Are we experiencing a Hip Hop Style Evolution? This is something I am constantly asking myself. Who exactly are we speaking to when I post the style clippings? Is it the man who pulls out his iPads on the way to work, is it the guy wearing chinos shopping for swag on the Portobello Road? Is it that guy with the True Religion raw denim jeans and all Gucci everything? Or that guy with the Nike Blazers and Trapstar T-Shirt? or possibly the guy who works in the city and wears Tom Ford.
In the 80’s and 90’s, Hip Hop styling and ideology was reflected through the defiant baggy jeans, oversized Jerseys and in the early 90’s diamonds and precious metals became the norm for rappers. The look was part hood gangster/ street hustler placing extra emphasis on living the America dream often ostentatious in appearance the visual idea was a display of nonchalant underlining newfound wealth (see paid in full). The Flashy loud and abrasive money displaying in the style of the neighbourhood dope man going in on expensive furs, and wearing them in their hoods whether it be Compton, Harlem and The Bronx.
As taste generally becomes refined overtime with extra money in abundance overt and obvious displays of wealth became passé. If you wanted to show you were truly successful, you needed to have the rarest, one-of-a-kind pieces: hand made Louis Vuitton Presidential briefcase, jeans from a little factory in Japan that only produce 365 pairs a year. A new style and look diverged that both inspired and was influenced by downtown street wear. Still, there are plenty that aren’t rocking Ralph Lauren with Maison Martin Margiella.
