Puff Daddy , Kate Moss, Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta, Alek Wek, John Galliano all guest appeared in Vogue US ‘s October 1999 couture editorial titled Puff Takes Paris approved by English editor-in-chief of American Vogue Anna Wintour. For the first time inspired by fashion influences , successful business models and brand partnerships heavily influenced by that of Russell Simmons and Tommy Hilfigure, Sean Combs, talent director at Uptown Records turned Bad Boy Records founder, entrepreneur embodied every element of success, affluences and style, taking hip hop culture to a level where its impact on consumerism inspired the definition of a new style of decadence. When asked by Rolling Stone Magazine if he had read the Great Gatsby – Sean Combs then internationally know as Puff Daddy let it be know that he was the modern day Jay Gatsby. Sean Combs studied fashion and was the first mogul to appear front row of international fashion shows as himself, wearing amazing one off gifted designer items, jewellery and expensive furs. All this whilst creating his own line of clothing which put an end to hip hops obsession with sportswear only introducing versatility influenced by world travel, the boardroom and european attention to detail / tailoring trends. Puff Daddy living the fabulous life removed the glass ceiling, throwing all white parties in the Hampton’s, redefining the possibilities of what is achievable for a African American Male in America. Below are images from Puffy takes Paris, featuring Puff Daddy and Kate Moss by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue US October 1999. This was the first ever Vogue US editorial to feature an African American Artist/ Entrepreneur ever. View the iconic images lifted from the pages of US Vogue, which mark the time when Hip Hop transitioned from subculture to being embraced, incorporated, referenced and celebrated within mainstream popular culture, art and fashion.
Vogue US October 1999 issue :
Editorial : Puffy Takes Paris
Photographer: Annie Leibovitz
Featuring: Puff Daddy (Diddy), Kate Moss ,Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta, Alek Wek, John Galliano
Styling: Grace Coddington
Hair: Julien D’Ys
Make up: Diane Kendal
