Down Memory Lane: The Beginnings Of Urban Fashion

The beginnings of urban fashion can be traced back to one place in the United States, the city that never sleeps, New York City. This comes to no surprise since New York has always been at the center of major developments in the world of finance, culture, art, education, media and fashion. But even though urban clothing styles started in New York City in the late 70s and early 80s, the trend quickly spread to other metropolis like Chicago, Los Angeles and Detroit. Soon the word “urban fashion” spread outside the states and developed into different styles as it entered Europe and Asia and assimilated various cultures and personal interpretations from local designers.

However, it was Hip Hop music that served as the core component of early urban wear. As hip hop rose to popularity in the 1970s, so did the clothing that was worn by the artists behind the songs. Teenagers began imitating their favorite rap artists from the songs down to the way they dress. Designers and clothing manufacturers immediately recognized the opportunity to market this relatively new product line. Hip hop styles and grunge fashion slowly crept out into the open.

And the urban landscape was practically changed as new materials become available and pioneers in designs started to come out with new designs. And by the time the 80s were over, the trend was not so much on coming out with new urban clothing line but rather it was on the accessories. What you’ll see are chains, chains and more chains. Studded earrings, necklaces with name plates, huge sunglasses, metal bracelets and other heavily ornamented accessories suddenly became popular. And the “bling-bling” was born.

Probably the next big change in the urban wear scene is when hip hop artists of African origins began integrating their cultural heritage on how they dress. The oversize pants and dresses, the African colors and even headdresses were used by artists like Queen Latifah and Public Enemy. This change also brought on the use of bright neon colors in the 1990s. The 90s also ushered in the era of artists becoming their own designers often releasing their own clothing lines for the public to enjoy. And the teens, the fans and the public embraced them wholeheartedly.

As we enter the 21st century, nothing much has changed in the urban fashion scene. However, it was noticeable to see that more and more people, even with music artists, are becoming more mature and are becoming savvier on the way they dress. People belonging to this group have recognized that casual wear or a little formality will not drown their own sense of individuality. Mixing and matching the best designer clothes they can get their hands on and sprinkling it with their own creativity produces an urban fashion that is hip and trendy.

The beginning of urban fashion launched a new fashion trend that continues to develop and grow until now. Who knows what the next decade will bring to the fashion industry. Who knows what kinds of innovative clothing design or futuristic accessories they would come out next. Regardless, urban wear is something that will stay for a long time so why not familiarize yourself with the trends and so dress up sometime, the urban way.