Stussy has always been a leader in the field of streetwear, and its impact on the skate fashion especially in Los Angeles cannot be denied. Since starting in the 1980s, Stussy has blended the surf culture with the developing skate culture redefining the way skaters identify themselves. Below is a better look at the way that Stussy style has changed skate fashion in LA.
The Birth of Stussy and Its Origins
The brand was started in 1980 by Shawn Stussy as a surfboard-shaping shop in Laguna Beach, California. The designs of stussy soon moved to clothing and they encapsulated the relaxed surf subculture in Southern California. Nevertheless, when the skateboarding landscape started changing, Stussy was critically influential in uniting the style and the mindset of skating and surfing, paving the path to a distinctive fashion movement.
Bold Graphics and Logos
The use of graphic boldness and iconic logo, which the skateboarders relate to, is one of the most outstanding characteristics of the Stussy style. The Stussy signature logo is a graphic strong and iconic logo reflecting rebellious spirit, which fits the skateboard culture perfectly. Through the adoption of Stussy by the skaters, the graphic tees of the brand started ruling the streets of Los Angeles as they became a part of the skate fashion.
The Effect of Street Culture
Stussy managed to capture the beat of street culture and it has contributed to the establishment of a new aesthetic that directly inspired skate fashion. The fact that the brand was able to capture the urban feel of Los Angeles made it an easy combination of style and lifestyle. Skaters also started to wear casual but stylish look of Stussy that was oversized, relaxed, and featured a variety of colors. This caused skate fashion to be more reachable and approachable, and skaters could define themselves by their skate clothes.
Cooperation with Iconic Skate Brands
The association with skate brands has also emboldened Stussy in its bid to influence the skate fashion. The collaboration with the well-known brands such as Vans and Element enabled Stussy to launch the crossover designs which combined skate-ready features with the style of street wear. Such partnerships had not only widened the geographical footprint of the brand, but they produced special items that appealed to the skater and the streetwear audience alike.
Embracing the DIY Spirit
The DIY attitude that is widespread in skate culture fits well with Stussy mode of doing fashion. The brand promotes self-expression and creativity, which resembles impulsivity of skateboarding. This philosophy motivated skaters in Los Angeles to personalize their Stussy items which customized them in terms of their appearances. Personalization has become a common phenomenon in skate fashion, and it enables the skaters to develop their own style.
Skate Parks Cultural Importance
The skate fashion influence that Stussy had is reflected in the style of the clothes worn in the iconic skate parks in Los Angeles. With the skaters who had switched to the Stussy brand, the brand became part of the culture, creating a feeling of community. The fashion and skateboarding came together to unite different groups of people, and this process contributed to forming a single identity in the skate culture. Stussy products frequently turned to be a membership of skaters.
The Emergence of Powerful Skaters
The skaters who wear Stussy are well known and this adds to the credibility of the brand in the skateboarding fraternity. Such personalities as Marc Johnson and Jason Dill have been spotted wearing Stussy styles making the brand even more popular. Their impact demonstrates the way the designs of Stussy correspond with the spirit of skateboarding, as it is a crucial element of the contemporary skate culture.
Conclusion
Stussy has greatly transformed the skate fashion in Los Angeles, combining the surf and skate culture to come up with the unique style, which skaters identify with. Via highly graphic designs, partnerships and a glorification of uniqueness, Stussy has made an indelible mark on the skateboarding community. The impact of the brand on skate fashion will probably last as the brand keeps developing and new generations of skaters will be motivated to be stylish by its iconic designs.
