Hip Hop and Its Influence on Mainstream Fashion - By Theo The Philosopher

Hip hop culture has had a huge impact on the fashion world since its emergence in the late 70s and early 80s. From the emergence of urban brands like Roc Wear and Sean Jean to the increasing sales of mainstream brands like Timberland and Champion, hip hop has had a lasting influence on the world of fashion.

One of the earliest brands to capitalize on the rap music scene was Roc Wear. Founded in 1989 by Damon Dash, Jay-Z, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke, Roc Wear was one of the first mainstream fashion lines to embrace streetwear and the urban lifestyle. It featured clothing inspired by hip hop culture and its influence on fashion, and was quickly embraced by the rap community.

As hip hop culture continued to grow, so did the influence on mainstream fashion. Brands like Timberland and Champion saw their sales skyrocket as hip hop stars began to wear their clothing in their music videos and on stage. Timberland’s iconic boots were a staple in the hip hop scene, and Champion’s hoodies and sweatpants became a wardrobe staple for many rap fans.

My Adidas Run DMC

Perhaps the most influential hip hop fashion moment of all time was the collaboration between Run DMC and Adidas in the mid-1980s. Run DMC famously wore Adidas shell toe sneakers in their 1986 hit song “My Adidas”, and the resulting sales spike of the shoe was so great that Adidas decided to make the shoes a signature item for the group. This collaboration between Run DMC and Adidas is still considered one of the most important moments in hip hop fashion history. In a deal very similar we saw 50 Cent and the G-Unit team up with Reebok to release their very own collection with the giant sports company.

Today, hip hop culture is still having an influence on mainstream fashion. Many popular brands are embracing the streetwear aesthetic and incorporating hip hop influences into their designs. Plus, hip hop stars are still being tapped to collaborate with major fashion houses on collections and campaigns, furthering the impact of hip hop culture on fashion.

Overall, hip hop has had a huge influence on fashion since its emergence in the late 70s and early 80s. From the emergence of urban brands like Roc Wear and Sean Jean to the increased sales of mainstream brands like Timberland and Champion, hip hop has had a lasting impact on the fashion world. Plus, the influence of hip hop on fashion was solidified by the collaboration between Run DMC and Adidas in the mid-1980s, which is still considered one of the most important moments in hip hop fashion history.

Dapper Dan – Honorary Mention

Dapper Dan is an iconic American designer and fashion innovator who has had a major influence on the fashion industry over the past three decades. Born in Harlem, New York in the 1960s,

Dapper Dan began his career as a custom tailor and clothier, creating unique and high-end garments for a variety of clients. His signature style, which combined elements of traditional African-American streetwear with luxury fashion, quickly gained recognition and admiration from the hip-hop community. Dapper Dan’s designs were often seen on some of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s, including Mike Tyson, LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, and Big Daddy Kane. He was one of the first to bring high-end fashion to the streets, and his work has been credited by many as a major influence on the ‘hip-hop fashion’ trend of the 1990s.

In 2017, Dapper Dan was invited to collaborate with luxury fashion house Gucci, creating his own line of clothing for the brand. The collaboration was the first of its kind between a major fashion house and a streetwear designer, and it has since been credited with helping to bridge the gap between the two worlds.

Today Dapper Dan continues to produce unique and stylish designs, and his work has been featured in various high-profile publications, including Vogue and The New York Times. He has also been awarded numerous honours for his contribution to the fashion industry, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Board of Directors Award in 2018.

OverallDapper Dan is a true fashion innovator who has left a lasting mark on the industry. His unique designs and iconic style have made a huge impact and continue to inspire the next generation of fashion designers.