Considered the most disruptive force to come into collision with the clothing industry this century, streetwear – and hype culture – has transformed fashion. With established brands now vying for a piece of the streetwear community, how has this sub-culture influenced modern fashion?

Streetwear has long been a boys’ club that has ridiculed or misunderstood women’s involvement. But female aficionados from Gens Y and Z are forming physical and digital groups to ensure their voices are heard. How is a sense of community shifting the gender balance within this subculture?

As China takes a shine to streetwear, domestic designers are popping up to compete with global brands. Given the streetwear scene’s fetishisation of niche purchases and limited supply, small-scale local brands have the upper hand over their international competitors.

With Chinese Gen Yers and Zers inheriting considerable wealth from a rapidly expanding middle class, luxury fashion consumption is increasingly driven by streetwear instead of catwalks. Yet while global brands remain highly valued, why are young shoppers investing in local labels?