An essential story of power and community. Expanding the acclaimed expo ‘Activewear’, Modemuseum Hasselt zooms in on the beginnings and global ramifications of streetwear culture with exhibition “STREETWEAR” – curated by Dominique Nzeyimana. Visitors get to enjoy and closely study a dozen rare archive silhouettes by FUBU, Patta, A Bathing Ape and A Cut Above and more as well as some newer silhouettes by a.o. Denim Tears & Hypepeace and learn about the broader story of activism and social change that streetwear has always encompassed.

Further immersion in the world of “STREETWEAR” is provided with a new date for the live Q&A with Guillaume “Gee” Schmidt on December 18 2021 - as well as an exclusive series of The Most podcast conversations, adding further layering and depth.

“STREETWEAR” is on view right now until December 30 2021. Round up yours and sleep not!

Streetwear did not become the globally dominant youth culture of today in a socio-economic vacuum. Guest curator Dominique Nzeyimana pinpoints throughout the expo the longstanding influence of communities of colour and Black-owned and POC-founded brands - as large fashion houses have historically cashed in on culture vulture activities, often without any credit or compensation.

Why the -Paul Boudens-designed- inverted commas in the title? Those refer to the frisson between so-called ‘high fashion’ and streetwear – a clear nod to Virgil Abloh’s use of quotation marks that provoke thought and discussion on the gatekeeping of ‘high and low culture’. “STREETWEAR” not only pays attention to the culture’s American origin story but also to the role that Europeans play within the broader movement (e.g. Belgian label A Cut Above re-appropriating Raf Simons and more).

Curator Dominique Nzeyimana reflects on what the process of creating “STREETWEAR” evoked and signified:

“Streetwear has been influencing high fashion and everything around it since the early ‘80s and even if you are not a streetwear fan yourself, you can’t but have noticed that it has since become inevitable. It’s being worn by your colleagues, classmates, the children sitting at your dinner table and celebrity faves all alike. Oftentimes though, streetwear is being traced back to mostly skate & surf culture, even though the originators of those early brands like Stüssy will tell you all about how their main influence was the NY hiphop scene. XXL pants, sweaters, jackets and full-on suits used to be the jam in hiphop and basketball long before Martin Margiela launched his iconic ‘Oversized’ collection in 2000. So it was very important to me to acknowledge the actual Black-owned OG brands. They are the showstoppers of this exhibition.”

“STREETWEAR”
07/10/2021 - 30/12/2021
Modemuseum Hasselt
Gasthuisstraat 11
3500 Hasselt
BELGIUM

Info and tickets for “STREETWEAR” (until December 30 2021) and ‘Activewear’ (until December 30 2021) available at Modemuseum Hasselt: modemuseumhasselt.be

• Get your tickets for the live Q&A with Guillaume Schmidt from Patta and 42I54 founders Elodie Ouédraogo and Olivia Borlée & Dominique Nzeyimana on Saturday December 18 2021 (3PM) here. Globally respected name Patta combines activism, community building and covetable design with highly sought-after collabs. The topic of conversation: streetwear’s influence on the world of fashion, the role of black-owned brands and further expert insights on fashion, streetwear and sports design.

• The ultimate prep before your visit:
Listen to the The Most podcast episodes providing in-depth conversation with an exclusive line-up of guests related to “STREETWEAR” . Episode 41 out now, with the great Guillaume “Gee” Schmidt of Patta.

Listen now & subscribe:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Stitcher
Overcast

All images including header: photography by Daan Pauwels