Graffitti effect on Urban Wear

It’s interesting to note that the concept of graffiti itself began from as early as the Neanderthal man. Take the paintings and premature drawings often etched out on cave walls as an example. Today however the way we understand graffiti has changed. It still remains a very strong medium of expression, but is often aligned with anti-social elements or rebellious teenagers.

Drawings or expressions with spray cans can be commonly seen in public areas such as the subway or playgrounds. Hip hop was the first movement to openly embrace graffiti as a sister expression in creativity. The earliest graffiti designs that featured on t-shirts usually bore the name of the person wearing it or of a hip hop artist. Very slowly, graffiti gained a firmer ground when urban wear itself began to sweep the nation. It was the perfect creative medium that went hand in hand with streetwear. After all, streetwear itself was worn as a sign of defiance and to stand out, whereas graffiti carried such messages loud and clear.

Even today, there’s a clear uniqueness about graffiti that makes the apparel stand out. It’s a very popular design on other accessories such as hoodies, beanie caps, and especially skateboards. Many commercial urban wear names have capitalised on a trend that seems to be getting stronger with every passing generation. Zoo York is one such brand which unabashedly draws its inspiration from New York City’s energy and life. This brand which began to create waves in the early seventies, began with graffiti inspired skateboards. By the eighties, the very word Zoo York meant graffiti artists, skateboarders and other creative people. The brand helped to popularize skateboarding and graffiti as a means of expression.

 The brand was officially launched in 1993 and began with a line of skateboards and t-shirts which slowly grew into a more extensive range designed to suit all tastes. Even today this Manhattan based brand draws its main influences from the streets, hip hop, graffiti and even has a motely mix of the best NYC artist and musician talent, who are fondly called the Zoo Crew.

Obey is another popular brand which began by distributing stencils and allowed users to download Obey stickers free on the Internet. They moved on to posters and eventually to t-shirts in 2001 which carried unique images and stencilled drawings. Today, the brand still sells posters now and then, but Obey Clothing focuses more on apparel that is a blend of fashion and class. They have a wide range of accessories and clothes for men and women, and are renowned for their glow in the dark t-shirts. Methods NYC brings graffiti wear to people directly inspired from original graffiti drawings on walls. This brand often sponsors events related to graffiti artists and hip hop with part of the proceeds going to the artists whose designs are sold. They feature artists from America as well as Europe.

Graffiti helps to keep the essence of streetwear alive. As artists get together to create more never seen before designs, graffiti on clothes will always be around.

What all the GOTH

Goth clothing and Streetwear may sound like they are worlds apart in terms of origins and fashion statements, but you're in for a surprise. Just like streetwear itself was born and is worn proudly to define a purpose, Goth too is worn by people who feel they don't fit in. When one thinks of a person who is most likely to wear Goth clothing, a teenager comes to mind and a rebellious one at that. Over the years, streetwear became the acceptable fashion style to adopt especially if one had something to say or supported a particular cause. Goth was a mish mash of influences from death rock, punk, Victorian and even Renaissance styles. Youngsters who wore Goth, were often spotted with black nail polish, umpteen rings and tattoos wearing pants and jackets that were black in color. Just as streetwear drew its inspiration from rap and hip hop genres, Goth was largely inspired by Gothic rock which was a later offshoot of punk itself. Streetwear today has adapted to different styles of fashion, and Goth Streetwear is quite popular among youngsters too.

Goth Streetwear focuses on the complete look, and lends a fashionable cool touch to the wearer. Unlike in Goth clothing, where accessories are largely worn to enhance the ' I dont care nor fit in' image; accessories that are worn in Goth Streetwear help complete the intended look in a funky manner. For instance a girl may wear a black Goth Streetwear dress and may carry a Gothic Hobo with designs of silver studs and skulls on it. Silver studs, laces, ribbons, large buttons, zips and even corsages in the clothing is what sets Goth Streetwear apart. Accessories such as chains, bracelets and ear rings with loud designs, huge studs, spikes and bright colors are quite popular too. Footwear for the girls usually includes high boots and shoes in vinyl or fake leather. GoodGoth.com is a popular website which sells everything a Goth lover can dream of. Skirts with embroidery designs, dresses that can be worn during the day time, shoes, accessories and even plus sizes can all be found here. Colorful hairbands and spunky handbags in different hues and shades can also be purchased online. Covet Couture is another brand which specializes in selling Goth Streetwear for both men and women. Their range for men include clothing such as shirts with chains, military style zipped jackets, baggy pants as well as trousers with chains and studs. Their collection for women focuses on hip clothing with a flirty and feminine touch. They have lacy satin skirts , mini skirts with studs, high waist skirts with belts and a variety of corset tops to suit all sizes. Their dresses which are all in black, would probably have gone unnoticed but for an attractive belt, side slit, chain or zip, which makes the dress stand out.

Goth Streetwear is a great alternative to regular streetwear for youngsters. Its the perfect fashion statement for those who want clothing that stands out for all the right reasons.