50 Years Of Hip Hop: How One Movement Changed Fashion Forever

Over the years, hip-hop has been influencing clothing brands and fashion trends around the world. Hip Hop is a genre of music that began during thea late '70s in New York and evolved during the '80s. Several hip-hop groups, such as Public Enemy, created their aesthetic and style, which became a culture that influenced fashion worldwide.

Some photographers, such as Martha Cooper, documented the rise of the culture in New York. Some B-girls and B-boys also wore straight-legged denim and tracksuits over Adidas Superstars with customized fat laces. Accessories were included as chains and jewelry were a prominent flex on peers back in the day.

Hip-Hop's Influence on Fashion

Hip Hop has not only been about music, and looking at fashion today; we can understand its undeniable influence on our fashion lifestyle. The relationship between the fashion world and hip hop is an important history as hip hop rose from the streets and birthed its fashion style. In the 1970s, streetwear was a trending rise due to the Movement of Black Power.

Over the years, several luxury labels, such as Saint Laurent and Balmain, have embraced hip-hop artists. These luxury brands also mimic some of their aesthetics. One thing distinguishing hip-hop from rock and roll is its high fashion. Hip-hop musicians had preferences for designer brands, making them set trends with their outfits.

Today, hip-hop continues to set and influence trends in the fashion world, enabling artists to express themselves through fashion. Some luxury brands, such as Marc Jacobs' Fall 2017 collection, were heavily inspired by the "Hip Hop Evolution" documentary. Jacobs also said that his memories from his childhood in New York inspired his collection.

According to the designer, the collection represents the dressing up of casual sportswear. He said, " It is a gesture and acknowledgment of the respect I have for the consideration and polish applied to fashion. This occurs from a generation that will be the foundation of youth culture street style". Hip-hop influenced popular trends such as sneakers, matching sets, and oversized clothing seen today.

Looking at fashion today, we can see the influence on today's style, from the endorsement of Run-DMC's Adidas to Kanye West launching his fashion label. Hip-hop artists are influencing and embracing the world of high-end fashion labels. The following are some of the hip-hop artists who led the way and incorporated their style into the fashion world:

Run-DMC

The members of the Run-DMC embodied hip-hop early days with their member's graphic tees, sporty sneakers, and track pants. They released a song in 1986 titled "My Adidas," where they chronicled their love for Adidas shoes. The song got the group an unprecedented $1 million deal with Adidas. Their deal with Adidas was the first brand deal that paved the way for their other deals.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J is a hip-hop artist who influenced the fashion world with his airbrushed T-shirts. He was mostly seen pairing his outfits with heavy chains, sunglasses with a stylish shape and Kangol hats. You'd be pressed to find a better spokesperson for what fly rappers wore in the mid-80s. Over a decade later, the musician tends to make waves by engaging in a Gap commercial while wearing a FUBU hat and rapping a "for us, by us" motto.

Dapper Dan

Daniel Day, also known as Dapper Dan, incorporated leathers decorated with logs from popular labels in the 80s. He created accessories and outlandish outfits from them to give them a unique look. He also took inspiration from some designers, such as Louis Vuitton, and recreated a street look. Years later, some luxury brands adopted his look.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams made his tastes in fashion and music into a polished style. He is one of the creators of hip-hop's remix culture. Williams is a fan of Hermes Birkin bags and collaborates with luxury brands such as Chanel. In 2014, he wore a copied Canadian Mountie-style hat by Vivienne Westwood at the annual Grammy Awards. The 2014 outfit caught the eye of the fashion industry, and he has since been one of the hip-hop artists that keeps influencing the fashion industry.

Sean Combs

Sean Combs is one of the first people to spin his name into a lifestyle brand that goes beyond music-making. He created a brand, "Sean John," to elevate the hip-hop style. Sean Combs mimicked luxury brands with a massive end goal. His company bridged the gap between high fashion and streetwear, setting the foundation for other luxurious brands such as Yeezy by Kanye West.

Conclusion

In the late 80s and early 90s, hip-hop culture reflected the black nationalist sentiment. It also reflected African heritage. Various artists like Queen Latifah and Public Enemy rocked colors and hairstyles, such as dreadlocks associated with the black movement. The hip-hop culture continuously changes our style and the way we dress.

During the 90s, several artists like Biggie and 2Pac appreciated some designer styles, such as Prada. These artists included designer styles in their music. Some artists like Ice Cube's style included fitted hats and snapbacks. Most of these styles are now incorporated into high fashion trends today. Hip-hop has significantly influenced the fashion world, as most of these items are still prevalent today.