What Is Streetwear? A Deep Dive from Gallery Streetwear in Kelowna

Streetwear has come a long way—from underground skate spots and late-night hip-hop cyphers to the forefront of global fashion. But what exactly is streetwear, and why is it more than just clothes?

At Gallery Streetwear, located in downtown Kelowna, BC, we live and breathe this culture. Our shop blends high-end taste with deep roots in skateboarding, snowboarding, music, and global travel. This blog breaks down where streetwear came from, where it's going, and why we proudly represent it across Canada.

The Roots of Streetwear

In the late '70s and early '80s, streetwear was born out of rebellion and authenticity. It came from surf spots in California, hip-hop parks in New York, and DIY punk and skate scenes. It wasn’t about trends—it was about self-expression.

Early pioneers like Stüssy and Vision Street Wear weren’t chasing runway approval—they were building community through tees and stickers.

The Rise of the Movement

As skateboarding and hip-hop went global in the '90s, streetwear followed. Brands like Supreme, BAPE, and FUBU introduced the drop model, scarcity, and the idea that wearing a brand could mean something culturally.

By the 2000s, luxury fashion took notice, but the streets always stayed one step ahead.

Where Gallery Streetwear Fits

We’re not chasing hype—we’re curating legacy and future. Our brand mix is tight, intentional, and rooted in what we actually live in. You’ll find:

Dime MTL – heavyweight Canadian skatewear built for real riders
New Balance – including one of the best selections of 550s and 9060s in Canada
Pleasures – bold graphics and cinematic collabs (Evangelion, The Big Lebowski)
Malbon Golf – where fairway performance meets street style
On Running – performance design from Switzerland that feels at home on the block

Also in the mix: Gramicci, Butter Goods, Helas, Magenta, Thisisneverthat, Loviah, Jungles Jungles, Clarks Originals, Corduroy, Market, and more.

These aren’t brands we found in trend reports—they’re the ones we wear, skate in, and believe in.

Why Streetwear Still Matters in Canada

Streetwear today is part skate shop, part gallery, part underground radio station, and part protest. It’s local and global. It’s exclusive and democratic. It’s alive.

Whether you're in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, or right here in Kelowna—Gallery Streetwear ships Canada-wide with the best in global and Canadian streetwear culture.

Shop and Follow

You can find us at 588 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC or shop online 24/7 at www.gallerystreetwear.ca
Follow us on Instagram: @gallerystreetwearcanada_