Converging Culture

Introduction to "Culture"

Waco’s fashion scene has recently been taken in a new direction, away from the clothing of western wear, boots, cowboy hats, and big belt buckles. To a more streetwear fashion approach, which is very exciting brands like Palace, Supreme, Fear of God, etc. are some of the hottest pieces on the scene right now, as well as retro/vintage wear including originally released Graphic T-Shirts, Sneakers, and Accessories from decades ago. The biggest issue with this change is the number of businesses around Waco that carry these types of products. Until just recently when a new store was opened by two young entrepreneurs (De'Oryen Thorton & Brady Gilstrap).

Accessories are a major part of the streetwear culture, As seen in this picture
Items like hats, fanny packs, and especially stickers. They are just seen as little parts
equal up to complete outfit.

   Any streetwear fashion shopper in the city of Waco knows that certain brands are hard or impossible to come by in store. Luckily a new streetwear boutique has come around to change that. Culture Threads is a streetwear resale boutique currently located in the most popular part of Waco, Downtown. It was established August 2018 in a very small shop. Because the opening month turnout was such a success, the owners decided to move in to a more spacious location. While interviewing Co-Owner De'Oryen I asked "What made you choose the name culture threads?" De'Oryen replied "Because we are looking to change the culture of Waco, from a fashion point of view." Of which Culture Threads has already begun to make a presence in throughout the city with their numerous pop up shops. 

A collection of vintage T-Shirts
found inside "Culture Threads" 

Whats all the "Hype"?

Culture Threads is not important just because it carries a wide variety of streetwear clothing and accessories (that can be seen throughout this article and also located in the sideshow below), but because they are the first business of this kind to bring forth a new and different wave of style to Waco. Most of these items are found in more populated locations, like New York, Los Angeles, or even Houston, and tend to be exclusive buys in those areas. The items they carry are so popular in the streetwear culture because they are limited merchandise that release on special occasions. This fact makes them harder to carry in store and difficult for the normal small-town consumer to obtain. That is how Culture Threads comes into play. Though they do not carry every and all items that the local streetwear shopper may be looking for, it expands the variety of this type of merchandise. From Supreme to Off-White, a streetwear enthusiast can find a majority of their big-brand needs in just one convenient location. Culture Threads has brought a new and popular type of resell business to the Waco area, and this has given them an important leg up in the town's market. This "hype" is just how Culture Threads as become so popular, and their exclusive merchandise will continue to increase their popularity and their influence in the Waco streetwear scene.

This is a photo of different sneakers that Culture Threads offers.
These shoes are very popular in the street wear culture, mostly because
of the creators of the product, who range from recording artist Travi$ $cott,
Kanye West, and (Louis Vuitton designer) Virgil Abloh.

Changing Culture 

While finishing an interview with store co-owner De'Oryen Thorton, the last question posed was, "Where do you see the clothing culture of Waco going based on the influence seen from your store Culture Threads, and what do you think the future for your store holds?" De'Oryen responded by saying "We are soon going to be the hottest store in Waco, only because we just have items that normal Waco stores don't carry. There is a lack of men's boutiques in the Waco area, and I see the only urban-type store being H&M. So the lack of competition and lack of streetwear style will allow us to become the new hottest store in the central Texas area." That being said, it seems that the owners themselves are confident in the fact that their store will not only increase in popularity, but will ultimately change the streetwear culture currently surfacing in the Waco area. It is clear that the overall fashion culture of Waco will be heavily influenced by these types of resell shops, and Culture Threads will maintain their popularity as new merchandise hits their shelves. Streetwear is coming to central Texas and consumers are prepared to change their sense of style to keep up this new trend, as evidenced by Culture Threads large following. Overall it seems that this new store is going to change Waco's fashion culture by bringing forth a new and different wave of style.