I recently had the chance to contribute to a Guardian piece exploring the resurgence of British cultural influence across music, fashion, slang, and streetwear.
But for me, this isn’t the monocultural Britpop version of Cool Britannia.
This moment feels less Blur and Blair, more Central Cee and Corteiz. It is multicultural, grounded, and globally resonant. Most importantly, it is powered by the communities who were historically left out of the narrative and who are now reclaiming Britishness on their own terms.
Here are a few of my reflections:
• I see a new kind of British pride emerging from the street up. It is not flag-waving, but creative, confident, and rooted in lived culture.
• From AJ Tracey to Stormzy, to streetwear labels IDA and Lostboys, I notice the Union Jack being reappropriated as a symbol of ownership rather than establishment.
• Global youth are borrowing from UK subcultures post-Skepta, picking up our slang, underground sounds, and streetwear codes. A level of influence that once felt unthinkable.
• British streetwear, from Palace to Poser, Up In Flames to Grime 3.0, along with UK drill and rap, all carry serious cultural gravity right now. Just look at Drake linking with Headie One. We are not following, we are setting the tone.
You can read the full article here:
https://lnkd.in/eSs_2a4r
I would love to hear your thoughts on this and what you are noticing too. If it resonates, feel free to share.
