Streetwear and urban sports, the inseparable duo
When we think of urban sports, we immediately imagine skateboards, scooters, and BMX bike styles invading cities to repurpose urban furniture. Long marginalized, they are now widely popularized. So much so that brands once reserved for these extreme athletes are now mixed into much more conventional wardrobes!
For several years now, the fashion trend has been streetwear, especially that which highlights urban sports like scooters, bikes, and of course skateboarding. Major fashion houses and advertisers now rely on this culture with a strong identity to design their collections. Among the important events that marked a turning point in the acceptance of this universe is the 2017 collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Supreme, an iconic figure in skate culture. Until then, luxury and popular culture seemed incompatible, but they have since found common interests. A boon for the urban sports world, which has extended its aura far beyond its borders. Now, young and old alike sport brands once reserved for skaters. On the brand side, they have not hesitated to revise their collection looks, making them less bulky. Sneakers have become more minimalist and pants more sober to adapt to this new clientele more attracted to fashion than sport.
For a More Inclusive Society
Because skateboarding and other urban sports are much more than sports: they embody a whole lifestyle with their own codes and language. This vector of expression and identity, which allowed association with a group, has influenced many areas of society including art, music, literature, and of course fashion. To practice their sport and tricks freely, these athletes needed loose, comfortable, but also ultra-stylish outfits. They then turned to streetwear outfits which, until the 1980s, were mostly worn by gangsters from the tough neighborhoods of New York and Los Angeles. Before becoming popular, this urban style, a banner of freedom, was the symbol of a counter-culture that sought to revolutionize the thinking of the time by making society more inclusive. A bet won since today all segments of the population wear streetwear. Sneakers, hoodies, oversized t-shirts, caps… who doesn’t have at least one of these pieces in their wardrobe?
Skateboarding has never been as popular as in recent years. So much so that skate parks and other facilities, victims of their success, struggle to accommodate new enthusiasts. As for fashion lovers, whether they ride boards or not, they fall for quirky pieces with which they can play and break free from pre-established fashion. It’s no surprise that Project X Paris naturally imposed itself in this universe. Our values, aligned with the street sports world, quickly attracted enthusiasts. That’s why, during a shoot, we wanted to highlight pieces that perfectly match their style.
The cap: It’s the essential accessory of the urban scene since the 80s. Beyond its functional qualities, it allows you to change style very easily. The signature cap is offered in 25 different colors (amazing!) to always match the rest of the outfit!
The tank top: Ultra-stylish, it is worn tight if paired with wide pants or oversized over regular jeans.
Sneakers: As in all sports, you need good shoes! Essential elements, sneakers must be stylish but also comfortable. PXP trainer sneakers have all these qualities!
Accessories: Don’t forget to carry a backpack strapped on your back to take everything you need.
While urban fashion and street sports have long been associated with men, women who appreciate these casual looks also want their share of the pie. PXP hasn’t forgotten them and offers dedicated and even unisex collections. Hoodies, caps, oversized t-shirts, crop tops, or loose jeans can perfectly match ultra-stylish sneakers for sliding on your board or longboard!
Streetwear: Glory to Street Art
Streetwear style is not just about how you dress. It has influenced many other forms of street art such as graffiti, rap and hip-hop battles, slam, and of course all other urban sports often seen as spectacular or even extreme. While these sports were once seen as a niche trend, they are now widely democratized. In France, major events like the International Festival of Extreme Sports (FISE) have been a key date since 1997, helping to introduce these sports to the general public. Fifteen years later, urban sports are more represented than ever and even made a very noticeable entry at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games!
Full of promise, the worlds of streetwear and urban sports continue to feed each other. We bet they will reinvent themselves to surprise us for many years to come!