Who would have thought that the fashion from the bustling streets of the Bronx would one day become a global fashion enigma! Hip hop has made a permanent mark in the global fashion industry—from the art movement in the early 70s to the chic fashion runways today.
Hip hop is not only an expression or an art form but also a powerful influence in the fashion industry. It is not just a genre of music but a culmination of a lifestyle, a movement and a perspective that communicates through style and fashion. Whether you’re looking for relaxed flare bottom sweats or blinged out jewellery or high-top sneakers, hip hop fashion is no longer an underground trend but a mainstream craze. Let us dive deeper into the influence of hip hop culture on the fashion world.
Integration with Designer Brands
Whether it’s Louis Vuitton, Gucci, or A Bathing Ape (BAPE), hip hop culture has transcended to global designer brands, influencing cultures from east to the west.
The hip hop fashion culture was at its highest in the ’80s and ’90s. It was during these times that we could witness everything ‘baggy’—and this style has made a comeback in today’s fashion world. From baggy jeans, chunky gold chains to puffy jackets and flare bottom sweatpants, these style statements are iconic.
Brands such as FUBU, OVO, Karl Kani, Rocawear are all created by culture and it is because of these creators that today luxury brands have integrated streetwear aesthetics into high-end fashion. Did we ever imagine Louis Vuitton launching monogram hoodies, chunky sneakers or flared bottoms? If it wasn’t for the hip hop culture then the global luxury brands wouldn’t have embraced this unique style.
Rappers: New Fashion Icons
From Lil’ Kim to Cardi B; Kanye West to Travis Scott, rappers are making a lasting mark on the fashion world, without a doubt!
The fashion industry had been avoiding associations with hip hop for a long time; but the industry couldn’t resist the power of the greatest cultural pot. Nobody could imagine a rapper at the Met Gala but in 1999, Lil’ Kim was the first female rapper to be invited to the Mets and she slayed! The Bad Boy Artist dazzled as she walked the red carpet in a Versace two-piece, hot pink set with a real fur coat and snakeskin boots. This was iconic as it set the stage for the rappers to be a part of the high-end fashion world. Fast forward to today, rappers are front-row regulars at major fashion shows, creative directors for luxury fashion brands and one of the all-time favourite fashion muses. From Cardi B being the high-fashion flare to Pharrell Williams, the new men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton, rappers are influencing the fashion industry like no other!
Streetwear: The New Luxury
We never imagined streetwear to be a part of mainstream fashion but here we are discussing how this casual style made its way to luxury brands across the globe.
Earlier streetwear was exclusive to underground rappers and skateboarders. Today, streetwear is at the top of high-end fashion. From hoodies, bold graphics to cargo pants, baggy jeans to oversized outerwear, streetwear styles have now become investment pieces. Brands like Supreme, Awake, Off-White, KITH, among others have successfully amalgamated the essence of hip hop with luxury artistry. And when it comes to the sneakers business, nobody did it like Kanye West’s Yeezy. This sneaker brand has become a new status symbol in the fashion world, which sells out in seconds. Another popular name in the sneaker business is Travis Scott’s Nike collabs that have taken the sneaker world by storm.
One thing about hip hop fashion that keeps it different from others is its ever-evolving nature. The hop culture continues to unroll and so does its influence on fashion. Currently, we are witnessing gender-fluid styles, ultra-modern streetwear, retro-inspired fits, and chunky rings and chains—hip hop culture’s influence on today’s global fashion has shown us that fashion is never one directional; it’s not governed by rules but confidence.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
