There was a time when catching a glimpse of someone’s outfit and their unique way of wearing it was genuinely captivating. Picture stylish individuals going about their day, captured by photographers who admired their standout looks. It was fresh, unique, and truly inspiring. But then, ‘street style’ as we know it today took over. Instead of candid shots of people with authentic style, we’re now flooded with carefully orchestrated influencer images on Instagram. And honestly, it’s starting to feel a bit repetitive.
“There’s a huge gap between emulating [street style photography pioneer] Bill Cunningham and what’s happening now,” says Gio Staiano, a seasoned fashion photographer. Bill chased after people with genuine style, capturing spontaneous moments. Nowadays, it’s common to see someone being asked to walk down the street repeatedly to get that ‘perfect’ shot.
“Social media has had a huge impact,” says street style photographer Dvora. “Globalization leaves for less individualism.” This means we’re seeing more identical outfits and poses on our feeds. Full looks, straight off the runway, now appear on the streets. What was once a celebration of personal style has become a series of trend boxes.
Phillip Bodenham, director of PR agency Spring London, notes that the shift began around 2013, coinciding with a decline in print circulations. The digital media revolution and the rise of self-promotion transformed street style into a profitable showcase. What started as original and daring outfits has become an opportunity for sponsored content, leading to over-saturation and a loss of authenticity.
Fashion critic Suzy Menkes highlighted this in her piece “The Circus of Fashion,” noting the difference between genuine style and show-offs. Now, it’s easy to see what’s real and what’s influencer marketing. Bright, statement pieces designed for quick attention are favored, overshadowing true individuality and creativity.
In her review of Balenciaga’s pre-fall 2018 collection, Vogue Runway’s Sarah Mower pointed out a new trend: simplicity. She praised the collection’s straightforward, well-cut designs, which stand in contrast to the overly complicated styles dominating street fashion.
So, do we still want to dress like street style stars? Maybe it’s time to embrace simplicity and authenticity. After all, fashion should be about expressing who we are, not just fitting into the latest trend.
