Street Style: Once a phenomenon only few people, namely avid web users with a fascination for fashion and photography were quick to consume, the art of documenting the personal style of passersby on the sidewalks of some of the world’s major capitals has taken the Internet by storm in the short time since its inception. Drawn by the inspiration from and the artistry involved in the careful curation of street style photographs by the likes of famous purveyors of street style iconography such as Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, Yvan Rodic of FaceHunter, and Schuman’s very own tendre moitié Garance Doré, street style has become one of the most influential forms of fashion dissemination, simultaneously rendering only looking to glossies for inspiration virtually obsolete. Melding the wide-reach and affordability of the Internet with real-life representations of style has democratized fashion while providing a wealth of inspiration for a new generation of consumers.
Now joining the ranks of the street style elite, Canadian treasure trove and premier fashion destination for Canadian style-enthusiasts eBay.ca has recently launched its very own Street Style series, aptly titled, Style Stories, taking to the streets to document the eclectic personal style of our very own. The result: A breathtaking visual street style compendium, enriched by stylish Canadians from all walks of life. We recently spoke with Canadian stylist Amy Lu, whom eBay.ca has partnered up with to bring Style Stories to life. We picked Lu’s brain to find out about her thoughts on the Canadian street style scene, as well as to obtain expert tips on how to interpret and incorporate “sidewalk” trends into our very own summer wardrobe. Here’s what the stylist had to say:
Why do you think street fas
hion has become so influential? What’s the appeal?
Amy Lu: “I think street style has always been there, it just hasn’t been highlighted the way that it is today. Street style has made the way “regular people” express their style the hero. It has also changed the way we shop. You can be inspired anywhere, anytime. Before, you would go to the magazine store but now, if you see a look that inspires you on the street, with the eBay Mobile app downloadable through the iTunes store, you can search for the fashion items that make up the look directly on your phone.”
Which major Canadian fashion center stands out in terms of street style fashion?
Amy Lu: “The street is more accessible than it was before. Each city has its own flavor and style. Montreal is refined and polished. Toronto is experimental. People aren’t afraid to try new things so when something trendy comes out, they really embrace it. Vancouver is more about lifestyle and leisure, and that comes across in their style.”
What would you say are the key trends emerging from street style fashion this summer as opposed to runway?
Amy Lu: “I think runway and street style are working in conjunction with each other. For example, we’re seeing a lot of colour, which has trickled down from the runway to the streets. We’re seeing a lot of neon, maxi dresses, mullet skirts (short in front, long in the back), and embellished footwear. There’s a shift away from high heels to walking-friendly but embellished shoes. For women, there are boat shoes, lace-ups, and gladiator sandals. For men: loafers that go well with cuffed chinos that men are wearing. Street style is very mixed and matched, vintage and designer, or trendy inexpensive items. eBay.ca has a lot of incredible vintage items. It’s a one-stop shop.”
How can we incorporate these trends into our own everyday style?
Amy Lu: “First, identify the trend. Then see how it would work with your personal style. For example, let’s take neon. If you’re no longer a teenager, you’re not going to wear a fluorescent dress, but you could wear a neon bag and neon accessories, and still be in with the trend. Accessories help a lot. There are so many great inexpensive fashion items. People need to take more risks.”
What is one trend everyone should try this season?
Amy Lu: “Try a new colour. People get comfortable in their own fashion ruts of darks and blacks. We’ve been blessed with so much colour this season. While it’s trendy and here, embrace it!”
For more street style looks from eBay.ca’s Style Stories, go to http://stylestories.ebay.ca/
All photos courtesy of eBay.ca
Great article! .. well street style has become as major as the runway shows themselves! Next time I go out, I’ll bring along my camera