The rise of street style fashion photography: a brief history of how it became a major force in the fashion industry

Street style fashion photography has exploded in popularity over the past few decades, with photographers snapping candid shots of fashionable individuals on the streets of major cities around the world. But where did this trend come from, and how did it rise to become a major force in the fashion industry?

The roots of street style fashion photography can be traced back to the early 1900s, with photographers like Eugène Atget and Berenice Abbott capturing candid shots of everyday life in Paris and New York. These early street photographers paved the way for future generations of photographers to document the world around them.

In the 1960s and 70s, photographers like Garry Winogrand and Diane Arbus began to capture more candid shots of people on the streets, often focusing on fashion and style. These photographers helped to establish street style as a genre in its own right, and their work continues to inspire photographers today.

It wasn't until the 1990s, however, that street style fashion photography really began to take off. With the rise of fashion blogs and the democratization of photography thanks to the internet and social media, more and more photographers began to document the fashionable individuals they saw on the streets.

Today, street style fashion photography is a major force in the fashion industry, with photographers like Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) and Tommy Ton (Jak & Jil) gaining international recognition for their work. These photographers showcase the latest trends and capture the unique personal styles of individuals on the streets, providing fashion inspiration to millions of people around the world.

In conclusion, the rise of street style fashion photography can be traced back to the early 1900s, with photographers documenting everyday life on the streets. Over the years, street style has evolved and grown in popularity, with the internet and social media helping to propel it to the forefront of the fashion industry. Today, street style photographers continue to inspire and influence fashion trends around the world.