Rags for the Richer

Streetwear dominates a large part of what is trendy and stylish today. Certain streetwear pieces, such as distressed jeans and oversized hoodies, are becoming wardrobe staples. However, certain “wardrobe staples” have been kept away from many of their admirers. Today, brands like Balenciaga and Amiri have capitalized on the growing popularity of streetwear, which results in their releasing items at prices outside of the average person’s budget. These extremely high prices have been preventing the average streetwear or fashion fanatic from proudly owning these items and causing them to fall into the hands of someone having a superficial appreciation for them. Madeline Gray, a blogger of The Daily Titan, touches on this issue in one of her articles. She claims, “Street apparel is now only for the wealthy.” Throughout her article, she discusses how streetwear items have become less accessible for their original customers and are developing a wealthier demographic. For example, I remember seeing Adidas and Champion selling items at around ten to twenty dollars at my local Walmart several years ago. Now, whenever I am at the mall, I see that they are selling items quadruple that price at an Urban Outfitters or Pacsun. 

Although streetwear is becoming more lucrative, I do not believe that it is only accessible for affluent people. Certainly, many envied streetwear icons like Off White and Supreme release exclusive and expensive pieces. However, that does not mean that streetwear is only catered towards the rich. Whenever I shop at outlets, I see stylish and modern pieces from Champion and Adidas discounted at very reasonable prices. I have also been surprised to find trendy street apparel in thrift stores for less than half their retail price. Independent streetwear brands, like Pleasures, also create amazing designs on their items at reasonable prices without compromising quality.

Due to their seemingly outrageous prices, I have been curious about whether these brands have trouble selling their items. A few years ago, I walked in a Barney’s in Chicago, and I was the only person looking at their designer items throughout the store. Many of the racks were still full of clothing items from brands such as Gucci and Bape. On the other hand, when I scroll through Instagram, every other person I follow is wearing pieces from these designer brands. I have found that, in the most general sense, these designer brands have no trouble selling these items due to their high demand in today’s culture. Andrew Woodward, a writer for The Flash, claims, “They can get away with selling their clothes for so high, because they have no problem selling it off to people. Whether it be for the name, they make profit.”  I do agree with his statement about the market of streetwear. Also, I have noticed that due to today’s celebrity culture, people see celebrities rock these brands and instantaneously want to wear them. I have heard many fashion enthusiasts online talk about how they bought a thousand-dollar pair of pants because a famous rapper wore it in a music video or a paparazzi candid shot. I find it intriguing to see how famous musicians, artists, and actors can essentially help high-end streetwear brands sell their items.