Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council Lily Craigen

Rihanna was the star of the red carpet as all eyes were on her and A$ap Rocky wearing Christian Lacroix and Bottega Veneta. Her blue fur get up was a vintage Lacroix haute couture piece from FW 2002 and fell nothing short of Badgalriri’s signature style. Elevated with stacked silver necklaces and black leather gloves, she stole the show.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council Sarah Hellen Treacher

Co-host for the evening, Maya Jama dazzled us as she wore a stunning olive-green gown with cross over detailing at the top and embroidered flowers at the front. The silk flowing train also included intricate embroidery along with a fishnet trim encapsulating Connor Ives as a designer as we see his unexpected fabric combinations and striking colours first hand.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council Charlie Wheeler

Jourdan Dunn served us a head-to-toe leopard print moment with Dior. The model chanelled her inner black-cat energy with the cat-eye lashes, and showed off her legs with the micro shorts, perfectly accompanying the blazer and long black gloves. The bakerboy cap finished off the look with a British essence for the British Fashion Awards.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council Jack Chipper

Ashley Graham walked the carpet in a gorgeous black dress from David Koma’s first collection for Blumarine. The black dress included a sheer train to finish it off and a structured bodice showing off her figure. Graham, who had her VS debut earlier this year, finished the look off with a slicked back bun and all silver jewellery.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council Charlie Wheeler

The stunning Halle Bailey wore a bespoke Ellie Misner dress and channelled her inner Disney princess on the red carpet. She arrived with a light and airy presence as she graced us in a couture piece draped in pearls and holographic cut outs mirroring when she starred as The Little Mermaid.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council

Alex Consani became the first transgender woman to win the Model of The Year award last night and as Voir puts it – made style accessible to women everywhere. She walked the carpet looking gorgeous in a Dilara Findikoglu moment and celebrated backstage in style after thanking the transgender models who came before her, paving the way for Consani to flourish.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council

Julia Fox joined Consani in supporting emerging designer Dilara Findikoglu, as she broke the internet in the custom dress. The white floor-length gown included sheer cut outs showing off Fox’s figure, and styled with a wet-look up do and icy makeup to tie everything together.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council Charlie Wheeler

Chlöe Bailey (left) is pictured looking glamorous in an Atsuko Kudo black gown with a red accent in the bust area. The latex ensemble created a raw feminine energy, the pop of red giving depth to the outfit and her hair matching the vibe as it effortlessly shaped her face. The look was finished off with a silver diamond necklace as we were left with an undeniable serve on the carpet.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council Charlie Wheeler

Simone Ashley, Bridgerton star stepped onto the carpet in a baby pink, strapless Prada gown. The coquette dress had different levels to it; from a short front to a long train at the back and was finished off with a matching pink bow on the bodice. Styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, Simone Ashley for sure had her girly moment on the runway in that dress, along with a slicked back hairstyle which was giving an iconic pixie cut at the front.

Image Courtesy by Alan Kitrell Instagram

Ming Lee Simmons wore an undeniably daring look to the awards last night as she was pictured in a sheer chainmail dress. The floor length number was figure hugging and sleekly complemented by jet straight hair in a half up fashion and incredibly well contoured make-up. The look gave her a luxuriously fearless presence on the runway.

Image Courtesy of British Fashion Council Sarah Hellen Treacher

Munroe Bergdorf left Voir nothing short of speechless as she dominated the runway in a Patrick McDowell gown. The structured silhouette on the bodice broke off into a bubble skirt and was accompanied by a luxurious train graciously following her. The statement dress created a memorable bridal-like vibe which was sophisticated paired with dramatic flair.

Words by Zlata Gavula

The post The Best Dressed at The British Fashion Awards Last Night appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The annual Met Gala is a staple in the fashion world, with its iconic themes, extravagant red carpet looks, and star-studded guest list. As we look forward to the 2025 edition of this glamorous event, here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect.

When and Where?

The 2025 Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 5, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The event traditionally kicks off the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition, and this year will be no exception.

What’s the Theme?

In 2025, the Met Gala will explore the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” 

Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the exhibition will highlight the evolution and influence of Black men’s style, from the 18th century to the present day. Expect to see a stunning array of garments, photography, and art, showcasing how Black dandyism has left a lasting imprint on the fashion world.

Who’s Hosting?

 This year’s co-chairs are an impressive all-Black male lineup, including actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and music icon Pharrell Williams, alongside Vogue’s Anna Wintour and honorary chair LeBron James. Each of these figures has made significant contributions to fashion, making them fitting choices for this year’s celebration.

What’s the Dress Code?

While the dress code for 2025 has yet to be revealed, we can anticipate sophisticated looks that celebrate Black sartorial elegance, likely featuring sharp tailoring and bold, statement-making attire.

Why the Met Gala Matters

Aside from being one of the most anticipated fashion events, the Met Gala is also a major fundraiser for the Costume Institute. Year after year, it helps raise millions to support the museum’s efforts in preserving fashion history.

Words By Noa Balou

The post Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Met Gala Theme appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The newest PUMA AW24 collection revolved around the resurrected iconic Mostro – the refashioned 1999 sneaker acting as an inspiration for the whole set of outfits. Mostro found itself recreated in multiple forms, from more traditional, white-yellow-blue ones, with strap closures, to the more avant-garde – spiky, metallic, made of purple mesh, or ankle-length and khaki-coloured to match a military outfit. Regardless of whether we’re talking of the neon-yellow-spiked sneakers or the silver nylon Mostro boots, the shoes were by no means a mere accessory. They were the axis around which the show revolved. 

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Inspired by the futuristic, alien-like form of the spiky sneakers, Desens and McKimm’s collection was based on mostly metallic colours, nylon, vegan leather, and all fabrics shiny. What dominated was the varied, oversized tracksuit sets – some glittering with diamonds, some spaceship-like-silver and metallic, some made of vegan leather, and some sewn out of irresistibly soft, black velvet.

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We also marvelled at leather and red velvet bodysuits, balaclavas, cargo trousers, and windbreaker-inspired, full-length dresses. The wow effect soared thanks to the accessories, including unconventionally shaped, futuristic sunglasses, matching gloves, and cosmic sports bags. The last outfit was the cherry on the Mostro delicious cake, with its white nylon catsuit and diamond-encrusted motorbike helmet. 

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It wasn’t just the magic outfits that created the mysterious, other-worldly atmosphere – just look at the stunning makeup done by Isamaya Ffrench! Though basic at first glance, at a closer look you spot the elf-like, pointed fake ears and the glistering black horns attached to models’ foreheads. Could we be more obsessed with those looks? 

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The show space added to the dynamic, hypnotising aura, and you just couldn’t help immersing yourself in it right after crossing the entrance, with “Welcome To The Amazing Mostro Show” reading above it. The space, reverberating with Eartheater’s electrifying music, was filled with life-size amusement park props – roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and flying swings (with flying Mostro-wearing fake legs!). The spacious interior and high ceilings of Park Avenue Armory, with metal constructions and props in half-light, created a unique atmosphere for an equally mesmerising and innovative collection. 

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The celebs who visited the show seemed to be as impressed by the show as we were, taking countless selfies with the enormous, lighted flying swings in the background. Among notable guests were Emily Ratajkowski, Ashley Graham, Davido, Kyle Kuzma, Becky G, and Hari Nef.

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However, the key celebrity in PUMA’s Mostro collection is, no doubt, ASAP Rocky, who starred in the uncanny, Alien-like advertising short film, published a few days before the show. With its Ridley Scott inspirations, it already set the cosmic tone for the whole event and whetted our appetites. But we probably hadn’t imagined in our wildest dreams what a breathtaking show PUMA was to offer us. 

Words By Julia Sułkowska 

_{Header Image Credit: @Puma Instagram}

The post Mostro Or Nostromo? PUMA’s Iconic Sneaker Returns At New York Fashion Week In Cosmic Style appeared first on Voir Fashion.

But if there’s one key takeaway from the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2024 Show, it’s that it’s not just about fashion– it’s an immersive experience that’s a little bit Louis Vuitton, a little bit celebrity-inspired, and a whole lot Pharrell.

The Phlace

The show took place on Paris’ oldest bridge le Pont Neuf while overlooking the river Seine in a nod to the brand’s Parisian roots. Guests arrived by boat to see the historical location covered in Louis Vuitton’s signature Damier check, drinking champagne and enjoying chicken nuggets prepared by celebrity chef Jean Imbert. What followed was a three-hour celebratory spectacle filled with fashion, music, and culture that confirmed Vuitton’s promise to position itself as a ‘cultural brand’.

The Phriends

A live orchestra and gospel choir accompanied the 71 looks that strutted down the runway, building excitement that exploded as Jay-Z gave a surprise concert near the end. The rapper wasn’t the only A-lister in attendance; amongst the 1,750 guest list were also Naomi Campbell, Jaden and Willow Smith, Kim Kardashian, and Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo. Most notably however, were Pharrell’s closest friends lining the front row. From Beyoncé and Zendaya’s reunion to A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s matching denim fits, the show seemed more like that party hosted by the cool, popular kids we all desperately wanted to get invited to.

The Phinspiration

But unlike those high school parties, Pharrell wants everyone to feel included with the ‘Lovers’ collection. Following his announcement to take the reigns on Valentine’s Day, the 50-year-old kept the capsule theme going by revolving the whole show around love and community. ‘I make clothes for humans’, he said to Vogue ahead of the show, ‘It’s very inspired by the love and support of the people here that I’ve just been blessed to be able to experience’. He even included his confidants inside the collection, with Rihanna being the face of the campaign and the clothes referencing Tyler The Creator’s signature preppy look.

The Phieces

And now on to the actual clothes. The runway opened with a neutral, boxy suit preliminary for the increasingly quirky and detailed looks that followed. Center stage was the LV Damier checkerboard, reinterpreted everywhere from leather biker jackets to fur coats. Pharrell also focused heavily on bags and introduced the ‘Damouflage pattern’, a digitized camo print that inspires thoughts of Minecraft.

Overall, the collection was an organized haphazard mix of vastly different aesthetics. Slick tailored pieces contrasted baggier clothes, and 70s flared trousers debuted alongside pearl-embedded tracksuits. Truly no style was left behind: there were leather football shirts, watch chain jewelry, camouflage parkas, and even a golf cart filled to the brim with LV trunks. The Vuitton logo was everywhere, with additional “LV Lovers” graphics plastered on both female and male models. There’s no doubt that a collage of so many opposing styles shouldn’t fit together; yet somehow Williams made it work.

The Phuture

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At the end of the show, Pharrell took a standing ovation in a ‘Damouflage’ patterned jacket and trousers, sweetly bringing out the Louis Vuitton design team to honor the community behind his debut (very on theme if you ask us). After such a grandiose presentation, the fashion industry is already wondering what the entertainment mogul is bringing to the table next. If his opening show is any hint, we can expect more statement bags, ‘Damouflage’ everywhere, break-the-internet moments, and a lot of celebrity power. The ‘phuture’ is Pharrell, and we’re all here for it.

_{Words by Alexia De Las Heras}

^{Header Image: @Louis Vuitton Instagram}

The post The Pharrellification Of Louis Vuitton appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Doja Cat – Vegas

This month, we got our first glimpse into what to expect from the upcoming ELVIS film. Once again showing us just how versatile she is, Doja teamed up with Shonka to sample ‘Hound Dog’, creating a modern take on a classic Elvis track. We have had ‘Vegas’ on repeat the past couple of weeks!

Alex Rzyan – Hot Headed

‘Hot Headed’ is the track that is validating all our impulsive feelings throughout Mercury retrograde, with lyricism based on how being quick-tempered can affect your relationship. Although the lyrics are feisty as ever, the accompaniment of ‘Hot Headed’ is subtle and laid-back, featuring smooth guitar lines and a downtempo shuffled drum pattern.

Becky G – Bailé Con Mi Ex

Bailé Con Mi Ex is the latest single from Becky’s second album ‘Esquemas’, which finally dropped last Friday, 13th May. The track radiates delightful energy bursting with disco-pop characteristics, as Becky sings lyrics on the subject of reconnecting with an ex. The album itself is pretty exciting too, as Becky stands in her spotlight, shining in both collaborations and solo tracks.

Post Malone, Roddy Rich – Cooped Up 

Nothing says summer quite like a Post Malone track, and we were so excited to see that he is finally back on the music scene! ‘Cooped Up’ takes us on Post’s journey of letting go of the pandemic blues that we all relate to, and the feelings of being stuck. The track comes as the first release of his upcoming album, coming June 3rd and will feature collaborations with the likes of Doja Cat and Kid Laroi. 

Fivio Foreign, Chloe, KayCyy – Hello 

Teaming up to deliver a smooth and catchy rap track this month were Fivio Foreign, Chloe and KayCyy. The collaboration comes from Fivio’s latest album ‘B.I.B.L.E’ which was released earlier this year in April. The trio came together for an energetic and attitude driven video in a typical drill setting, as they perform romantic lyrics. 

Madeline the Person – MEAN!

Currently blowing up on Tiktok as a result of the emotional and relatable lyrics on the subject of those who use ‘honesty’ as a way to hurt your feelings, this song is one of the most vulnerable and beautiful tracks out at the minute. Complete with heavenly harmonies, relaxed acoustic guitar motifs and an inventive melody, this needs to be in your playlist!

Jack Harlow – Dua Lipa

One of the current biggest heartthrobs around, Jack Harlow, has just released his latest album ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’. Following high anticipation and many viral moments, Harlow’s album has shot to number 3 on the Billboard charts, proving he is a force to be reckoned with. Aside from the chart-topper ‘First Class’, the track on everyone’s lips is ‘Dua Lipa’, in which Jack goes on to say “Dua Lipa, I’m trying to do more with her than do a feature”… Talk about being bold!

A$AP Rocky- D.M.B.

Proving nothing is coming between him and his baby mama, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky broke the internet earlier this month with the video for his latest track ‘D.M.B.’. Featuring different setups of him and Riri, whether they are partying or hustling, the couple takes us on a journey that only proves more so to the world that they are stronger than ever. The song itself has all the attitude you would expect from an A$AP track whilst coming across as a love letter to Rihanna, with an apparent line being “She got bank accounts too, with big amounts, shit you couldn’t count”. 

Pip Millett – Downright

We can always rely on Pip Millett to hit us right in the feels, and this month was no exception. ‘Downright’ is based on Pip’s struggle with depression, brought to life through a Lo-Fi style beat that crescendos into a potent chorus in which Pip sings “I know you still need me when I’m down. Down is just downright, Get the fuck out of my head”. 

Camila Cabello, Maria Becerra – Hasta Los Dientes 

Following the release of Camila’s latest triumphant album ‘Familia’, she has treated us to one of the most vibrant and fun videos we have seen from her. ‘Hasta Los Dientes’ is a celebration of great pop music, sung in Spanish by both Camila and collaborator Maria Becerra. The duo take on a plethora of vivid wigs, extravagant outfits and infectious choreography; you need to watch this! 

Kendrick Lamar – The Heart Part 5

You can’t deny the buzz surrounding Kendrick Lamar right now, as his long-awaited album ‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’ dropped last week. To get us hyped for the album, Kendrick dropped ‘The Heart Part 5’, a release pattern he has used since the early stages of his career, as a means to share the mindset he is currently in. The track sees Lamar seamlessly blend live instruments and string sections with his classic staccato flow, as he raps heartfelt lyrics on the subject of what it means to him to be an influential figure, creating positive change. The video sees Kendrick transform into multiple culturally influential black figures, relating directly to the lyrics of the song. 

Words By Nadia Clasper

_{Graphic Credit: Gerasim Kutsarov}

The post May’s Top Music Moments To Add To Your Playlist appeared first on Voir Fashion.

In the ad campaign, ASAP admitted that Mercedes has always had a cultural influence on his personal style and identity due to its familiarity in the hip-hop world, a comment that comes as no surprise when considering the brand’s affiliation with the rap scene (the car has been referenced in the works of hip hop legends from Jay- Z to N.W.A). Speaking to GQ about the collection, ASAP admitted Mercedes had a cultural impact on him from being young. The star joked how he used to buy bootleg Mercedes logos in downtown New York; demonstrating the admiration and respect Mercedes has gained from the rap star over the years.

The collection is made for street style lovers, regardless of gender identity. High-quality joggers, hoodies, and caps adorn the circular Mercedes logo while remaining stylishly minimal in white and black hues. So, it’s no surprise the announcement of the drop had excited fans deeming it ‘the best collab of the year’ on social media. Even Mercedes joined in on the comment section hype, deeming the collaboration a ‘uniting of icons’.

And, if you thought you loved online shopping before, the virtual purchasing experience of the collection is like nothing else. After heading to the AWGE site to purchase your own Mercedes merch, you’ll be met by a vintage video game simulation that allows you to shop the garments while collecting Mercedes tokens in a race car (and if we weren’t so excited to check out, we’d be amused by it all day).

One of the most exciting pieces in the collection is the reversible orange and black bomber that ASAP sports in the ad, its bold style and blazing Mercedes logo speaks to the collaboration’s identity of ‘dreaming bigger’ and ‘shaping the now’.

The collaboration is truly unique in its united ethos of speaking to a generation that favours casual and stylish attire. The collection is a cultural reset, available to buy now!

£ 62.74

AWGE x Mercedes Benz Snapback Hat

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£ 125.48

AWGE x Mercedes Benz White Sweatpants

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£ 50.19

AWGE x Mercedes Benz Black Long Sleeve T-Shirt

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£ 133.84

AWGE x Mercedes Benz White Hoodie

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Words By Olivia Booth

_{Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz Instagram}

The post Asap Rocky and Mercedes-Benz Collaborate ‘To Shape The Now’ appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The singer and self-made billionaire, 33, debuted her baby bump over the weekend whilst on a stroll in Harlem with A$AP Rocky. She wore an oversized floor-length Chanel pink coat paired with low cut jeans, and, to highlight her exciting news, Ri wore a body chain caressing her baby bump.

As if the news couldn’t be any more enchanting, snow started to fall on the couple as they embraced each other for photos. Fortunately, this was a few hours before Storm Kenan hit, and the empty streets of New York made the perfect backdrop for the pair to flaunt their new addition.

Rihanna has been relatively quiet on social media over the past few months, but she has been serving many street style looks featuring oversized coats (which we’ve been loving). We can only assume Ri is well into her pregnancy, and we are so happy that she managed to share her news on her terms!

Words By Nadia Clasper

_{Photo Credit: Ririgalbadd Instagram}

The post Pregnancy Never Looked So Good; Rihanna Reveals She Is Expecting Her First Child appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Everything you have heard is true. The 31st of July is the date to keep in mind. The Fenty Empire began in 2017 with Fenty Beauty launching one of the first-ever skin-inclusive foundations, which went on to spark “The Fenty Effect”. A movement that inspired the beauty industry to produce more diverse shades. And it didn’t stop there. Since then, the Fenty brand has exploded into a luxury fashion brand, Fenty, and lingerie line Savage x Fenty. Now, Rihanna is diving into skincare.

Rihanna announced the launch for her new skincare line, Fenty Skin, in a promo video featuring bad gal Riri herself, as well as A$AP Rocky and Lil Nas X, showing off their natural beauty and flawless, radiant skin. The short clip shows little glimpses of the pastel Fenty Beauty colour palette, which we have all grown to adore, and shows what looks like a foaming cleanser and moisturizer being used by the singer.

Fenty Skincare by Fenty Youtube Channel

While little has been released, rumors of a skincare line began in 2019 when a trademark was filed for Fenty Skin with the United States Trademark and Patent Office. We may know little about the products being launched, but with what we can gather from the trademark, the line will likely be targeted at ‘medicated and non-medicated skincare, soap, body care and personal care products.’

For now, the Grammy winner has kept us very much in the dark regarding what products will be released, however certain product names including Flash Nap and Hydra Vizor have been included in the trademark. It’s no lie to say that we are very anticipated to see what’s to come from the skincare line, but we do know that Fenty Skin is for everyone. Yep, that’s right, Fenty Skin is gender-neutral and for all skin types. “No matter who you are, you deserve to have great skin!”, says Rihanna, and we couldn’t agree more.

Words by Clare Stephenson

Graphics by Clare Stephenson

The post All You Need to Know About Fenty Skin appeared first on Voir Fashion.

As the new decade began, hip-hop artists started expanding their style palette. While the 2000s were dominated by Tommy, Gucci and Versace, alternative brands such as YSL, Balenciaga, and Balmain were now the look. Not to mention the introduction of Bathing Ape which brought new vibrant colours to the forefront of hip-hop fashion; from yellow, orange to magenta and cyan. The combination of the new artistic generation and the ever-growing social media platforms created a vortex of unfiltered originality; the onus wasn’t on the high-end fashion shows to provide the youth with inspiration anymore. The biggest example of this unadulterated individuality; was the evolution of contemporary fashion and streetwear brand, HYPEBEAST. They immediately stole the hearts of not only streetwear admirers but high-end fashionistas too.

The most admirable trait of HYPEBEAST as a collective was the concept of combining new ideas with the feeling of sentimentality within the style. Not only implementing a variation of colours into hip-hop fashion but also bringing back larger sized clothes from the 90s. Baggy cargo trousers, XXX t-shirts and longlined tees established themselves as staples in the wardrobes of the youth, with brands such as North Face and Champion making a comeback. While these particular brands were out of style earlier in the decade, after dominating the streets during the 80s and 90s.

From jorts to snapbacks, to Champion x Bathing Ape ventures, the limits of streetwear holds no bounds. Rather than skinny jeans and cardigans; cropped trouser alongside a north face windbreaker was the wave; while still maintaining a sleek, but individualistic fit. While directness is the way to go in order to pull the HYPEBEAST look off, you must be prepared to stand out if necessary. We couldn’t escape the progression of stripes and dots along with the revival of army-esque ensembles with camouflage and floral.

One thing we can take from fashion trends of recent time is that a movement can end as quickly as it can start; there’s always a quicker route to the bottom when it comes to what’s hot or not. Everything from snapbacks, floral vests, longlined clothing, low waisted jeans and flared jeans, high tops, jorts (pretty much any default Coachella fit) its all come and gone, and come right back again. But as long as the youth continue to take inspiration from previous decades, a certain piece of clothing or accessory will never go out of style. Put your own unique foot forward, trust your gut — because trends were never created by thinking inside the box; they thrive off thinking decades into the future.

Words by Charlie Miller

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post HYPEBEAST: The Hype of The Decade appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Whether it be Pharrell Williams collaborating with Chanel for his SS19 urban capsule collection, Kanye West dominating upmarket footwear sales with Yeezy Season 8 or A$AP Rocky starring in Calvin Klein’s, ‘I Speak My Truth’ campaign, the current prominence of hip-hop in luxury fashion is undeniable.

Hip-hop has had a historic captivation with high-end fashion, with Dapper Dan’s counterfeit Louis Vuitton and Gucci tracksuits stylising the genre throughout the 80s and early acts such as Big Daddy Kane and LL Cool J sporting brands such as Le Coq Sportif and Kangol. Despite this, it is only in the last decade that such interest has been reciprocated by the industry’s most prestigious brands. Although, that is not to ignore the several successful fashion collaborations hip-hop has had, with Run-DMC’s $1 million endorsement deal with Adidas being the earliest example of this. What it does show is that there has been a cultural shift in the way hip-hop and its unique style is viewed by society.

Before the turn of the century the East/West Coast rap rivalry, N.W.A’s gangster self- identification and the killings of popular artists, Tupac, Biggie Smalls and Fat Pat, meant that hip-hop had an image of both deviance and danger that no high-class brand of sophistication and elegance would want to be associated.

But when Nielsen Music published that rap had surpassed rock to become the most popular music genre in the U.S, with a 24.5% share in music consumption, the resistance that luxury wear once held against hip-hop soon evaporated. Many artists not only became the face of upmarket brands, such as A$AP Rocky and Dior, but also began to compete with such companies by developing their own fashion lines, such as Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club, Tyler the Creator’s Golf Wang, Lil Wayne’s Trukfit and Kanye West’s Yeezy collection. And with the likes of Lil Uzi Vert stating, “ Honestly, I think I do this [fashion] better than music,” in his interview with GQ, this current trend shows no signs of slowing down.

The commercial appeal of hip-hop’s expressive street style can be traced back to the genre’s former roots as the ‘outsider’. Without the pressures of being taken seriously and receiving expert industrial criticism the fashion that evolved out of hip-hop had a certain sense of freedom and eccentricity to the way it was both designed and styled. This is a distinctive feature that has remained to this day, where the notion of ‘menswear’ is becoming ever transparent as contemporary rappers continue to experiment with traditionally feminine accessories, such as purses, nail polish and crop tops.

Given that hip-hop is now at the peak of its existence, in terms of mainstream popularity, it is no surprise that both leading labels and artists themselves are capitalising on this synergy between the two industries. The question then remains, has hip-hop cemented its place in high- brow culture? Or will the over-commercialisation of the genre’s street apparel be to the demise of its popularity?

Words by Charlie Malcolm-Mckay

Graphics by Araceli Alonso

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The post Hip-Hop x Streetwear: From Underground to High-End Fashion appeared first on Voir Fashion.