Elena Romero

On a hot summer night in August of 1973, DJ Kool Herc and his sister, Cindy, put on a "back to school jam" in the rec room of their apartment block at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the West Bronx. The rest is history. The birth of hip hop rippled out across the globe, influencing music and fashion for generations. Fresh Fly Fabulous: 50 Years of Hip Hop Style draws on the experiences and memories of those who were there, from a foreword by Slick Rick, to interviews with Disco Fever club owner Sal Abbatiello and designers Dapper Dan and April Walker, to chapters from Vibe stylist Emil Wilbekin and former editor of The Source Kim Osorio. Topics cover the range of hip hop's influential style over the past half century, tracing the evolution from early hip hop style, born of aspiration, individuality, and practicality to contemporary fashion steeped in luxury brands. Hip hop style is a local story, told through spotlights on Times Square as an early fashion space, as well as an international phenomenon, shown in the prominence of hip hop fashion leaders on red carpets. Inventiveness, the art of the remix, and a diverse set of influences are consistent themes in sections that examine hip hop style from hair and nails to shoes and sneakers. Fresh Fly Fabulous is the definitive source for hip hop style, brought to life by the groundbreaking photographers who captured it firsthand, including Janette Beckman, Jamel Shabazz, and Ernie Paniccioli.

On a hot summer night in August of 1973 DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy put on a 'back to school jam' in the recreation room of their apartment block at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the west Bronx. The rest is history. The birth of hip hop rippled out across the globe, influencing music and fashion for generations. Early hip hop style focused on customization from spray- painted jean jackets and sweatshirts to creased jeans and boxed laced sneakers. Before Nike had apparel, Dapper Dan made Nike fashion in addition to one-of-a-kind looks with the logos of MCM, Gucci, and Fendi. The eclectic style eventually evolved into its own apparel brands, from FUBU to Sean John, Roc-A-Wear, Billionaire Boys Club, BAPE, Baby Phat, Cross Colours, and Pelle Pelle. Sections on these individual designers run alongside thematic chapters on stylists, record labels, pink, hairstyles, nameplates, hoops, nails, and sneakers. Each chapter on hip-hop style is illustrated with photographs of performers, entrepreneurs, and iconic pieces. New research from journalists that witnessed the developments firsthand and oral histories from celebrities and designers make Fresh Fly Fabulous the definitive source for hip-hop style.

This book sources interviews with scholars, urban designers, music experts, financial analysts, retailers, and hip hop celebrities to chronicle the compelling story of how hip hop transformed the fashion world and exploded into a $3 billion clothing industry.For years, designers and manufacturers took cues from the streets to enhance their clothing lines, but before the 1980s the urban consumer was never recognized as a viable demographic. In a push to appeal to young customers, the fashion industry began hiring and backing talented African American designers and entrepreneurs. This seemingly unconventional union made business sense: seasoned fashion executives brought proven track records, while aspiring designers provided street credibility and a fresh perspective on design. The end result: a multi-billion dollar industry.This book traces the fascinating unfolding of hip hop fashion from its roots to the present day. It explores how hip hop transitioned from "the hood" to the runway; how race, ethnicity, and culture played into commercialism; how celebrities impacted the fashion industry; and what ultimately led major department stores to jump on the urban bandwagon. Utilizing the author's journalistic lens and based upon interviews with urban fashion designers, entrepreneurs, fashion veterans, trend forecasters, and hip hop celebrities, each chapter is akin to an oral history that provides not just facts but also invaluable analysis and historical perspective.