Fezzes, kufis decorated with theKemetic ankh, Kente cloth hats, Africa chains, dreadlocks, and Black Nationalist colors of red, black, and green became popular as well, promoted by artists such as Queen Latifah, KRS-One, Public Enemy, and X-Clan. Blousy pants were popular among dance-oriented rappers like M.C. The heavy jewelry was suggestive of prestige and wealth, and some have connected the style to Africanism.ġ980s hip hop fashion is remembered as one of the most important elements of old school hip hop, and it is often celebrated in nostalgic hip hop songs such as Ahmad's 1994 single 'Back in the Day', and Missy Elliott's 2002 single also titled 'Back in the Day'.īlack nationalism was increasingly influential in rap during the late 1980s, and fashions and hairstyles reflectedtraditional African influences. Performers such asKurtis Blow and Big Daddy Kane helped popularize gold necklaces and other such jewelry, and female rappers such as Roxanne Shanté and the group Salt-N-Pepa helped popularize oversized gold door-knocker earrings. In general, men's jewelry focused on heavy gold chains and women's jewelry on large gold earrings. Heavy gold jewelry was also popular in the 1980s heavy jewelry in general would become an enduring element of hip hop fashion. Popular accessories included large eyeglasses (Cazals), Kangol bucket hats, nameplates, name belts, and multiple rings. 1982) with the adaptation and brandishing of high-net-worth fashion house brands such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Gucci and logos in custom-designed tracksuits, jackets, mink coats. Another trend in hip-hop clothing was pioneered by Dapper Dan in the early 1980s (est. Popular haircuts ranged from the early-1980s Jheri curl to the early-1990s hi-top fade popularized by Will Smith (The Fresh Prince) and Christopher 'Kid' Reidof Kid 'n Play, among others. British Walkers and sneakers (usually Pro-Keds, Puma, Converse's Chuck Taylor All-stars, and Adidas Superstars often with 'phat' or oversized shoelaces).

In the late 1970s, established sportswear and fashion brands, such as Le Coq Sportif, Kangol, Adidas and Pro-Keds attached themselves to the emerging hip hop scene.ĭuring the 1980s, hip-hop icons wore clothing items such as brightly colored name-brand tracksuits, sheepskin and leather bomber jackets, Clarksshoes, Britishers a. Hip hop fashion has changed significantly during its history, and today, it is a prominent part of popular fashion as a whole across the world and for all ethnicities. Hip hop fashion complements the expressions and attitudes of hip hop culture in general.

Each city contributed various elements to its overall style seen worldwide today. And just in case you're browsing this roundup as inspiration for spooky season, you'll also want to check out our list of totally fly and fresh '90s Halloween costumes.Hip hop fashion, also known as big fashion, is a distinctive style of dress originating from African American, Latin and other inner city youth on the scene of New York City later followed by Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Detroit, Memphis,Virginia, Atlanta, St. From sexy slip dresses to casual overalls to crop tops to groovy swirl patterns and cheetah prints, you'll find some of the most coveted styles of the decade on our list (many of which you may just be inspired to replicate!). In the '90s, celebs like Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez and Nia Long brought their freshest looks to red carpets and everyday activities (not to mention their amazing '90s makeup looks and '90s hairstyles). For all the nostalgic '90s babies out there, we've rounded up some of the decade's best fashion trends that will instantly transport you back to the heyday of grunge, hip hop and bubblegum pop. Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s - and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your closet).

90s hip hop fashion jewelry