With global fashion shows well underway, it’s clear that the heavy presence of streetwear style is here to stay another season. Where most trends come and go quickly, the future of streetwear is an interesting one, especially with brands at the forefront of the movement expanding into the womenswear market . I spoke to Notts-Based, streetwear obsessed influencer Arooj (AKA Vogue Wonders) for her opinion on streetwear:
How would you describe your personal style?
A mix between tomboy meets girl, with a sprinkle of smart!
What was it about streetwear that originally captured your interest?
I love how chilled and laid back it is. Oversized fits are forever winning, for me it’s comfort and nice fits. I like bigger fits on me as that’s what I feel comfortable in wearing. Also how it can be styled. From ‘smart’ to ‘casual’. I sometimes wear a tracksuit bottom or a pair of joggers with a nice fit shirt or blazer and smart shoes to create a sophisticated but laid back look, then other days it’ll be hoodies and shirts! You can really play around with different streetwear looks, it’s kind of cool, just depends on how you wear the item.
What are your favourite brands at the moment?
COS are doing great stuff, as are Acne studios. Burberry’s recent collection is cool too, it’s so daring and it’s come at the right time, I’d say!
Where do you like to shop?
ZARA is usually my kind of store, I’ve bought a lot from there recently. Although they’re a hit and miss sometimes! I’m just waiting on the spring season to drop. I like to stick to the high street, so ASOS, Urban Outfitters and so on! … Also you’ll always find me in the men’s section.
Do you think girls (particularly influencers) in streetwear are often taken less seriously than boys? Do you have any experience of this?
No, I don’t think so. Personally, I wouldn’t think anyone had a judgment on females even doing that. I’ve always had great support and people saying it’s cool to see a girl do this kind of stuff! Though I do feel it is a male dominated area, I’d like to think people would take it seriously as it’s something fresh and people should be able to adapt to that and changes in fashion which happen everyday.
Many high-end brands such as Off-White and Heron Preston have released women’s ranges- do you think that this has had a major impact on the scene?
I’m not sure. I don’t see streetwear having a gender label to it, so I don’t know if having a woman’s range would make a huge impact. Women buy into men’s clothing naturally. By adding a gender it makes things too specific and could limit it in some way, however, if men bought into a woman’s clothing range then that’s a game changer. I don’t know any men who buy off the women’s section, whereas women naturally shop the men’s section. Streetwear is so versatile, whoever wants to wear it can wear it, in my opinion anyway!
Are there any girls in the scene that you particularly look up to?
Yes! I follow this girl called Aleali May on Instagram, her page is such a vibe!!
Where do you see the streetwear market going in the next few years?
There is so much hype around it at the moment, it’s a hot topic. I see it remaining strong, however, I don’t know if people are going to get bored of it anytime soon unless something changes, be it new collabs, campaigns, fashion shows only catered to streetwear or even a new brand. I think it needs to be maintained and always be one step ahead so people don’t lose interest or it becoming way too “mainstream” because that’s what happens with a lot of trends; they come and go or just get really boring.
Any there any releases you’re looking forward to?
Dr.Marten X Bathing Ape, - I think that’ll be a good release when it comes online and instore! Vans are also doing bits with their ‘checkered’ pack, and Balenciaga’s new speed trainers look ace! I want to get my hands on them!
Do you have a top styling tip?
Cropped trousers with a little ankle show always looks good! Also, feel comfortable in what you wear and be confident in it. The way you show the outfit is what makes it.
