The closest associations that have come to underscore the word urban as far as taste and fashion today are concerned are the yuppie or urbanite lifestyle and urban living and fashion. Yuppie was a word which originally held a relatively negative connotation in the ‘80s and perhaps carries a little of it over to today—though a good many people don’t seem to realize it (least of all those who categorize themselves as such). While yuppie, short for "young, urban professional," plainly refers to educated, upper-middle class, and upwardly mobile people with jobs in the professional sectors, it is often used in criticism, connoting shallowness, materialism, and superficiality. Urbanites, on the other hand, is a term more commonly used in the United Kingdom to describe a demographic of people in the 21st century who, like yuppies, are young, urban professionals, but, unlike yuppies, are far more socially conscious and want for greater, more "important" things in life.

Today, of course, definitions have broadened and become more forgiving, and the urbanized individual has earned more positive, if not at least more well-rounded connotation in general society (which we probably have to thank the likes of Oprah and Dr. Phil for). While the individual who fits the bill is not necessarily as demandingly perfect and complete as, say, the Renaissance Man, they are instead defined by a desire for more meaningful relationships, enriching experiences, and success and fulfillment in several aspects of their lives (apart from family and career), as well as a certain lifestyle and image that involves a fashionable involvement in extracurricular activities (in arts or in sports), an awareness of what is current and considerably intelligent, and, of course, a sufficient sense of fashion and personal style.

And it is perhaps on that last note that the focus of society has been most visibly apparent. The dictates of fashion and style have always been, of course, very fickle and at one point seemingly inaccessible, yet the urban mindset as we know it now seems to have changed the landscape of fashion ultimately. In the last decade, the focus is back on the street, on trend rising from the personal and even the anti-trend, and on championing the individual style and philosophy of dress. And what is most evident in this transformation of fashion is how it reflects the culture and mindset of the new urbanized individual—current but unique, stylish but sensible, and adventurous and experimental but ultimately just right for you.

While urban style as a term may have once been most commonly associated with hip-hop fashion, it is now more commonly used for its connotations with city (urban) life and, of course, street style. The street, as everyone already knows, is the ultimate catwalk, especially in places like London and Japan, which boast of a plethora of in-your-face, unique and strongly individual looks. Ultimately, in defining urban fashion, it is about diversity and personality and, to put it bluntly, slapping together whatever you feel like wearing however you feel like wearing it.

In the country now, one of the strongest and certainly the largest (literally) proponents of this attitude is none other than the empire we all know as SM. Their new catchphrase, Urbanism, accurately defines the new outlook of local street style—diversity and choice, which is reflected in the huge selection of clothing they have to offer. Aimed at their own core of "new fashionistas," which are smart, stylish, cosmopolitan shoppers who are willing to experiment and play with clothes and who want to stand out in a crowd, the looks lined up on the in-store display sends the message that anything is possible with style.

To complete the look, the SM department store provides all the parts—from basics like plain tees, tanks, jeans, and slacks to more highly fashionable trend pieces like balloon skirts, lace corsets, knit boleros and baby doll dresses. The idea of play allows you to wear it all—like putting together a cream sleeveless top, embroidered jeans, deconstructed jacket and layer over layer of accessories for color and texture—or keep it simple—like a graphic tee and pedalpushers with a cute pair of heels. Girly or gothic, modern or vintage, sporty or professional—the choices are ultimately on the individual.

While we certainly aren’t gaining on Japan anytime soon, with positive, fashion forward messages and supportive outlets like SM, we’re certainly learning the value of developing personal style. And with the hot new attitude of Urbanism, we know we’re well on our way.