Fashion as we know it today is incredibly ​versatile: many of the trends we now know today ​originate from popular looks in prior decades. ​However influential these trends may be, the real ​importance is the cultural significance and ​recognizing the ethnic groups that have used ​fashion to help shape their identity. This section ​will be primarily devoted to the evolution of styles ​throughout the years and how they influence ​modern looks today.

70's-80's Era:

Japanese streetwear originated in the 70s and 80s as ​a form of expressing individuality amongst their ​generation. Both the shinjinrui and trad generations ​of this era allowed for innovations and the cultivation ​of new ideas and trends that will enable future ​generations to build upon them. For instance, the DC ​era of the 80’s (AKA Designer Character) was the ​first trend to originate in Japan without Western ​influences, emphasizing Japanese culture. Two looks ​that characterized this era include the Hama Tora and ​Kawaii fashion. The Hama Tora focused more on ​plaids and sweaters, deterring from the traditional ​suit look before this era. Kawaii fashion was ​distinguished by its ample look with intricate details ​adorning the articles of clothing. These included frills, ​ribbons, and large collars, often in warm colors like ​red, pink, and white. Both have recently reappeared ​in our youth, becoming popular looks and aesthetics.

90's Era:

The beginning of the 90’s marked several stark ​differences from the prior decade: there now ​was a pronounced emphasis on the maturity ​and stability of new generations rather than ​youthful looks and development, which was ​demonstrated through emerging styles. For ​instance, new cultural norms became prevalent ​and were led by the Dankai junior generation. ​This generation began the fashion movement ​of adorning the wearer with tasteful pieces ​from luxury brands. These brands and styles ​include Louis Vuitton and basic articles of ​clothing such as imported jeans, striped shirts ​and more. Overall, there was more importance ​on elevating one’s style to a degree of elegance, ​ushering in a new era of styles that display ​many parallels to those today.

2000's Era:

The transition to the 2000’s also ushered in significant ​changes for Japanese consumer culture: fashionable clothing ​and prices underwent a major shift during this era. ​Previously it was known for individuals to purchase articles ​of clothing from designer and luxury brands in order to ​attain the popular looks that dominated the time. However, ​as prices increased, people began to gravitate towards more ​affordable options. Places that increased in popularity ​included Uniqlo and GAP, due to relatively cheap prices and ​fashionable clothing. With the introduction of new clothing ​stores also came new trends amongst youth at the time. For ​instance, the Sports Mix Kawaii allowed women to express ​themselves in ways that would have previously been ​frowned upon. This look included unisex clothes with ​feminine hairstyles and makeup, which was similar to ​another popular look at the time, known as the Unisex ​Kawaii look. This typically consisted of baggy t-shirts and ​skinny jeans. Nevertheless, what the 2000's did for ​Japanese culture was consistently defy traditional norms ​and appeal to a larger audience in terms of fashion.

African Influences:

Indian Fashion Styles:

Complex, elegant, and intricate: words cannot sum up the elaborate detail that Indian fashion embodies. ​From traditional ethnic wear to the modern fusion of multiple cultural traits, the versatility of Indian fashion ​always been prominent. The role of technological advancements has only aided this process, and created new ​innovative ways that have significantly impacted the fashion world.

Fusion Culture

Popular styles from both western influences and Indian influences have infiltrated Indian society to form a ‘fusion culture’ prominent ​amongst different forms of clothing. For instance, the shirt style ‘Kurti’, is distinguished by it’s variety of collar types, it’s shorter ​length, and side slits.

There are many different ways traditional clothing can be styled. For instance, a popular fashion trend amongst women is pairing an ​asymmetrical kurti with denim jeans, demonstrating the pronounced nature of Indo-Western looks and the impact it has had on Indian ​culture. Other examples include lehengas worn with crop tops, sarees with shirts, and more. What these all illustrate is the shift of ​evolving trends and incorporating them into Indian culture, while still retaining important aspects of Indian values and lifestyle.

Social Media and Other Influences

Clothing stemming from Indian origins tend to be very intricate and detailed: for instance, the Anarkali suits from the era of Mughal-e-​Azam have evolved to become Anarkali gowns. This demonstrates the ability of having Indian culture remain intact and prominent in ​articles of clothing, while also expanding on a new era of ethnic wear for women. The impact that western influences have had on all ​culture’s is profound, but definitely made more pronounced due to recent innovations in technology.

As society and technological advancements ushered in the era of social media, influencers have also played a big role in cultivating the ​popular styles we see today. Different platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and more have allowed influencers to reach a large audience ​and expand on trends while retaining cultural aspects, such as the addition of a blazer to a saree. Ultimately, combining several different ​styles native to one’s culture while combining it with others from different cultures allows for more variety and appreciation for it’s ​historical significance, as seen in Indian culture.

Black Culture: Streetwear

Black culture is most commonly associated with streetwear as we know it today. This fashion first emerged in the ​80’s but grew in popularity in the 90’s due to new innovations in technology (such as music videos), which allowed ​artists to reach a larger audience. This new trend went hand-in-hand with the radical nature of the golden age of ​hip-hop, exemplified through emerging rhythms and fashion.

Many different pieces went into the classic streetwear look. Baggy jeans were a staple piece in achieving the style: ​they were first worn by artists for music videos and awards ceremonies. Baggy pants were popularized by the girl ​group TLC, who became known for wearing multiple different types of baggy pants. As a growing number of ​influencers began adorning wide-legged pants, the demand for this style of pants made with various materials ​increased. Some popular materials at the time included denim, reflective nylon, satin, and leather.

Shoes also helped shape the era of Black streetwear. After the first Jordans were released, they became popularized ​by athletes and rappers sporting the look, which heavily influenced the black community. These shoes eventually ​became higher in demand and shaped sneaker culture for decades to come. As for tops, the styles would vary ​depending on the climate of where an individual resided. However, it would typically consist of oversized jackets. ​The different types would vary but generally included denim, track, puffer, and Avirex.

Finally, the streetwear look was commonly finished with bucket hats, white tees, and snapback caps. Overall, black ​culture has heavily influenced many of the fashion trends we see today: it is vital to uphold their remarkable ​contributions by giving recognition where it is due.

Resources:

• Evolution of Women's Ethnic Wear
  
• Difference between Kurti's and Kurta's
• Four Types of African Fabrics to Know
  
• Fashion Trends that Originated from African Culture
• Tokyo Street Fashion and Culture: 1980-2017
  
• How Black Culture Popularized Streetwear