Fashion is a fascinating industry to explore, encompassing both high-end runway shows and every day street style. It may seem like the two are worlds apart, with the catwalk often showcasing unreachable levels of excess and glamour, while street style focuses on a more attainable look. But just how does fashion translate from runway to sidewalk, and how does each influence the other? Here, we’ll compare runway vs. street style to see how fashion ebbs and flows between the two.
1. Runway Glamour: A Transcultural Fusion of Fashion
The fashion world is overflowing with vibrant cultural influences, and nowhere is this more evident than on the global runways of the world. In each fashion show, bold colours and fresh patterns put together looks that reflect a synthesis of cultures, time periods, and trends. A few intertwining elements coalesce to form one singular style that is at once glamorous and eclectic.
The runway this season is sizzling with glamour and style that are both rooted in cultural influences and pushed to their limits. Bold couture is inspired by the visual allure of traditional Middle Eastern styles, boho chic draws from West African and Latin American influences, and the modern minimalist trend fuses Japanese and Korean aesthetics. These are but a few examples of the variety present in the fashion industry.
It’s no wonder that runway glamour has become a source of fascination for all regardless of cultural heritage. It’s a reminder of how different styles come together and inform one another, creating an expression that is at once distinct and captivating. As this influence continues to grow and be seen on the world’s runways, new depths to fashion exploration are sure to be uncovered.
- Bold couture
- Boho chic
- Modern minimalist trend
2. From the Catwalk to the Sidewalk: Making a Fashion Statement
Fashion is not just about the bright, elaborate pieces strutting down the runway. It’s also about the practical pieces that make up a person’s day-to-day wardrobe. Modern-day fashion rules incorporate the ideals that can be seen on the fashion show floor while also allowing for some level of personalization. Here are a couple of creative ways to make an everlasting fashion statement.
- Utilize Subtle Colors and Patterns: Wearing a bright red blouse one day and a bold pink floral skirt the next may result in turning a lot of heads, but it may also seem too overwhelming. Instead, mix subtle colors and patterns to create a subtle yet bold outfit that speaks volumes.
- Draw Inspiration from the Latest Trends: Fashion trends come and go, but that doesn’t mean that they all have to be slavishly followed. Look at the runway for inspiration and pick pieces that best resonate with you. A black wrap dress, for example, has been seen on fashion shows for the last few seasons. Try adding some current statement pieces, such as a bright yellow necklace, to the mix to create your own cobbled-together look.
- Mix High-End and Low-End Pieces: Not everyone can afford to always dress up in designer labels. Instead, mix high-end pieces with more affordable items to keep things interesting. Investing in a few staple pieces from iconic designers is always a good idea. But adding a few statement pieces from lower-end labels can round off the look without compromising on style.
Making a fashion statement is all about finding a balance between being outlandish and toning things down to appear more professional. That way, you can stand out and still feel comfortable in your own skin.
3. Street Style: Capturing the Vibe of the Day
- Witness the Colorful Aura: There’s something special about street style. The art of expressing oneself with a unique style flows through the air, and the vibrant hues seem to come alive. As one passes by small boutiques and vendor stalls, the eyes behold myriad of intricate patterns and designs that add a sprightly life to the urban space.
- People Watching: Capturing the buzz of the street isn’t just about the clothes, it’s also about the people. One can enter a state of rapture just by people-watching. Observe the different personalities and cultures that assemble, and the stories of each person that come forward as they pass through.
- Live Music & Entertainment: No street party is complete without some live music ! Trios, orchestras, jammers, DJs, you name it. It drives the vibrancy and life of the street, and it lifts the spirits of every passerby, creating an ebullient atmosphere that is simply infectious.
4. Mixing It Up: Blurring the Lines between Runway and Street Style
High fashion, high street – this is the premise that makes runway-street style so exciting. It blurs the lines between the two, resulting in inspiring looks that’re wearable and trend-setting. And it’s no surprise that the fashion industry is doing their part to usher in this new, fresh perspective.
The runway’s twist on street style -less street, more avant-garde. Think bold prints, exaggerated proportions, contrast hues, and unexpected takes on the classic styles you know and love. High fashion houses have started to incorporate casual pieces such as hoodies, sneakers, and denim into their haute couture looks, melding the two aesthetics together for an unparalleled effect.
- Versace’s baroque aesthetic with relaxed silhouettes and sneakers;
- Gucci’s organic-punk blend of oversized sweaters and statement sneakers;
- Alexander McQueen’s classic-meets-modern designs with wide-legged trousers and sleek bucket hats;
The result? A whole new outlook on fashion, one that allows us to take the runway trend and make it our own. With street style, you can make every look unique to you. So what are you waiting for? Go mix it up and get mixing. Let the world know what your style is all about.
Fashion serves as a barometer to the changing times, and both street style and runway fashion have their places on this ever-evolving stylistic landscape. It’s a pleasure to see that fashion trends have the potential to jump from catwalk to sidewalk, ready to accessorize us with a touch of creativity, comfort and class – no matter where we go.
