ONES WHO WEAR

Streetwear, due to its many different subgenres, is quite a complicated issue, which one cannot just easily take apart and understand. The brands are developing their own dynamics and are presenting their own language. Some of them are storming ahead and are being copied at full speed, whereas others are so small that they hardly get noticed by the masses. Nevertheless, it is that certain mix of brands that have been a part of the game for a long time and know their craft and those significant small brands that make this engine run so well. Thereto are the seasonable cuts and colours paired with the” can’t get those just anywhere, mate” the topic that interests those who wear-but who wears what and why? They are no longer just a handful of insiders who hide matching head-totoe outfits in their closets. More and more people consider a well thought through outfit important and become Streetwear addicts. Where the hat has to match the sweater, the belt has to match the brand of the trousers, especially the colours, and where in the end, the Three Stripes don’t work with the Swoosh, or vice versa. One easily recognizes those that took some time in the morning to work out their outfit to match the occasion and weather conditions. The times, where you had one pair of trousers in the wash and were wearing the other, where you had two pairs of shoes and one nice pair for your cousin’s communion, are well and truly over. Streetwear and the enthusiasm for brands and their identity are still on the advance, and that’s good. Especially when it comes to shoe styles, sneakers, trainers or lovingly named kicks, do the hearts of those who know beat faster and does their blood shoot into their brain and orders them to buy! I got to have them, did you see those, I’m going nuts…but where, what, why and who are those heads who are relentlessly hunting down the most exclusive sneaker and are willing to go to any length and pay any price? As a principle, they are people like me and you who have a spare room for the results of their hunting fascination. Well sorted, perfectly lined up, limited editions, like trophies are being worn in rotational system that matches the hem of the jeans, lovingly laced up, with one last look in the mirror and already on the way to the local sneaker shop to check out the New Entries. Puddles and construction sites are definitely being avoided on the way there to preserve the shoe. Most of them have bookmarked the most important sneaker websites on their browsers to be constantly up-to-date with the latest news. Consequently, every sneaker shop needs at least one knowledgeable head that speaks the right language, before a laughable answer just results in a tired smile and exasperation of the customer. What is limited and when is it just printed on there? Passion is asked for. Personally, I have noticed that more and more often the first critical look of the sales person goes to the shoe, just to check out if he or she is in the know. A phenomenon that is becoming broader and broader. Unfortunately, a lot of the much sought after sneakers stay in display units as deadstock, where they surely increase their value, but that’s nonsense, wear the shoes, wear them with pride, but don’t wear them out, you have enough of them.

Martin Magielka for streetwear today team