Old Money. New Swag.
Sleek, wide slacks or washed jorts. A classic blouse or a wide, cropped tee? There’s a visible clash between the chic old money lifestyle and the swag of current streetwear.
Oldie but Goodie
“Classic and Suave” is the motto of Old Money enthusiasts. Originating among European aristocrats in the 18th and 19th centuries, this style has a history of generational wealth. During this time, clothing was viewed as a long-term investment; therefore, it was passed down rather than traded for new trends. This is what kept Europeans loyal to the blouses and corsets we know and love.
This was furthered through Ivy League and Prep Schools. These prestigious universities adopted the British fashion seen in the 1800’s. Princeton 1920s-30s truly defined the style. Raccoon coats, sports sweaters, and looser skirts for women were the everyday, elite look. We see simple palettes of brown, navy blue, black, and white. The Industrial Revolution birthed textile factories that brought speed, detail, and perfection to patterns and fabrics. Inventions such as the cotton gin and spinning wheel increased the production of wool, cotton, and muslin; the main fabrics used from the 1700s to the Preppy 20s-30s.
The “quiet-luxury” mindset continues to rule to this day. Simple sweaters tucked in a fluid skirt. This style was for the elite and still honors the delicate, yet classic, antique pieces.
In With the New
You’ve seen the wide pants, the vibrant palettes, and stunning jewelry. It's a beautiful, modern expression of the 70’s-2000’s era. It includes various subcategories, open to unique expression. Now, we’re talking streetwear.
Music culture majorly shaped streetwear's signature look. This style was brought to life during the New York hip-hop scene during the 70s. Icons like Grandmaster Flash and Run-DMC brought baggy clothing and heavy jewelry into the spotlight. Though punk deserves its own category, it has its own place in streetwear. Both punks and African Americans rebelled against prejudice and unfair governments/standards. (punk AA icon) Through the 1980s to 2000s, the style was seen among celebrities and continued to be popularized through music.
These articles weren’t just worn; they told a story of the extraordinariness that lies within African Americans. The bold pieces, attention to detail, and love of jewels that their ancestors slaved for. Streetwear symbolizes black pride and nonconformity.
The Perfect Blend
Though there is a clash between the two styles, the art of fashion lies in its wide range of looks, their messages, and adaptability. Luxury brands collaborated with popular streetwear brands to appeal to youth. 2017 Supreme x Louis Vuitton is one of the most monumental blends of streetwear and luxury. Eventually, streetwear made its place in high fashion. Whether you see this as a positive or not, the beauty of its collab is undeniable. Picture a white Ralph Lauren polo, Dershutze jeans, meshed with the Ivy League raccoon coat, and chunky gold jewelry.