When streets turn runways

One of the few fashion statements that never gets old is street wear. Of course, it appears in different avatars but it never fails to show itself. But what really is street fashion? Generally associated with the youth, it is most often seen in major urban centres. It is fashion that emerges from the grassroots and not from studios and runways. While there are various kinds of styles that fall under ‘street’ — hippie, gothic, feminine — each style is unique to the individual who carries it.

“Street style is an individual’s fashion statement that does not necessarily follow what’s hot in the fashion magazines and on the runway. It’s an alternate way of looking at style and focuses on one’s personal style quotient. Over the past few years, it has started picking up among the urban Indian youth. Florals are my go-to prints considering I’m a huge fan of vintage styles. Be it in a shift dress or a summery floral print blouse paired with jeans or shorts, you cannot go wrong with them,” says Samidha Sharma, a fashion blogger. Talking about how styles born on the streets infiltrate the fashion industry and vice versa, Shreya Kalra, another fashion blogger, says, “Street style has over time become as important as runway styles. It is about taking what is fashionable and making it your own. A trend becomes fashion when it filters through the runways and to stores, and finally the streets where people make it their own. The fact that street style photography,  fashion and looks for photo shoots have become sub-categories of their own goes on to show that street style is here to stay.”

Street styles and designs can be merged and moulded into many things, as fashionista Ravneet Kaur explains, “Street style has come a long way. It’s no longer restricted to the culture that created it or to the ramps. It’s one person’s way of expressing their identity and style. My love for floral lets me wear them as and when the occasion arises. Floral designs can not be put under one style of fashion. When worn with high heels and matching accessories, it’s the perfect outfit for a brunch or picnic. The same, when worn with denims, makes for the perfect casuals. I never have to think too much when it comes to choosing an outfit that
defines me.”