This week we are blogging on Hip-hop Fashion and Self-Adorment. In what way do you see Hip-hop influencing the way people present themselves? How has Hip-hop shaped your style? Self-adornment is the practice decorating yourself using hairstyles, clothing, jewelry, etc. Think about the ways that Hip-hop has impacted all of these styles of self-presentation in fashion and the media. How does fashion sample from diverse cultures?
As Hip Hop became an international movement, the styles and fashions that came with it grew in popularity and expanded throughout the world and into communities not intrinsically-related to the genre. The mere marketability of hip hop means that when rappers incorporate fashion and commodities into their lyrics or into their swagger, this can act as a propaganda tool upon their audience and listeners. In the same way kids want the same guitars as their rock heroes, hip hop fans want the same clothes and accessories as their rap heroes.
ReplyDeleteHip Hop provides a unique example of fashion-conditioning in music. Due its multicultural and diverse flair, hip hop is able to sample from all kinds of cultures and ethnicities from all over the world, meaning it is never limited to just African American or Latin American styles as one might think. Over the years rappers have taken fashion icons or clothes designers who may be out of their ‘class standing’ and used them in their songs and style, elevating hip hop as well as fashion to a new, universal level.
Some critics have argued this near-obsession with commodification takes away from the grassroots legacy of hip hop: “the performance of success/excess, and the preoccupation with ‘looking good’…challenge the aura of authenticity that cloaks much of hip hop’s earliest…cultural practices” (Fleetwood, 328).
Fashion has been with hip hop hand in hand since the birth of it. With the b-boys and b-girls sporting that Adidas track suits that has influence the look and style of the breaking crew. Not only that Adidas have a line of there own style dedicated to the hip hop culture because of the mass publicity that Adidas have received from the hip hop culture. When others see breakers wearing an Adidas track suit, many want dress and pose as the breaker scene. Hip hop has ties to this Adidas sports brand.
ReplyDeleteBut now a days brands of clothes that's what most rapper's rap about in their songs since they made it big in the hip hop industry, they can flaunt what they got to everyone and it goes back to the braggadocio theory. For example the song Gucci Bandanna by Soulja Boi it talks about his bandanna but its not just any bandanna its Gucci. Showing off has been a big part of hip hop, ever since Run DMC started to were big gold chain and over the years the gold chain have evolved into iced chain and even mouth jewelry with the grillz. And I really do think that if the rappers are going to brag and flaunt all the brands they are sporting people are going to follow the trend. Hip hop has influenced fashion and is still influencing the fashion scene today.
Looking at fashion today, it’s easy to see hip-hop has a major impact on what is seen as in-style in society. One example of its impact is the brand Phat Farm, which was created by Russell Simmons of Def Jam Records. Simmons wanted to create a classier way to dress: collar shirts and pants that fit, but at the same time, he wanted it to be flashy so it stood out. Another way hip-hop impacts fashion is through the artists. Jay-Z refers to this media of impact in his song “Death of Auto-tune (D.O.A.)” when he states, “No lyin, your niggas’ jeans too tight. Your colors too bright, your voice too light. I might wear black four years straight, I might bring back Versace shades.” Here, Jay-Z is saying he can change the fashion game, just by changing his style trends; furthermore, Jay-Z is right. If he wants to wear tie-dye t-shirts for a month, he could, and people would go buy them. Personally, I went out and bought high-top Nike sneakers because that is what the hip-hop look was. Now people are wearing grills and chains because Paul Wall and Guccimane rap about it.
ReplyDeleteA couple of things come to mind when I think of hip-hop and fashion. One is bling, bling like diamond stud earrings, gold chains with your last name on it and platinum grill’s. Second I think of baggy clothing which reportedly has its roots in the prison system because the officers wouldn’t allow people to wear belts (lecture 11/21). Lastly and more recently the hipster comes to mind. A hipster to me is more or less a multicultural type of person in a fashion sense, blending together different types of styles and incorporating it all into one outfit. Hipsters that come to mind are Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Asher Roth, and Pharrell. The hipster to me is new wave of hip-hop fashion since it is so versatile and can make a person stand out from the rest of his/her friends. Hip-hop in fashion has come a long way from its early roots in the 1970’s, from tight wavy hair of the 70’s, to neon colored Adidas track pants in the 80’s to the current now gangsta baggy clothes and the always trendy hipster of today, hip-hop will continue to evolve the fashion market one person at a time.
ReplyDeleteFashion is everywhere! You can see it on little babies whose mom’s dress them in Ugg boots and little Nike shoes. You can see it in elementary school kids who try to dress and look just like Hannah Montanna or their favorite star. You can see it in high school as girls try to be the hottest girl in school. And you can absolutely still see it in college with the leggings and boots. The funny thing is that we think we came up with the latest fashion and styles, but really they can all be traced back to the early days of hip-hop. B-boys and girls have been wearing the tight clothes and leggings and baggy pants since the beginning. Some of our most famous labels come from hip-hop artists or were inspired by hip-hop. Hip-hop is a huge commodification and big names use hip-hop artists to get their product out there. Just like we saw in class Monday, there is a whole song wrote about Gucci and how Soulja Boy is totally pimped out in Gucci but has added his own style to it. We have watched commercials in class as well of some artist or another sporting the latest fashion. Fashion and hip-hop will continue to change together as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteHip Hop has always had its own unique style. From the beginning, it was only associated with Blackness and the African American culture. When Hip Hop began to reach out of the African American culture into mainstream society, the style became more mainstream fashion as well. Hip Hop fashion ranges from the vivid bright colors of the 70’s and 80’s to the baggy jeans and basketball jerseys of the 90’s. It has continuously been changing, but also has its throwback phases where artist attempt to reenact “old school” fashions. Those who choose to wear a fashion representative of Hip Hop, choose to be affiliated with Hip Hop and what it represents. Many artists represent themselves physically with a particular style of clothing or name brand. For example, Kanye West has affiliated himself Louis Vuitton. If someone wanted to look like Kanye West, they would probably buy through that fashion line.
ReplyDeleteA particular part of Hip Hop fashion involves articles of self-adornment. According to lecture, this includes: clothing, hairstyles, jewrely, make-up, etc (Lecture 11/22). The types of self-adornment represented in Hip Hop have reached into the higher fashion line such as large necklaces, belts, tight clothing, and bright colors. Although these styles are not uniquely Hip Hop, when displayed correctly, they portray Hip hop aesthetic.
Hip-hop has used its popularity to commodify itself. “Aside from the music itself, fashion continues to be the most profitable and recognized of practices affiliated with hip-hop culture” (Fleetwood 327). Fans of hip-hop seek to be connected to it beyond just listening. “The ways that rappers, MCs, DJs, B-boys/girls represented themselves physically set the trends for other youth who wanted to imitate their style” (lecture 11/22). For this reason hip-hop artists are able to launch successful clothing lines. Emblems of P. Diddy’s Sean Jean or Russell Simmon’s Phat Farm can be seen not only in the urban areas most associated with the music, but also on youth all around the country, and in some instances all around the globe. Clothing lines, however, are not the only way that hip-hop fashion is commodified. Fans see artists’ styles of self-adornment, and want what they have. So often times the artist will advocate for a certain company, such as Soulja Boy for Gucci bandanas, and build a relationship with that company. In return they will be given the products being promoted for free, which will encourage continued advocacy. Now clothing lines made by hip-hop for hip-hop are not the only ones considered apart of hip-hop fashion, but also lines advocated by it.
ReplyDeleteSince the beginning of the Hip-Hop movement, fashion has been an important facet, as it allows artists to express themselves as well as flaunt their success through different expensive fashion trends. Hip-Hop still has a visible effect on today’s fashion, whether consumers consider themselves fans of Hip-Hop or not. This is partly because “the ways in which rappers, dancers, and DJs represented themselves physically set trends for youth wanting to imitate their styles” (lecture, 11/22/10). Hip-Hop artists are also infiltrating the fashion world in a more direct manner than leading by example. Artists including Beyonce, Jay-Z, Nelly, and Diddy all have clothing lines, some of which are showed alongside the lines of major fashion houses at various fashion weeks. This further engages the idea that Hip-Hop fashion “flourishes through the ‘mixing’ of elements as diverse as high-end couture, found artifacts, tagging (or brand-naming), and sports apparel” (Fleetwood 327). This “mixing” of various types of fashion elements that relate to various individuals may be why Hip-Hop has influenced fashion so highly: there is something in Hip-Hop fashion that every individual can sample and make their own, much like the rest of Hip-Hop culture.
ReplyDeleteHip-hop has dispersed itself into all aspects of the modern world: politics, fine art, the media, and of course fashion. Hip-hop fashion can be seen in hairstyles, clothing, gold chains, and even shoes. People all over the world dress in certain ways to represent something they like. People wear sports jerseys to give ‘shout outs’ to their favorite sports teams and players. People also wear clothes to mimic there favorite actress, actor, or even hip-hop artist. When Run DMC came out with My Adidas, hip-hop fans everywhere ran out to the store to purchase their own pair of shell toed shoes. When a hip-hop artist gives hype to a certain product in a song or wears a certain brand in a video, consumers will go and buy the product. They buy it not necessarily because they like the item, but because they want to have what the artist has. Since fashion continues to be the most profitable part of hip-hop aside from the music, designers are able to use hip-hop to better sell their products (Fleetwood 327). As long as hip-hop is one of the dominate music genres, hip-hop fashion will continue to impact styles of self presentation.
ReplyDeleteSomeone’s fashion and how they present themselves is a way for them to nonverbally communicate to everyone around them about their values, personality, socio-economic status, etc. Since the beginning of hip-hop, MC’s have used fashion as another form of braggadocio, to show how well off financially they are. From Run DMC’s fat gold rope chains to today Kanye’s nickname “The Louis Vuitton Don” fashion is another way to show off one’s POWER. Hip-hop and fashion has now intertwined in recent years to the point that hip-hop creates fashion trends. Jay-Z and Sean Combs have their own highly successful lines, Rocawear and Sean John respectively. “Aside from the music itself, fashion continues to be the most profitable and recognized of practices affiliated with hip-hop culture” (Fleetwood 327). MC’s and designers have partnered up because of hip-hop’s influence on trends. Kanye has just designed and created sneakers with Louis Vuitton and Nike and is a constant proponent to the high-class designers such as Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc. Paul Wall helped make the grillz trend in hip-hop huge by teaming up with TV Johnny and running their own shop. Hip-hop has taken its place as a respectable fashion influence and will help set the trends in the continuing years. I admit I bought a Billionaire Boys Club t-shirt just because I am a huge fan of Pharrell.
ReplyDeleteHip-hop is a very multi-racial culture that has incorporated many different styles and backgrounds of fashion. It has influenced the way people present themselves and how others perceive them. Fashion has greatly influenced the hip-hop culture by starting trends that have been or currently are popular, which in turn makes their fans want to join in on these styles. For instance, because of the parachute pants that MC Hammer wore, now when people see them they think of him because he made them popular. Also, in the song “Still Fly” by The Big Tymers, they say, “Let me slide in the Benz with the fished out fins…” which indicates that they popular purely because of their car (Youtube). Hip-hop has only affected my style in the slightest because I have a more relaxed style now. Self-adornment plays a huge role in hip-hop because all of the material stuff like diamonds, clothes, shoes, and even bags, which are all designer and unbelievably expensive. For example, Lil Wanye always wears his big flashy chains to show that he has “status” and that he is very wealthy purely because he is a rapper. Here in America, we look at materialistic things as having such significance in our lives, yet in other countries such as Africa, they would never think about it. Instead, they are the more humble types of people who do things just to get by in life and to maintain a sustainable lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteFashion might be the most direct influence that Hip-Hop gives to our society. The clothes and accessories that Hip-Hop artists wear are most times, that part of the artists that most commonly designates with our memory. “Aside from the music itself, fashion continues to be the most profitable and recognized of practices affiliated with hip-hop culture” (Fleetwood 327). Fashion provides an escape for the listener to connect with their favorite Hip-Hop artists. I think the relations between Hip-Hop and fashion is evident in the fact that Hip-Hop moguls (P. Diddy, Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, etc.) have all started their own clothing lines.
ReplyDeleteI believe Hip-Hop influenced and continues to influence my fashion style, but what I find more interesting is how Hip-Hop artists are being influenced by different cultures and societies with their clothing selections. This is evident in the way artists such as Kid Cudi, B.o.B and Theophilus London dress. They take influence from the alternative culture (skateboarding, punk, hipster) and meshed them with Hip-Hop. This new audience to Hip-Hop and allows for this new style of Hip-Hop fashion to resonate the entire Hip-Hop family. Fashion influences, inspires and arouses everyone involved and it will continue to start, shape, maintain and put an end to fashion trends.
As hip-hop has evolved over the years the ideas of fashion have stayed relatively the same. Artists continue to talk about how much their gold chains, Jordan shoes, Louis Vuitton hand bags or high end clothing cost them. “Aside from the music itself, fashion continues to be the most profitable and recognized of practices affiliated with hip-hop culture” (Fleetwood 327). Growing up I remember hearing artists talking about their Jordan shoe collections and I know that influenced me to want a pair. Fashion has started to change a little bit in the last few years with artists starting to branch out and make their own clothing lines instead of wearing brands like: Adidas, Coogi, or expensive sports jerseys. Now artists like Jay-Z, Pharrell and P.Diddy all of their own successful clothing lines that they use to help promote themselves and their music. Also, hip-hops style has started to change from the baggy jeans and jerseys to more tight fitting jeans and t-shirts, polo’s and even accessories like bandannas and jackets. I expect the hip-hop fashion to continue to change and be used as a tool for artists to make money.
ReplyDeleteFashion is another way to describe or represent a certain culture. Hip-hop in fashion is recognized pretty easily, in my opinion. Some elements of Hip-hop are sometimes harder to identify in the media, but when hip-hop is associated with certain styles the genre is easier to spot. The first thing I think of when it comes to hip-hop and fashion is bling such as diamonds, gold chains, grills, and jewelry that is exceptionally large compared to most. Like many other types of fashion, fashion in hip-hop has dramatically changed since its onset in the 1970s. The way fashion in hip-hop has contributed to my life is that it has made me more aware of designer brands than I used to be. Similar to the artists that want to brag about their success I also find that having an item that is a designer brand is a luxury that you can’t get from generic brands.
ReplyDeleteFashion in hip-hop has provided the artists with another way to brag about their accomplishments in the arts. If I see an artist that is carrying a Louis Vuitton bag compared to an artist who is not I would assume that the artist with the designer label is more popular than the other. Fashion not only gives us a different perspective about a certain culture, but can also give the world an entirely different idea about a person.
Styling and self-adornment has increasingly become more integrated into the world of hip-hop. About 15 years ago, you could see how hip-hop influenced the world of fashion, but within the last five years, there has been a whole subculture of fashion derived around hip-hop influenced clothing, where the influential people themselves are creating the clothes and apparel lines themselves each season. We saw the rise of hip-hop influenced attire when Jennifer Lopez and Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons introduced their collections. At first these collections included very p.g. rated items such as tracksuits, bright top, etc. When we see hip-hop artists collections today we see a much more polished aesthetic that can be accepted in the mainstream and high culture worlds of fashion. For instance Kanye recently made his debut as a fashion influence with his collection, as well as being a face for the brand Louis Vuitton. The collections and ad campaigns that we see today are more polished in the sense that there is more thought and diligence to the clothing. People like Kanye West, look at clothing as a form of expression and even art. Hip-hop influenced clothing is no longer simple a tracksuit and a kangol hat. While we often recycle and throw back to the old school styles, new pieces are constantly being added to the long list of hip-hop fashion. Just like hip-hop music, hip-hop fashion is constantly sampling, borrowing and recycling the fashions of different cultures and times to create a remastered/remixed sense of style now.
ReplyDeleteIt is seen throughout many cultures. The idea of style representing success. The way one looks through clothing and accessories is a way to show how much money they have, how well kept they are, and where they do their everyday shopping. Style through the representation of hip-hop artists has been a key selling point for any company. As stated before ‘any publicity is good publicity.’ Yet, some of the best publicity is when pop culture stars wear a specific item of clothing or accessory. Look at Soulja Boy’s Gucci Bandana. Although the accessory is something small and seemingly useless, like a bandana, it must be made by Gucci. The idea that any product, big or small, being made by a prominent company makes buyers want to own anything from that company just to say that they, much like Soulja Boy and many other rich artist, are in the same socioeconomic companionship, whether or not that actually be true. Not everyone will see the house you own, but many will see the Louis Vuitton purse you own, walking down the street. The idea of style has become deceiving, and detrimental to many who chosen to spend their hard earned paycheck on a style of self adornment. As stated in Nicole Fleewood’s Hip-hop Fashion, Masculine Anxiety, and the Discourse of Americana, “For over a decade, journalists, cultural critics, and scholars alike have launched criticism of the commercialism of the art form and related practices as a move away from core values and attitudes of the early movement,” (327). Yet, criticism has never stopped much, and until hip-hop artists start sporting cheaper clothing, and posing for Target ads, the world will continue to work the same way, no matter how much styles change. But let’s be honest; If Kanye posed for Target, how could he possibly look superior to any other Tom, Dick, and Harry?
ReplyDeleteFashion is a large part of hip-hop. Artists are always trying to sport the newest and most in style fashions. Some of the most popular signature styles of hip hop are gold chains, bright neon colors, and baggy pants. Many artists have their own fashion lines or work with major fashion houses to sell their products. One of my favorite ads is the one of Lil’ Kim posing for Louis Vitton. Since hip-hop artists are icons and role models, what they wear gives the public a sense of what is “cool” or “in” at the time. If a popular artist is wearing a certain type of clothing then it will sell. Many artists also name drop designer brands in their songs to obtain free gifts in return for spreading their label. When explained clearly it is amazing to see how much hip-hop affects our spending. It is weird to think that just because an artist has some new style that people will go out and try to copy it even if they don’t like the way it looks but that is how things truthfully are. Everyone wants the best of the best that they think is the best.
ReplyDeleteFashion and self adornment have been a central characteristic of hip-hop since Afrika Bambatta rocked a turntable in a kippah and a gold rope chain. Much like a rappers flow, fashion presentation adds to one’s unique hip-hop identity. It’s the wrapping paper on the package. But it doesn’t stop there, because the package is marketed and expressed mailed to hip-hops adoring fans all over the world. Much like a young girl asks Christian Dior what to wear before her sweet sixteen; a teenager is waiting to see what popped collar Pharrell wore at his last show so he might be the freshest Billionaire Boy on the block.
ReplyDeleteLet’s face it we all had a style in mind that we were trying to achieve when we meticulously ran through all the possible combinations in our closet this morning. Whether you are a hip-hop head or not, this day and age your selection might have been more influence by hip-hop culture than you think. Even the “high class” couture are capitalizing on the growing popularity of hip hop fashions. So how did fashion become such a staple in the culture of hip-hop? Because we all just want to do what N.W.A told us to do back in 88’, express ourselves. As it turns out, dress code is a viable effective way to express yourself at all times while on the grind.
Hip-hop is a cultural movement and in some ways a lifestyle, clothing and the way you present yourself relate to all cultural movements and hip-hop is not an exception. If anything, being able to distinguish styles of self-adornment in hip-hop might be easier than other cultures and lifestyles. One example of hip-hop and fashion going hand in hand would be Rev Run and Russell Simmons, most everyone knows about Run-DMC and their more than successful clothing company, Phat Farm. This is just one of the many examples of hip-hop icons dipping into the fashion industry. Rappers and hip-hop artists are very influential to the listener, when they rap or sing about a certain brand or article of clothing it does not take long for that brand to gain recognition from many of the listeners. This has turned out to be very beneficial to certain clothing and accessory companies. Hip-hop is very trendy, they write about grills or “bling” accessories, and look what happens, everyone has a grill or some sort of fancy diamond accessory. Designer clothing would have to be the most apparent influence on hip-hop regarding fashion. These materials are part of it, and hip-hop artists are not shy in letting you know.
ReplyDeleteHip-Hop fashion is a large part of what distinguishes hip-hop artists from artists of other music genres. According to Nicole Fleetwood, "hip-hop fashion, like the music, flourishes through the "mixing" of elements as diverse as high-end couture, found artifacts, tagging (or brand-naming), and sports apparel" (Fleetwood, 327). Once a popular hip-hop artist makes a certain style semi-popular, designers as well as the public usually take notice and the style is recreated and adapted to be worn by the everyday person. As stated in lecture, The way that rappers, MCs, DJs, and Bboys/girls represented themselves physically, set the trends for the other youth who wanted to imitate their styles (Lecture 11.22.2010). Many hip-hop artists also create songs dedicated solely to their favorite clothing pieces such as Nelly's song "Air Force Ones" and Run DMC's "My Adidas. Whether through the creation of a song about a specific clothing piece or by teaming up with a famous fashion designer to create their own clothing line, hip-hop artists have and will continue to influence the world of fashion.
ReplyDeleteHip-hop artists can prove their vast influence by referring to the great number of people that dress like them. An artist like Nelly takes great pride in the popularity of Air Force Ones because that is a direct representation of his popularity and influence. “Aside from the music itself, fashion continues to be the most profitable and recognized of the practices affiliated with hip-hop culture” (Fleetwood 326). Not only can Hip-hop artists use their influential powers to boast about their popularity but it allows them to profit financially. Eventually, artists can use their popular styles to open their own clothing lines and gain an extra source of income. “Both local and global communities watch Hip-hop and African American culture for fashion trends that are sampled and remixed around the world” (Lecture 11/29). When artists promote a certain style or fashion, they generally flaunt a brand like Louis Vuitton, which is expensive and is generally thought of as belonging to upper class white individuals. “For over a decade, journalists, cultural critics, and scholars alike have launched criticisms of the commercialism of the art form and related practices as a move away from core values and attitudes of the early movement” (Fleetwod 327). However, promoting a brand not typically considered “Hip-hop” is an ideal example of sampling and sampling is one of the many foundations at the core of Hip-hop.
ReplyDeleteA person’s style is controlled by their “style of self-adornment”. Their fashion, how they wear their hair and their image they portray is all a part of that. Hip-hop fashion specifically has multiple styles of self-adornment. Throughout hip-hop’s past these have changed. In the 1970s when hip-hop was starting out, the main styles were residual of the disco era. Men still wore tight fitting clothing. Breakers began to wear more comfortable clothes to allow for dancing. In the 1980s, hip-hop gave way to baggier, sportier styles. Heavy rope chains, Adidas shoes, nameplate belts, and unlaced timberlands were the main accessories seen. In the 1990s, gangsta style seen in prisons was most popular. Men wore low pants and do-rags. Towards the end of the 1990s, the style shifted to more upscale attire. More recently in the 2000s, an “anything goes” attitude has been applied to hip-hop fashion. (NHP Lecture 22 November 2010) Throughout hip-hop’s history the styles of its artists have influenced the fashion choices of many different groups of people. Fashion is just one of the other aspects of hip-hop that have influenced mainstream culture.
ReplyDeleteAs hip-hop became an international movement, the fashion that came along with it grew as well. It grew throughout the world and expanded into communities that didn’t intend on relating with this genre. The reason for different communities conforming and dressing in these styles is because the most popular artist are wearing these clothing and making them “cool”. Some of the most popular styles of hip-hop are gold chains, bright neon colors, and baggy clothes. For example Lil Kim posed for Louis Vitton by covering her whole body with the Louis Vitton emblem. It looked as if her body was tattooed in Louis Vitton. This brought media attention to this specific brand and gave them more publicity because this famous artist is wearing that line of clothing. Many artists also name drop designer brands in their songs to obtain free gifts in return for spreading their label. For example, Soulja Boy’s music video for Gucci Bandana was basically just showing that he had money to buy this expensive style, but in all reality Gucci could have given that product to him for free knowing that by this famous artist wearing their line of clothing, it will give them more publicity. When explained clearly it is amazing to see how much hip-hop affects our spending. It is weird to think that just because an artist has some new style that people will go out and try to copy it even if they don’t like the way it looks but that is how things truthfully are. From baggy bright clothes, to gold diamond chains, hip-hop’s fashion is a big impact on societies lives, whether it’s truly fashionable or not.
ReplyDeleteFashion and self-adornment have gone hand in hand with the Hip-Hop culture since the beginning of this genre. Fashion allows these artists to express themselves, as well as flaunt their wealth and status. Most fashion statements of the Hip-Hop culture are loud, with bright colors, big hairstyles, sunglasses, flashy logos, and many silver and gold chains. Fashion is extremely important in Hip-Hop culture. For example, in Nicole Fleetwood’s article, she states, “Aside from the music itself, fashion continues to be the most profitable and recognized of practices affiliated with hip-hop culture,” (Fleetwood, 327). Since hip-hop has grown in popularity, consumers strive to imitate these trends whether they are hip-hop fans or not. The reason for this is because, “the ways in which rappers, dancers, and DJs represented themselves physically set trends for the youth who desired to imitate their styles,” (Hodges Persley Lecture, 11-22). Due to this increased popularity, hip-hop artists have become successful in creating their own clothing lines. P. Diddy, Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Pharrell have all been successful in creating their own styles under their names. Also, since hip-hop artists are growing in popularity, many designer companies such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci have utilized hip-hop stars such as Kanye West promoting their products. This creates a new demographic desiring this high-end product.
ReplyDeleteHip-hop fashion and styles Adornment go hand in hand in hip hop but there are differences in the styles and amount of the two. Fashion is the popular styles of clothing seen throughout music videos, advertisements, and the media. According to lecture, fashion has been an important facet of hip-hop from the beginning (Lecture 11/22). Many young men and women often look up to hip-hop artists; thus, the way rappers dress is often imitated by fans all over the world. Like fashion, the different styles and techniques used by hip-hop artists to show off their success and money have gone back and forth over time. Ten years ago large gold chains were all the rage, then came grills, and now iced out chains. Originally, low-ride cars were the vehicle of choice; however, nowadays hip-hop artists ride around in Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and Ferraris. Nicki Minaj’s video “Massive Attack,” features Minaj cruising through the desert in a hot pink Lamborghini (“Massive Attack” Youtube 10 April 2010). Minaj’s pimped out Lambo is one of her symbols of self adornment in the video. According to lecture, styles of self adornment continue to impact the rest of the population (Lecture 11/22).
ReplyDeleteThe way a person dresses says much more about them than their liked or dislikes; clothing and accessories reveal truths about a person’s socioeconomic status, location, and even personality traits to name a few. Through designer labels and brands as well as fashion trends, Hip-hop has evolved a specific “look” which is easily recognizable. Designers such as Adidas, Baby Phat and Sean Jean are trademarks closely associated with the Hip-hop culture as well as the idea of “bling”. Nicole Fleetwood cites a Roland Barthes study which, “examines the recent attempts through hip-hop fashion to frame the black male figure of hip-hop as the possessor of a new American dream and inheritor of the legacy of Americana” (Fleetwood 327). Media attention of hip-hop artists has rocked many male figures to stardom and television appearances and music videos are forums in which personal style of these men are showcased. The bigger the gold chain, grill or the flashier the bling represents status symbols and how much money the artists make. As far as women in music videos are concerned, they are usually covered in diamonds but wear minimal clothing or designer labels. Either way it is clear that hip-hop artists choose their clothing to represent more than just the music they are selling, they wear things to make statements and show how far they have come in the industry.
ReplyDelete-Hip-hop fashion is popular styles of clothing seen throughout music videos, advertisements, and the media. According to lecture, fashion has been an important facet of hip-hop from the beginning (Hodges Persley Lecture 22 November 2010). Many young men and women often look up to hip-hop artists; thus, the way rappers dress is often imitated by fans all over the world. From big gold chains and flashy diamond rings, hip-hop has started some of the biggest fashion trends for modern day youth. According to the readings, “Aside from the music itself, fashion continues to be the most profitable and recognized of practices affiliated with hip-hop culture” (Fleetwood 327). Major artists such as Jay-Z, P Diddy, Nelly, and 50 Cent have come out with fashion lines and even joined forces with high-end designers (Hodges Persley Lecture 22 November 2010). Gucci, a high end designer and fashion label, even has its own song, “Gucci Bandana” by Soulja Boy (“Gucci Bandana” 8 October 2009 Youtube). After hearing songs such as “Gucci Bandana,” female and male fans alike often rush to the stores to buy a piece promoted by their favorite hip-hop celebrities.
ReplyDeleteHip-hop fashion has progressed throughout the years starting in the 80’s with the flared-out pants, baggy shirts, and big gold chains. In the 90’s it moved on to the baggy jeans, oversized hoodies, and more intricate jewelry. In the 21st century, Hip-Hop artists are now sporting Louis Vuitton rags around their necks, $300 skinny jeans, and shoes that cost more than your monthly rent. The quote “Hip-hop fashion has provided the visual markers for a larger cultural movement that has transformed popular music and international youth cultures in recent times,” I think says it all about our society. Young adults and youth look at these Hip-hop figures, they see what they are wearing, like what they are wearing, so they go out and purchase the same clothes. Clothing companies now I think enjoy having Hip-hop moguls like Kanye West sport Louis Vuitton because it benefits their business. Hip-hop actively shapes the way I dress in a way. I won’t go out and purchase any designer names, but I will go out and buy the Jordans that everyone is wearing.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of self-adornment has also come a long way. Hip-hop artists now are more flamboyant with their money. A lot of songs being produced nowadays always have diamonds being mentioned, Bentleys, Ferraris, and private jets. The way artists adorn themselves nowadays is far above what it used to be.
Hip-hop fashion is a way of dressing and a system of valuing clothing that has been informed by a hip-hop aesthetic. Author Nicole Fleetwood explains that “hip-hop fashion has provided the visual markers for a larger cultural movement that has transformed popular music and international youth cultures in recent times” (Fleetwood 326). Hip-hop fashion samples from different places in the fashion world, mixing high and low fashion. Haute couture houses have started to appropriate hip-hop fashion forms. In the past decade, many collections have played with the traditionally street-associated hoodie. These houses include Emanuel Ungaro, Celine, Christian Dior, Diane von Furstenburg, Charlotte Ronson, Lacoste, and Hussein Chalayan. Hip-hop artists themselves have been involved with the fashion industry historically: early artists like Run DMC composed odes to Adidas shoes (“My Adidas” YouTube. 23 November 2010), and contemporary artists like Kanye West participate in the creation of haute couture fashion lines like Louis Vuitton (Hodges Persley Lecture 23 November 2010). Today, much of this fashion has been accepted into the vernacular mainstream, and represents hip-hop and its listeners on a mass-produced scale.
ReplyDeleteThe fashion that hip-hop has introduced is seen being worn by the rich to the poor, and the young to the old. In the beginning of hip-hop, Run DMC contributed a lot to the rise of Addidas sneakers and thick gold chains. Then Snoop and Tupac largely contributed to the gangster attire (ex. sagging and hoodies). All of these styles of fashion with the addition of grills, long tees, and bling can be traced back to hip-hop roots. No matter where you’re from you can see traces of hip-hop through fashion. “The way that rappers, MCs, DJs, and Bboys/Bgirls represented themselves physically, set the trends for the other youth who wanted to imitate their styles,”(Lecture 11/22). Some mainstream artists have gone to the extent to start their own hip-hop fashion lines. Diddy started Sean Jean, which has an urban style that has direct relationship to the style hip-hop is perceived. Hip-hop has not always started new fashion trends but has also tweaked established trends. Gucci has been seen in the past for the rich and formal of attire. Now you can see Gucci as more hip-hop be using hip-hop figures and the use of baggy styles and vibrant colors.
ReplyDeleteHip-hop has had an evident influence on fashion in today’s society. Gold chains, ‘stunna shades’, high-end brand names, and depending on what look you’re going for either Nike, Adidas, or even Vans shoes are just a few examples of how hip hop has directly shaped fashion in today’s culture. Hip-Hop fashion “flourishes through the ‘mixing’ of elements as diverse as high-end couture, found artifacts, tagging (or brand-naming), and sports apparel (Fleetwood 327).” When artists incorporate brands into their songs or are constantly seen in a certain style it is almost guaranteed that style will become popular. A few examples are Nelly and Air Force Ones, Kanye West and Louis Vuitton (nicknamed “The Louis Vuitton Don”), Soldier Boy and his “Gucci Bandana,” and even Lil Wayne wearing Vans, a shoe brand that was originally marketed to skaters. Wearing these expensive brands is a way to brag about how much money they have and how high up they are in their socio-economic status. Fashion is yet another form of braggadocio.
ReplyDeleteFashion has a way of repeating itself. Back in the ‘80s, Run DMC released the hit song “My Adidas” and showed their love for the brand by sporting the infamous tracksuits and shell toe sneakers. Fast forward a few decades and Missy Elliot sampled this look, just as sampling is seen in other elements of hip-hop. In her 2002 hit single “Work It” she is seen wearing at least six different Adidas track suits, accompanied with shell toes and gold chain of course. “The ways that rappers, MCs, DJs, B-boys/girls represented themselves physically set the trends for other youth who wanted to imitate their style (lecture 11/22).” When the song and video became popular shell toe Adidas sneakers were seen everywhere; people of all ages wore them, they even come in baby sizes! Whether or not people realize hip-hop’s affect on fashion, it’s there, and it will continue to put it’s own spin on fashion for years to come.
In the fashion world, trends are inspired by what is “in”. And one of the things that are “in” with American society is hip-hop. Hip-hop has been influencing popular culture and fashion from the start. Some of the earliest fashion trends that I can think of are; the shell toe adidas from Run DMC, Kangol hats from LL Cool J or Afrocentric clothing. While the adidas are still used today, one can look at kangols and Afrocentric clothing and wonder why? But Hip-hop was in and still in and the trend was inspired by the popularity of the genre of hip-hop. Hip-hop started in the 70s and now it is 2010 and I don’t see some forms of fashion trends stopping from being influenced by the popular artist in the hip-hop culture.
ReplyDeleteOne fashion statement that I regularly use is the baggy basketball shorts. I wear them year round, rain or shine and thanks to hip-hop the baggy clothes is now part of style of clothing and the idea of short shorts is not a norm in our society.
hip-hop fashion can help an artist or person to express themselves in a way that is individual. There are little boundaries to dressing "hip-hop" which allows a stylist to custom design their wardrobe to still say "im me" without being uncatgorized as hiphop. The clothing styles that hiphop samples from ranges all over the board from casual to colorful to even grunge. In a way, hiphop fashion represents freedom of expression and implies no boundaries or limits.
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