PROTOTYPE: FIRST ATTEMPT – VISUAL CULTURE STUDIO

 

TOPIC: The relationship between Streetwear and High Fashion and how it effects both sides of the spectrum. 

THESIS: Though what is identified as “The Streets” has usually been ignored by most of the world, through many art forms it also inspires. The most recent collaborations non-exclusive to urban-inspired streetwear and culturally-infused consumables, make a mockery of an actual culture, transforming the true lives of many families into mere luxury items that they can’t even afford. This is disrespectful to the actual culture and prominent across many of this generation’s interests. Using the method of extensive research and field work, this essay will explore the collaboration between “The Streets,” and the Runway, and how it effects each side of this controversial and explosive trendy fashion-faux-pas.

EXPLANATION: As my first attempt to prototype my idea, I drew the images you currently see being passed around. My initial plan was to take classic high-fashion designers ideas and transform them by pairing them with classic streetwear silhouettes; things you don’t commonly see on the runway. I can see this as being an extremely successful project, as I have already found a great amount of interest in the topic. My next step is to finalize these designs, and create them in abundance, so I can then begin to actual put together the clothing. I will also prototype the clothes with real-cloth models, just not in the exact prints I’d make the final in, and bring those in to display to you all as well. 

BRIEF:

 

RESEARCH: Since Chanel is such a well-known Fashion Designer and has influenced even big name designers of today (See: Jeremy Scott x MOSCHINO) I decided to make my initial prototype after their 90s lines. I took the prints and knitted/luxurious look and made it into a crop hoodie and a pair of trousers, two staples in today’s streetwear roster. I made this into a winter look, also pairing along matching cropped bubble pullover (with hood) and bubble pants – some urban-inspired trends you’ll most likely see amongst the streets of Brooklyn. The next look was for Summer, inspired by the perforated leather Chanel models dawned in the mid-to-late 90s. I created a stitched-leather overall, with a mesh bodysuit under. Both my designs feature Chuck Taylor Converse, another streetwear staple and just one of my favorite shoes, period. The first design features a shoulder bag in a classic Chanel purse silhouette and the second design features a backpack in Chanel-inspired prints with a skateboard deck to match. I am extremely happy with both of these designs.