The Future of Streetwear: Insights from Culture Kings’ Creative Team

Streetwear has been a cultural phenomenon for decades, but in recent years it has become a dominant force in the fashion industry. With its roots in skate and hip-hop culture, streetwear has evolved into a global fashion movement, influencing everything from high-end designer collections to fast fashion brands. However, as the industry continues to grow and change, what does the future of streetwear look like? We spoke with the creative team at Culture Kings, one of the leading streetwear retailers in Australia, to get their insights.

Sustainability and Ethical Production

One of the biggest trends in the fashion industry as a whole is a push towards sustainability and ethical production. This is something that the team at Culture Kings sees as becoming increasingly important in streetwear as well. “We’re seeing a shift towards more conscious consumption, and streetwear brands are starting to respond to that,” says James Wakelin, Culture Kings’ Head of Design. “Consumers are looking for brands that are transparent about their production processes and are making an effort to reduce their impact on the environment.”

This shift is already evident in some of the major streetwear brands. Adidas, for example, has committed to using only recycled polyester in its products by 2024, while Nike has launched a range of sustainable sneakers made from recycled materials. Wakelin predicts that more and more streetwear brands will follow suit in the coming years.

Gender-Neutral Clothing

Another trend that the Culture Kings team sees as becoming increasingly important in streetwear is gender-neutral clothing. “We’re seeing a lot of gender boundaries being broken down in fashion, and streetwear is no exception,” says Wakelin. “People want to wear what they want to wear, regardless of their gender, and streetwear is the perfect medium for that.”

This trend is already evident in some of the leading streetwear brands. Supreme, for example, has long embraced gender-neutral clothing, and its collaborations with brands like Comme des Garçons and The North Face have often featured unisex designs. Wakelin predicts that this trend will only continue to grow, with more and more streetwear brands offering gender-neutral options.

Digital Innovation

Finally, the Culture Kings team sees digital innovation as a key driver of the future of streetwear. “The way people shop is changing, and streetwear brands need to be able to adapt to that,” says Wakelin. “We’re seeing more and more online-only retailers popping up, and established brands need to be able to compete with that.”

One way that streetwear brands are adapting to this shift is by embracing new technologies. Augmented reality (AR) is becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry, with brands like Gucci and Burberry launching AR experiences that allow customers to try on virtual clothing. Wakelin predicts that we’ll start to see more AR experiences in streetwear as well, allowing customers to try on clothing without ever leaving their homes.

In conclusion, the future of streetwear looks bright. The industry is evolving and adapting to changing consumer trends, and the Culture Kings team sees sustainability, gender-neutral clothing, and digital innovation as key drivers of this evolution. As streetwear continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see what new trends and innovations emerge.