Just my opinion. Someone who has gotten into streetwear recently.
What defines the trends in streetwear today the most?
Definitely Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop has evolved and is now more about spreading the message to peers that you don't need to go to college/have mad cash to do what you want to do or be happy.
Why do you think people who wear streetwear have so much knowledge on when something was released?
These clothes are regarded as pieces of art. Anyone who has an interest in any art will have experience with finding out what year that piece was created. It's the same for streetwear. Except these are pieces you can add to the canvas that is your body.
Is the exclusivity important to you? I'm inclined to say no, however it certainly does make a piece more desirable. I'm into creating something that generates interest/emotion from my peers; Exclusivity is an easy way of gaining interest, which is why I struggle morally with copping such pieces. I was stoked to enter all kinds of raffles for the black Yeezy boosts, but after hearing 'Ye say in a radio interview he didn't want them to be limited, and it was an adidas decision. I went off them. I wasn't desperate for them any more. The meaning behind a piece is important to me. So for me, the yeezys lost their meaning, and therefore my respect as a piece of art.
Whats the longest queue you've been in for any drop?
Waiting in queues is one of my worst enemies in life. I avoid it at all costs.
Why did you choose streetwear over any other genre of clothing?
Like I was getting at in the previous answer; it's art. The pieces often have a deeper meaning rather than just looking dope for the sake of it. When I think of my existance on this Earth; I want the negative space I create to be interesting/have meaning. It's the reason I go as far as to link streetwear to bodybuilding. Everything is for creating shapes. Metaphors are important to me also; It's the reason I bought used £10 military boots rather than the nike "shias" sfbs. The meaning for this purchase was that I felt like I was taking an item with character that was created for an unrighteous purpose, and giving them a deeper meaning in society and everyday life. I promise I'm not high.