It's all in the Sunglasses

Where would fashion be without eye wear? These days it doesn’t matter if you really need a pair of shades or not. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t really need a pair of prescription glasses to read a book because eye wear is no longer about the need for a pair of glasses any more. On the other hand, the right eye wear has become a must have fashion accessory.

 To the extent that people who don’t really need glasses, sometimes wear them just to project a more professional image. The power of this fashion accessory just cannot be denied. It can jazz up an otherwise ordinary outfit, make heads turn on the street and not surprisingly is the constant companion of celebrities and fashion icons.

It’s ironic that wearing glasses were not always considered cool and hip. In fact for a very long time, glasses per se were associated with old people who were in their prime. The thinking slowly changed, and people who wore glasses were thought of as wise and educated with a love for books. Then in 1929, Sam Forster created the first pair of sunglasses and within one year, the trend of wearing eye wear as protection from the sun caught on.

 American pilots were among the first people to wear sunglasses as eye protection while on duty. In 1936, Ray Ban created the first anti glare aviator sunglasses for pilots fighting in the Second World War. The popularity of sunglasses as a fashion item really caught on in the early sixties and thanks to the hippie era in particular; they became a must have accessory. Celebrities and other icons also wore sunglasses to enhance their fashion statement.

Today the eye wear industry has many well known brands which are in the business of not only merging technology with the best designs, but also enhancing the overall style quotient of the wearer. In fact, many brands showcase upcoming or yet to be unveiled designs at fashion shows. Big names like Chanel, Gucci and Dior often have their models wearing the latest fashion wear with sunglasses to complete the intended look.

Sunglasses are an important accessory in urban wear too.

 It’s not unusual for rap and hip hop artists to flash the latest designer eye wear, or to be in the public eye wearing flashy oversized sunglasses. As with urban wear itself, the idea is to allow each item in the ensemble to stand out on its own. Sunglasses in retro shades and styles, with colorful rims or with designs like polka dots on them are quite common as well.

If you are on the lookout for some cool shades to wear with your streetwear, check out sites like www.yukka.com or www.karmaloop.com. These sites have a good collection of sunglasses featuring different brands as well as unique tints and cool styles. The best way to look fresh each time is to have a few sunglasses that can be mixed and matched with any outfit making you look hot and cool at the same time.

Tie Dye is In

Although the hippie era is usually spoken about as the era of free love, drugs and rock n roll; it was also a time when fashion began to break away from the usual norms. A rather unusual style of creating patterns called the tie and dye method, became popular. Designs which are usually abstract or nature inspired were made by folding the material such as a dress or a t-shirt and then binding it tightly with bands to hold the material in place.

Different colored dyes depending on the intended look and style are then applied, to various sections of the material. The material is later rinsed and in some cases, left in a freezer overnight so that the dye does not run out when the material is washed next. These kinds of designs make the fabric appear very colorful and bright.

It is argued that tie and dye as a creative artistic process itself is actually quite old. Various materials which had tie and dye designs, dating back to 500-800 AD, showed patterns of small circles and lines in colors ¬like red, yellow and blue. Tie dye techniques were also in use in West Africa, where the clothing itself was richly embroidered in traditional designs before undergoing the tie and dye process.

Similarly, Indonesia and India too had their own tie and dye techniques as well as various words for the unique process. There is no end to one’s imagination as well as the different possibilities, when it comes to the tie and dye process. However, some patterns such as the spiral which is usually done in two colors, the V shape and random circles are quite popular.

The tie and dye design is quite unisex in nature and has a casual yet chic appeal when paired with jeans or with cargoes. It makes the wearer appear quite colorful too, as these designs are usually done in bright colors and black is rarely used.


Tie and dye is a relatively simple technique that can even be done safely at home, if you are keen on having a unique garment. Surprisingly, after a long hiatus, the tie and dye trend featured on the runaway in 2009 where design houses like Balmain showcased such garments with ripped bleach washed jeans and other trousers which were quite commonplace in the late seventies and early eighties. The tie and dye technique is no longer used on just fabric- it is also used on bags, shoes, scarves and even jewelry. This year too, when the Spring 2010 collection was unveiled, the tie and dye trend just could not be overlooked. The focus remained on creating fashion that was affordable and which incorporated the colors normally associated with spring. The impression given was that tie and dye designs were light, refreshing and flirty to wear. It doesn’t matter if you feel this technique is just not your thing. Something as small as a tie and dye scarf or a bag alone can jazz up the look of your ensemble.

It All About The Jeans

If there is one garment that is truly universal, then it is undoubtedly the humble jeans. Denim itself evolved from humble beginnings, with coal miners often wearing them at work, because the material was tough and did not tear easily. Moreover it could be washed time and again, without the color fading or the material itself coming apart. Jeans slowly made their way into retail shops and truly hit the mark, after celebrities made on screen appearances wearing them.

For a long time, jeans were associated with rebels and especially the youth. A guy in a pair of denims and a leather jacket, was thought to be the epitome of cool. Today jeans have come a long way with comfortable pairs being made even for infants. Plenty of designers and labels have all jumped in, to tap the potential that this huge market offers. After all, nothing spells comfort better than a pair of jeans with a t-shirt to match. Jeans are looked as a unisex garment which can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. A pair of jeans is no longer about just the color- it’s also about the style, fit, wash, rise, length, cut and the label.

One of the best selling trends doing the rounds these days is the focus on the vintage look. To achieve the vintage look, a decent pair of jeans may actually go through a process of being ripped and torn at strategic places. Vintage jeans on the whole are meant to look like the pair of denim itself is past its prime and is not looked after properly.

Faded jeans for one are very popular as they have an old feel about them, and have been washed that way to achieve the intended look. When worn, the jeans themselves stand out. Distressed or destroyed jeans on the other hand, look as if the denim has been to hell and back, and are usually accompanied by holes, rips, tears and frayed hems as well. Sometimes the threads of the jeans may hang out in a ragged manner, but that is supposed to enhance the overall look.

 Many denim fans may actually choose not to purchase such jeans for themselves, and instead prefer to hang on to their favorite pair of jeans for years to come. Eventually, the jeans will take on a natural vintage look on their own. Fashionistas on the other hand may think otherwise.

 The more distressed the jeans, the higher its fashion quotient. To a large extent we have celebrities who made wearing torn jeans fashionable, to thank for. Jeans with a whisker wash are also quite trendy to be seen in and can make the person look very fashionable. Usually the jeans will have a few cat like scratch marks or whisker marks on the leg or just below the front pockets on the thigh. This kind of style is very popular among women.

Probably no other garment has been experimented upon so much as the humble denim. No matter what the wash, cut or label, it is one garment that sits differently on everybody.

Footwear - Urban Wear

A classic urban wear or streetwear look is not just about the clothes- it’s about the whole ensemble from the cap worn right down to the footwear. In the early eighties, many hip hop artists started to promote a new trend in style. They teamed up a t-shirt or a track suit along with a jacket and for the final touch, wore sneakers with oversized laces or ‘ phat’ laces as they were fashionably called.

The trend was a huge success and hit a chord with many youngsters who were looking for a new fashion statement to set them apart. Since hip hop traditionally grew on the streets, sneakers were the ideal footwear for performing freestyle hip hop and other street dance forms.



Today, there are many brands which have branched out into designing streetwear shoes for youngsters. Sneakers are a hot favorite and are available in many designs and colors for both boys and girls. Names like Nike, Adidas and Reebok which were associated with manufacturing sports shoes for many years, were actually among the first to latch on to the streetwear shoe trend. Their designs which are very popular even today were a huge leap in style and a class apart from their usual plain white sneakers which were associated with sports.

Artists and designers were actually encouraged to get creative and use colors that were not common in footwear like gold, purple or silver. The idea was to make urban wear footwear unique and stylish on its own to the extent that it could be worn with other fashion styles and still add a clear hip hop touch to the wearer.

In addition to the most popular sports brands, there are plenty of other urban wear footwear brands which carry their own distinctive styles. In fact many of them not only sell footwear but are also known for their range of apparels and accessories. Etnies is one such brand which has a very colorful range of sneakers, guaranteed to blend in well with whatever you’re wearing. Two tone color patterns, tweed, graffiti prints and even loud colors such as blood red or gold are some of their popular designs. They have more than twenty designer ranges with at least five color options each. They even let customers design their own unique sneakers.

Besides footwear, the brand also sells apparels for boys, girls and kids. DC is another popular brand with a footwear collection for men, women, boys and kids which are another favorite. Footwear is available in four options- shoes, sandals, LX and water resistant footwear. The men’s collection comprises of footwear which are mostly in sober shades like black, brown and white whereas footwear for women is much more vibrant.

 Shades like blue, pink and patterns like tweed are also common. DC also has an interesting apparel and accessory range for both men and women. If you are unsure about which brand to buy, then check out websites like DrJays, Karmaloop and UrbanIndustry which offer a wider selection and feature top selling urban wear footwear brands.

UK Graffitti impact on Steetwear

The dictionary describes graffiti as a ' kind of rude decoration that is usually found on walls and other surfaces'. Although there is a strong anti social element associated with graffiti itself, it has found a steady place in clothing as an unusual work of art. Just as no two painters will ever paint alike, no two graffiti artists create the same artwork either. With regard to streetwear , graffiti has earned a place in history itself because of the strong manner in which it can convey a thought or message. Just as in America, graffiti in urban wear is very popular among youngsters in the UK as well. There are many brands which directly draw their inspiration from graffiti on the streets.

Abuze London is one one such brand that was born at a time when the Britihs police were doing their best to stop graffiti artists from displaying their work in public places. However, that didnt stop the artists from using the tubes, train lines, and empty walls as a canvas for their thoughts. They were successful in reaching a wider audience as well. From there, the brand Abuze LDN with the tag line' An extension of oneself' took form. The brand takes pride in having its feet frimly rooted in British culture and speaking out when needed. The brand also places importance on self- expression, attitude, individuality and even collaborates with different artists to create collections that are unique and have a razor sharp identity. Abuze has tshirts, jackets, knits and hoodies which have loud graphics, witty one liners, prints and other graffiti designs on them. In fact, they have even used underground maps and travel cards of London and then laminated them onto tshirts.

Urban Venom is another popular brand, which has different airbrush and graffiti designs on both tshirts and trainers. Designs on trainers include airbrush designs of Michael Jackson, Tupac and even Chris Brown. You can either buy one of their tshirts or of you refer, can customize one of your own for a price.
Besides exclusive brands which sell graffiti brands, there are many websites which are a one stop shop in streetwear, selling multiple brands and giving customers a wider range of choice.

Total Urban Wear also has a wide range of branded clothing and other accessories with eye catching and unusual graffiti prints on them. Zoo York, Coogi, Fubu and Converse are a few of the brands sold by this website. Another brand called Southpole even has an exclusive green colored tshirt which glows in the dark. Britishhiphop.co.uk is another website which gives you a basic review about different streetwear brands in the UK. Although the main feature of this website is its focus on hip hop music, clothing too gets a special mention here. Graffiti artists no matter which part of the world they are in, try to preserve culture as they know it, through their creative artworks. As long as people support the artists who dare to draw what they think, graffiti as an art form will always survive.

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.

Skateboarding Wear

Skateboarding as a sport has had a major influence on Urban wear. The cool hoodies, funky t-shirts, baggy jeans and colourful sneakers that skateboarders were often spotted in, slowly made their way into streetwear as well. One could say that fashion has had a huge impact on the sport itself. Youngsters love to show off their skateboards which are available today in different sizes, colors and designs. Many brands have unique designer skateboards which are full of attitude and

pack a punch. Whether you are a nature lover or an animal lover, prefer a design that’s menacing or cool, the best skateboard brands have something for everyone. Today, a skateboard is not just about the quality anymore. One glance at a person’s skateboard tells you all you need to know about the owner’s cool quotient and style.

Zero is a popular skateboard brand which relays a strong image, complete with splashes of blood and skulls that some may find gory. Designs that are funky, have a Gothic undertone and which are hard to ignore are a big favourite with youngsters. Some of their bestselling designs include an open mouth, a single with paint dripping, patterns of skulls and the single word ‘zero’ in a rainbow of colors. Just the right feel for those who dare to scare with their tactics. For those who want a skateboard that’s colourful yet subtle, Habitat is a great brand with a wide variety of choices. This brand may not be that famous, but they have graphics that are artistic in nature and pleasant to see.

They even have special styles like the Skylite with corrugated bottom ply decks and which is lighter as well. The bright graphics and designs in earthy colors are perfect for fun in the sun. Element skateboards are noted for their high quality which stands apart. Not only is this a company that has a green conscience but their skateboards are highly affordable as well. In fact they have a line of Helium skate decks with air chambers inside them to make them stiff yet light. Their tongue in cheek graphics, colourful graffiti designs and great choice of colors are eye catching. Overall, one may find their designs simple, but it’s a great choice for a skateboarder all the same. If you love cartoon characters and prefer a cheeky skateboard that doesn’t compromise on quality but is clean fun all the same; then go for Toy Machine. They have 7 ply skateboard decks, which aren’t exactly high on technology when compared to other brands but they are well made. Their graphics usually feature a cartoon character and are colourful to see as well. This brand is great for beginners who want something simple and easy to use.

Professional may prefer to use skateboards from Birdhouse, which uses the Black 6 technology. This feature is supposed to help a skateboarder with flicks in the air. Graphics are usually in red, black and white colors. With such great brands to choose from, there’s a skateboard to suit all preferences.

Urban Wear in the UK

Streetwear which originated in America, was quick to spread to nearby countries such as the UK and Europe within a short time. Hundreds of youngsters got hooked onto this new way of dressing which had in-depth meaning to it. Streetwear was a statement in fashion that was not limited to any particular stream of thought or design. It has been surmised that street wear has become too commercialized in the recent years and that has drawn the focus away from authentic urban wear clothing. On the flip side however, the foray of multinational brands into urban wear has also successfully brought it within reach to the masses. Youngsters all across the world are influenced by different external elements and often these influences and inspirations are featured in street wear too. Over the years, urban wear has not only oomphed up the definition of style but has also become an item of clothing that speaks for you.

In the UK, urban wear has become such a casual norm that many people don’t even realize that they are wearing fashion with a deep rooted history behind it. Popular styles that can be seen here are flashy prints, graffiti like designs, and especially images of hip hop stars or of animated figures. However, unlike in Japan where the popular animated character is Hello Kitty, prints of action heroes like the X-Men, movies like Star Wars and even drawings that feature deathly themes like skulls and ghosts are in style here. In fact, hoodies that have been inspired by Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader, are quite popular. T-shirts and hoodies even carry full length modern designs on the back, which are very stylish. Many brands have special collections for kids, featuring hoodies with basic designs or trousers with prints on them.

There is no lack of street wear brands here in the UK, and each one of them is unique in terms of signature styles and collections. ‘ Addict’ is one such brand with clothing for men and women. Their collections include denim, accessories, jackets and t-shirts with both graphic prints and retro styles. Their range of designs will please any kind of street wear fan. ‘ Urban Venom’ goes one step further in customized designs by offering airbrush artworks which can be placed on t-shirts or even trainers. Customers can choose from a number of celebrity pictures or choose to place their own portraits on their clothing. The website also retails other street wear brands, thereby giving customers a wider range to select from. ‘Yes No Maybe’, is another label that’s a must for those who want to wear something saucy and ironic. Witty liners, eye catching graphics, and prints in youthful colors are their hallmarks. Their designs are guaranteed to get you attention wherever you go.

Street wear in the UK is a delightful mix of attitude, style and design. One can safely assume that generations after will still be wearing urban wear, perhaps in more groundbreaking designs.

Cage Fighting RAGEWEAR Style

Sports wear today is a huge market. It is no longer just about which brand a sports celebrity is wearing- the colors worn, style of the clothing and even the fabric get highlighted when worn by famous people in public. No wonder that so many sportswear brands rush to sign up celebrities to endorse their products or even ask them to design a few collections for them. Faithful fans and sports lovers do not hesitate to pick up the same brands that their idols endorse. This also explains why celebrities want to be seen wearing the best brands, which blend with their image and enhance their personalities as well. Urban wear which was popularized by hip hop and rap, began to be featured in extreme sports as well. In fact, surfers and skateboarders in California are credited with making street wear hip and cool to wear on the beach. Hundreds of youngsters can be seen riding the waves dressed in such cool hip gear.

Cage fighting has become widely popular among those who like a good fight. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted. A combination of wrestling, martial arts and boxing may not be everybody’s idea of entertainment. But there’s no doubt that cage fighting is a aggressive rage filled sport. If you are into cage fighting or if you are an avid fan, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the sport in comfortable yet stylin’ clothing. RAGEWEAR has an extensive collection of apparel to suit different tastes and needs. This RAGEWEAR brand is a favorite with people across America, is very much in tune with what defines urban wear and street wear styles today. That explains their no nonsense, high quality, affordable and stylish clothing for both men and women. If you are looking for high end glitzy, gaudy street wear, you won’t find it here, because RAGEWEAR has been designed for every young man and woman’s wardrobe. RAGEWEAR believes that street wear is at its best when it says a lot by saying little. Their range of t-shirts carries the single word RAGE on them- which not only gives you a stylish edge but says everything about the sport as well. If that’s not menacing enough for your personality, then check out their t-shirts with the print of a bull elephant’s head on them. These t-shirts have a slightly worn out and faded look to them, which make them a hit with people of all ages. RAGEWEAR also has a collection of both zipped and non-zipped hoodies, with faded prints of Fydo and the word RAGE written on the back. The images of the elephant are set against a red background so as to make the print appear even more fearsome. Pair a hoodie with a RAGE cap and style wise speaking, you are all set to knock out the competition.

So the next time, you want to enjoy a bit of cage fighting, don’t hesitate to be seen in RAGEWEAR. Its time to be the rage wherever you go.

The Latest RAGE

Urban wear had humble beginnings. The style that was originally worn to set apart ‘different’ people in society has today become a raging fashion statement all over the world. In fact street wear differs from one country to another as well. In Japan, the street wear youngsters buy is very colourful and features animated characters. Europeans prefer their street wear to project a more chic, youthful and stylish image. In America, street wear is very much about not fitting in with society and defines rebellion with a fashionable tweak. In fact, street wear here has stayed faithful to the hip hop culture since many music artists have launched their own labels. Sean John’s clothing line, Rocawear by Jay Z and Rich Yung Society Clothing by John Jackson, are quite popular with youngsters. These labels have individual collections for men and women, as well as accessories to match.

  

So has the widespread fame of street wear perhaps dampened its original roughness and glamorized this style of clothing a bit too much? If street wear that is affordable, easily available, is stylish and can be worn by youngsters of all age groups is what you want, then RAGEWEAR clothing is your answer. RAGEWEAR has a huge variety of t-shirts, hoodies, zipped hoodies and hats to offer you. In fact their range of clothing is not just worn by youngsters, but even designed by them. A RAGEWEAR fan is a person who lives life and isn’t afraid to show some dressing style. This young brand is so popular that they even have RAGE crews at different universities; a heady mix of young men and women who proudly wear their preferred brand at various sporting events as well as on campus. Feedback, and suggestions about designs and colours are given by the crew, which is then incorporated into future clothing options- that just shows how grounded RAGEWEAR is into what youngsters of today really want. If you want to make a few purchases, simply log on to their website where different styles of street wear can be viewed at leisure. You will find some great deals on their no nonsense yet secure website as well. In fact, purchases over $100 are even entitled to free shipping.

This brand is outstandingly different- they have ‘ never seen before’ prints of an elephant called Fydo, or faded images of a hand print and the word ‘ Rage’, on their t-shirts, caps and hoodies. RAGEWEAR has just launched a number of t-shirts exclusively for women in eye popping catchy colours and will be expanding their line of women clothing even further with sweatpants, shorts, shirts and beanie caps which will be available online soon. If you have any suggestions regarding the website or any designs, feel free to mail the RAGEWEAR Clothing customer service, who are all ears for your ideas. After all, RAGEWEAR Clothing is streetwear that is of youngsters, by youngsters and for youngsters.