Unlike the graffiti art as seen nowadays in galleries and museums the street art movement began as an accessible subculture. During the 80s in New York it was originally for the underrepresented and underground creatives in the city. While graffiti was once considered vandalism, this fusion of art, youth culture, music, and fashion quickly grew into the respected artistic style that it is today, grown from the bottom up.
When hiphop culture started to spread among the masses in the 1980s, it didn’t take long for graffiti to have an impact on fashion; It moved from the walls and subway cars to our everyday lives. The concept of combining graffiti art with fashion rapidly grew in popularity by putting graffiti designs onto clothing like jackets, t-shirts, shoes, hats, and other pieces of clothing.
Moonrunners The Jazz DMX denim jacket and Badboys Fresh Word The Split Force, both by FRESH The Hague mid 80s.
From one-off handmade DIY painted productions to screen-printed expressions in low edition. This combination created an urban phenomenon. Graffiti made its way into the hearts of many people because it was inspiring, raw, and authentic; A celebration of urban expression. For the graffiti writers it was an extra dimension, being seen throughout the city with the wearer of the garment as a walking canvas.
The making of a custom back piece on denim jacket. PAGE 3 INC TFP
The impact that graffiti and street art has made on low as well on high fashion is huge. It helps people express their opinions. With all the different styles and messages of graffiti, it’s to be expected that almost everyone can find a form they like — and there’s no industry that understands this better than fashion.
On display
Graffiti & Street fashion
At our location we display various items from the collection. By highlighting a subject we give context to what graffiti heritage consists of. The exhibitions are small in scope, but large in impact. To be seen by appointment or at times when we are present.
Various items from our collection are now on display at Dutch Graffiti Library. The exhibitions are small in scope, but large in impact. To be viewed by appointment or at times when we are present. This expo shows items from the Dutch Graffiti Library collection related to graffiti on street fashion, such as t-shirts and denim jackets.
Dutch Graffiti Library
Urban heritage
De Hallen Amsterdam
DENIM City
Hannie Dankbaarpassage 22
1053 RT Amsterdam