The title explains the purpose of this post. In the past I have had to clear up the fact that I’m a girl with those who have come through this site (yeah, people read it…surprises me too). I realize the confusion comes in from the fact that I chose a non-gender associated name when I started customizing sneakers, I clearly love to blog about, and talk about mens fashion and the fact that the sneaker/streetwear culture is a male dominated industry. Well, at least I know I was being taken seriously for time lol. That’s a joke but that statement brings up some issues or questions….Where are women in this sub-culture? I’m not implying that women are ignored or not visible, because we’ve more than made our mark (Nitrolicious and Female Sneaker Fiend) , but where do u call where women are in the industry? Before I get any angry responses, I don’t consider myself to be the most “in-the-know” person or even close to it, so I’m sure there are many things I’ve missed or that I’m just not aware of. However, with that being so, is there a reason for that? Am I just not looking in the right places or are women and women related products and services a little harder to find? I’m not sure, but of course I sometimes live in my own little world, so I very well may just be out of the loop.

Violette

M.O.B.

One thing I know for sure is that the definition, quality, diversity and availability of womens streetwear is limited. There are more lines than their ever used to be, but not nearly as many as those that cater solely or primarily to men.  Not all brands ignore the female market, but very few have mastered the balance of quality and quantity of designs between their men and women lines. I don’t know how many times I’ve discovered a new brand, been really impressed with the clothing, then got the big disappointment after seeing what they had for women. I believe that the biggest issue with male run brands is a lack of effective marketing towards women, even when they have great women’s lines.

These are the product of a collaboration between Mama and Adidas

I can honestly say that the Simmons girls seemed to wake up big wigs of the sneaker industry. Over the past few years they have increased the variety of styles, colorways, and sizes that are available to women. I remember when you couldn’t get Nike SB’s in any size smaller than a mens 6. While the quality and the actual attractiveness of these shoes is more than questionable (but you could say that for men’s shoes as well) they have definitely stepped up their game and are recognizing the female consumer more than ever.

I’d like to see those women focused streetwear brands expand their views of the industry they reside in and make streetwear something to talk about, like it used to be before the market become over saturated. I’d like to see the brands that primarily focus on menswear to do a little more research into the female market before they approach the production process; perhaps bring in a girl or two to help out with the womens department.  I’d also like to see those brands who have managed to  successfully create  products that are high in quality and style for both men and women to make sure they put just as much focus on women as men when marketing their brand.

Just so you know there are womens brands out there:

• Cubannie Links
• DimePiece
• Hellz Bellz
• MadeMe
• Mama
• Married To The Mob
• Melody Ehsani
• MissWax
• MOB Living
• What The Hellz
• Yours Truly
• Violette