Streetwear and urban fashion brands have always walked a fine line between staying fresh and new while also paying homage to the classics that laid the foundation. Lately we've seen several brands that made huge splashes back in the late 90s and early 2000s announce they are returning through relaunches under their original founders. Baby Phat, Famous Stars & Straps, and Triple Five Soul are all made comeback tours this year. What does this mean for the streetwear landscape?
On the one hand, nostalgia is a powerful force right now. We're seeing Gen Z and young millennials embrace Y2K era fashion trends with open arms. Bringing back brands that were hot during that time allows them to reconnect with the original vibe and aesthetics. It also introduces the brands in a new way to an entirely new generation. This can open up fresh opportunities and audiences.
However, there are risks to playing too heavily on retro nostalgia. Will the new output from these heritage brands feel played out or derivative? It can be hard to capture the lighting in a bottle magic of a previous cultural moment. There's also the question of whether longtime fans will accept and embrace attempts to update the brands to feel current. Finding the right balance is key.
Still, all three brands discussed appear conscious of these potential pitfalls. The creators seem to grasp the importance of weaving together past and present rather than just rehashing the old glory days. Evolution is necessary even when celebrate your roots.
At State Of Flux, we are particularly excited to help usher in this new era of Triple Five Soul. Founder Camella Ehlke was a pioneering force when the brand first emerged out of New York's dynamic downtown scene. The DIY, artistic energy and collaborative community she fostered left a tremendous mark. We can't wait to see how she channels this history into collections that speak to the youth of today. Her approach aligns well with our own ethos of continuously moving forward while showcasing brands with substance and authentic stories to tell.
The relaunches show streetwear still turns to its foundations even as it reaches toward the future. By bridging generations and introducing iconic brands to new audiences, companies like Baby Phat, Famous Stars & Straps and Triple Five Soul are writing exciting new chapters while preserving their legacies. We're excited to see what comes next!
- Johnny T.