High-End Streetwear Designers: Like Virgil Abloh (Off-White and Louis Vuitton) brought streetwear aesthetics to luxury fashion, elevating the status of everyday clothing.

Streetwear Today and iRiE PAPA

Today, streetwear is still a major force in global culture, influencing everything from high fashion to what people wear every day. It’s a constantly changing scene where creativity, self-expression, and community are key.

iRiE PAPA, is a CREATIVELY FUELED brand, heavily focused on meshing bold street art with positivity.

Streetwear continues to evolve, but its core ideas remain the same: being authentic, creative, and connected. Join us as we keep pushing boundaries and celebrating self-expression through art and fashion.