The History of Hip Hop Fashion Essay Example
Hip hop fashion is a distinctive style of dress, orgiginating with African American youth on the scene of various American cities. Each city contributed different elements to the style that is now known all over the world. Hip hop fashion gives a proper image of the expressions and attitudes of hip hop culture in general, and has changed significantly during its history. Today, its an important part of the fashion world and is worn by people all across the world.
Hip hop fashion was first found in established sportswear and fashion brands who saw a market opportunity in the emerging hip hop scene. This happened in the late 1970s. Then, during the 1980s, major hip-hop stars of like Run-DMC and LL Cool J wore things like large glasses, kangol hats, multi-finger rings, and sneakers. Artists such as Kurtis Blow and Big Daddy Kane helped popularize gold necklaces. Hairstyles of the 80’s included the Jeri curl and the hi-top fade in the late 80’s. During the late 1980s, fashion reflected traditional African influence, like the big blousy pants popular among rappers like MC Hammer. In the early 90’s, The Fresh Prince, Kid 'n Play, and Left Eye of TLC popularized the wearing of bright, neon colored clothing. They also started a trend of wearing regular articles of clothing in a new and unusual way, such as Kris Kross’s method of wearing their clothes backwards.
In the 90’s, gangsta rap became one of the biggest influences on hip-hop. During this time hip-hop fashion was influenced by the dress styles of street thugs and prison inmates. Wearing baggy pants without a belt originated from prison. Also during the 90’s, hooded sweatshirts, military hats, field jackets and Timberland boots were popular in New York City. The West Coast contributed the wearing of oversized flannel shirts.
Also in the 90’s, Sean "Puffy" Combs, influenced hip hop fashion with his loud, flashy PVC aviator inspired suits and platinum jewelry. After platinum replaced gold as the
Hip hop fashion was first found in established sportswear and fashion brands who saw a market opportunity in the emerging hip hop scene. This happened in the late 1970s. Then, during the 1980s, major hip-hop stars of like Run-DMC and LL Cool J wore things like large glasses, kangol hats, multi-finger rings, and sneakers. Artists such as Kurtis Blow and Big Daddy Kane helped popularize gold necklaces. Hairstyles of the 80’s included the Jeri curl and the hi-top fade in the late 80’s. During the late 1980s, fashion reflected traditional African influence, like the big blousy pants popular among rappers like MC Hammer. In the early 90’s, The Fresh Prince, Kid 'n Play, and Left Eye of TLC popularized the wearing of bright, neon colored clothing. They also started a trend of wearing regular articles of clothing in a new and unusual way, such as Kris Kross’s method of wearing their clothes backwards.
In the 90’s, gangsta rap became one of the biggest influences on hip-hop. During this time hip-hop fashion was influenced by the dress styles of street thugs and prison inmates. Wearing baggy pants without a belt originated from prison. Also during the 90’s, hooded sweatshirts, military hats, field jackets and Timberland boots were popular in New York City. The West Coast contributed the wearing of oversized flannel shirts.
Also in the 90’s, Sean "Puffy" Combs, influenced hip hop fashion with his loud, flashy PVC aviator inspired suits and platinum jewelry. After platinum replaced gold as the