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HIP HOP FASHION
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What is Hip Hop Fashion? |
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Hip hop fashion is a relatively new trend that has taken over the fashion industry within the past twenty years. Hip hop fashion, which is also known as urban fashion, is generally associated with African American communities, since this style was originally seen being worn by rap artists and performers in music videos and performances. When these artists began to receive national recognition, the world began to view this form of fashion as the stereotypical "look" of hip hop artists. Due to the rise in success of these hip hop artists, hip hop fashion has emerged as one of the most prominent forms of dressing, and has crossed all racial, cultural, and geographical boundaries. Hip hop fashion is a crucial component of the hip hop lifestyle, as this style of fashion is used to create a unique identity for men and women living the hip hop culture.The relationship between rap artists and hip hop fashion is becoming increasingly influential as rappers such as Jay-Z, and Nas have created their own clothing lines that reflect their unique style of urban wear. Popular hip hop artists, such as Puff Daddy and Jennifer Lopez have cashed in on this style of dressing, and have helped to turn the hip hop "look" into a billion dollar industry. Hip hop fashion consists of all forms of clothing, including pants, shirts, jerseys, sweaters, jewelry, hats and shoes (Oshun, 2003). |
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History of Hip Hop Fashion |
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Hip Hop fashion emerged in the South Bronx in the late 1970's along with the other elements of hip hop culture: deejaying, graffiti, and emceeing. As a form of rebellion against the "disco" trend, a look was created that was more in touch with the "street" and the African American community. Hip hop fashion was a form of self-expression, and individuality, that created a unique look for the people following the hip hop culture. Moreover, the new style had practical uses as well. The baggy sweatsuits were worn by b-boys/girls (break dancers), because of the comfortability and flexibility the clothing allowed when performing difficult dance moves. Originally, many T-shirts and sweaters imitated the brightly colored artistic work of emerging graffiti artists, and the murals that could be found around the streets of New York. Early rap artists, such as Run DMC, were seen wearing the baggy pants and sweaters, with gold chains (Oshun, 2003). The influence of fashion on the hip hop scene began to become much clearer, as Run DMC's 1986 song "My Adidas", became a hit and started a fashion trend towards the shoes, which were then seen being worn particularly by breakdancers. Hip hop has had such an impact on fashion, that after the death of Run DMC member, Jam Master Jay, Adidas released their Jason Mizell Ultrastars, in memory of the late artist (Yesterdayland, 2000). Some of the early elements of hip hop fashion consisted of: Pumas with fat shoe laces, Kangols (a type of hat), big gold jewelry in the form of chains, earrings or rings, and sweatsuits (Oshun,2003). |
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From the earliest days of hip hop fashion, it has been an important part of the hip hop culture and lifestyle. As stated earlier, the looks of the early hip hop artists became recognized world-wide, which resulted in the start of a fashion trend that was followed by all hip hop music lovers. Hip hop fashion slowly evolved from the streets of South Bronx, to the world wide stage. |
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