Street Wear History 2000’s Born and Raised in San Francisco & Influence
Street wear History and influence for was identified for me as a culture first as a style second. Growing up in San Francisco and having your only sister a whole decade older than you is like a Street Wear mentor. She totally made, thrift-ed, and diy-ed all her baggy clothes. Also drove me to discover my own style and adopt diy methods through my generation and community. What worked for my sister as hip-hop rebellion was taking off in the 80-90’s was changing for me in the 00’s.
San Francisco has a very infamous culture I have always been proud to represent. From our language to our cadence to our quirky dance moves. From our own cultural saints and martyrs. The weather and KMEL JAMS radio station is what determined how we got dressed everyday.
My preteens to teens, music consumed my life, from writing to recording to performing on stages with only the boys. I studied graffiti, radio hosting, beat making and break-dance. All this was to find my home in the culture. I didn't know where to fit in but I knew living in that moment made me happier than ever.
I soon discovered right after high school the career of styling. People actually pay you to go shopping for them, style them etc. Something I was already good at and accustomed to shopping. Freshman year of my junior college I found a small workshop in LA for $900. In 2010 was a lot of money for a one class of many more followed at an additional price. I scavenged for the money with the support of my sister and took a risk on How to be a Personal Stylist. Little did I know that whole weekend would open my eyes to a whole new purpose.
The workshop was challenging to my 19 year old self never ever really acquiring any fashion business or fashion education. Over the years I grew accustomed to the variables, language, and business from being overcome by that feeling. Absorbing everything I could get my hands on fashion, photographers, models, (me being the model) and so much more. This helped me develop my eye and style for street wear but most importantly helped me discover myself.
Growing and evolving as a woman, a young woman, but a young black woman in this world will make it hard to navigate. Feeling like certain sectors you don't belong. Constant resistance from society and close loved ones. I loved that the core of street style represented freestyle not choreography. Being resilient in all of your oppression. I found a sector for all my quirks, my diy inventions, self expression and lack of coordination, and my free spirit and lack of interest in conformity. I do it for the culture not the trend.
Street Wear is still influencing myself at 29 and my brand's whole story. The Hardwearshop (currently under metamorphosis) to encourage confidence and creativity not just in street wear but also in everyday life. Style for those ready to take over the world.
Written by Reyce Judice
Yellowbrick Road- Street Wear Essentials
