streetwear to high fashion
Hip-hop has always been more than the music, with a whole culture emerging from the genre. Part of that culture is fashion, and until the 1980's streetwear and sportswear were most popular among hip-hop artists and their fans. In 1982 hip-hop was becoming more widespread and this coincided with the opening of Daniel Day's clothing store in Harlem, Dapper Dan's Boutique.
Dapper Dan
Dapper Dan is a fashion designer who sold his own designs from his Harlem store. Dapper Dan used the logos from high fashion brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton on his own designs. Up until this time rappers wore streetwear and sportswear. Kangol hats and adidas shoes were very popular, as well as Fila and Jordan. High fashion was introduced to the hip-hop world when Dapper Dan started styling LL Cool J, Eric B & Rakim, and Salt-N-Peppa.
Dapper Dan and LL Cool J
Jam Master Jay in Dapper Dan outfit (knock-off Louis Vuitton)
Once Dapper Dan's knockoffs got more attention he was forced to close his store in 1992. Hip-hop's taste of high fashion was not satisfied though, and as the music genre continued to gain massive popularity artists were able to participate in the fashion industry. The success of hip-hop artists meant that they could gain access to high-end clothes and form relationships with the fashion industry players. Designer Marc Jacobs became friends with rapper Lil' Kim in 2005. In 2009 Kanye West landed a signature sneaker with Louis Vuitton. Pharrell in the 2000's worked with Japanese designer Nigo as well as Louis Vuitton.
