The History of Urban Style: From the Bronx to Tokyo

The Bronx: The Birthplace of Urban Style

In the late 1970s, the Bronx was a hotbed of cultural creativity, where young people gathered to express themselves through art, music, and dance. This era saw the birth of hip hop culture, and with it, the emergence of a new style of dress. Rappers and breakdancers donned baggy clothes, sneakers, and chunky gold chains, creating a bold and unique look.

Fun fact: The term "hip hop" was coined by Keith Cowboy of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. He used it to describe the rhythmic cadence of MCs as they rhymed over beats.

The 80s: The Golden Age of Urban Style

The 80s saw the rise of urban fashion, as hip hop culture exploded into the mainstream. Artists like Run-DMC and LL Cool J made tracksuits, Adidas sneakers, and Kangol hats iconic. Meanwhile, the punk and new wave scenes in London and New York inspired leather jackets, spiky hair, and studded accessories.

Fun fact: Run-DMC's endorsement deal with Adidas in the mid-80s paved the way for future sneaker collaborations between hip hop artists and major shoe brands.

The 90s: From Grunge to Glam

In the 90s, urban style became more diverse and eclectic. Grunge fashion emerged in Seattle, with flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots becoming staples of the alternative scene. At the same time, hip hop fashion continued to evolve, with oversized denim jackets, baseball caps, and Timberland boots dominating the scene.

Fun fact: The Spice Girls' iconic platform shoes, worn in their music videos and on stage, were inspired by the 90s rave scene.

The 2000s: The Era of Bling

The turn of the millennium saw urban style take on a new level of extravagance. Bling became the name of the game, with rappers like Jay-Z and 50 Cent flaunting their wealth with diamond-encrusted jewelry and designer clothing. Meanwhile, the streetwear scene exploded in Japan, with brands like A Bathing Ape and Comme des Garçons gaining global recognition.

Fun fact: A Bathing Ape founder Nigo is a huge collector of vintage clothing, and his personal collection is said to contain over 30,000 pieces.

The 2010s: Athleisure and Beyond

In recent years, the lines between streetwear and high fashion have blurred. Athleisure, a trend that combines athletic wear with casual clothing, has become a popular look. Meanwhile, designers like Virgil Abloh and Demna Gvasalia have brought streetwear aesthetics to the runways of Paris and Milan.

Fun fact: Virgil Abloh, the founder of the Off-White label and the artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear, has a degree in civil engineering and a master's in architecture.

From the Bronx to Tokyo: The Global Influence of Urban Style

Urban style has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the Bronx. Today, it is a global phenomenon, with fashion trends originating from cities around the world. From New York to London to Tokyo, urban style continues to evolve and inspire new generations of fashion lovers.

Fun fact: The streetwear scene in Tokyo is so big that it has its own dedicated shopping district, called Haraj