There are a few usual suspects when it comes to sourcing style inspiration from around the world. Think, Paris, Tokyo, New York City. Those sartorially blessed city folk have long been recognized for knowing how to rule the sidewalks with spirit and flare. But for something a little different and with a touch more edge, let’s take a closer look at the less celebrated cities offering up eye-catching street style. We’re talking everything from how to uniquely style a bucket hat or which beret to match your cargo overalls to.
Where: Seoul
What: With Korean beauty and pop music already global fan favourites, it should be no wonder Seoul has become a fashion capital, particularly the Gangnam District, which is packed full of luxury boutiques and must-eats. But unlike the more bubblegum elements of its musical counterpart, Seoul street style tends to verge on the darker side, with goth, grunge and deep blues and black reigning supreme. Sharp tailoring and defined silhouettes lend these streets a certain sophistication, though not without the odd pop of colour. Although they might seem at sartorial odds, K-pop favourites, like BLACKPINK and BTS, are often kitted out in popular Korean streetwear brands, like Dunst and Utopja.
Who: For inspiration, catch Happy Harry 2nd, a fashion blogger and Instagram influencer who boasts a simple and refined style. For a broader glimpse of Seoul’s best streetwear, there’s always photographer Daniel Luna.
Where: Mumbai
What: For years, Western brands like Adidas and Nike ruled in Bollywood and, therefore, much of India. But in recent years, as streetwear has grown in popularity around the world, it’s also found its place in India — namely, Mumbai. Here, skatewear like joggers and jackets prevail, and so does colour and pattern. It’s impossible to miss the influence of hip-hop or long-time fashion capitals, like Tokyo. But Indian streetwear does indeed have a flair of its own, particularly in the way the country’s own many identities and cultures are explored, whether it’s the way the brand BISKIT does away with the gender binary or how Almost Gods brings to life Indian mythology in its imagery.
Who: Influencer Tarun Bhati is one to watch (partly because he also happens to sell off his closet here and there on Instagram), as are Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar, the Indian Canadian designers behind buzzy streetwear brand NorBlack NorWhite.
Where: Cape Town
What: In Cape Town (a.k.a. “Mother City” if you’re a local), South Africa, you’ll find a refined blend of urban and heritage aesthetics, where rebellion is the vibe. You really have to own it to wear it and not be worn by it. The brands are as diverse as the city’s communities, and — as with most streetwear icons — the objective is innovation and self-expression. Everyone here owns the staples: bold, graphic tees, button-ups and bucket hats. Sneakerheads, of course, are the majority. Forget matching, it’s all about mixing; in Cape Town, every piece is meant to make an individual statement.
Who: For a look at quintessential Cape Town streetwear, check out gender-neutral brand Artclub and Friends, and AfroGrunge for a peek at those influencers and designers aiming for something even further outside the boundary.
Where: Lagos
What: It doesn’t get brighter and more colourful than Lagos, where traditional tastes converge in the entertainment and pop culture epicentre of Nigeria. The city even holds an annual streetwear convention called Street Souk, which places local African designers on a platform where local youth essentially decide who will be the next big thing. Y2K aesthetics and skate culture dominate, with tees, hoodies and cargo all the rage, and stand-out self-expression the ultimate goal. The vibe is youthful and creative, whether it involves throwback tie-dye or heritage prints.
Who: Best yet, the most beloved local streetwear brands were crafted by the very people who helped give rise to the style, like Justin UG and his brand For The Geng. And they’re uplifted by the likes of Iretidayo Zaccheaus, who founded Street Souk in 2018, and has collaborated with international and local brands like Off-White, Daily Paper, WafflesnCream and more.
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Where: Taipei
What: There may be no streets more eclectic than in Taipei, Taiwan, where just about everyone has their own spin on the form, and influences come from all over: the U.S., Japan, France. Colours, patterns and embroidery define each piece, whether it’s a leather jacket, a white sneaker or a scarf. Sure, Taipei loves its neutrals (and endless black!), but a new generation is injecting a little neon into the air (pink is big). Traditional statement pieces, like a kilt or beret or bucket hat, have filtered in from around the globe, and the Taiwanese know how to make it their own.
Who: You’d be hard-pressed to find a better photographer capturing the stylish streets of Taipei than Sean Marc Lee.
