Fresh Fly Fabulous: 50 Years of Hip Hop Style

In 1973, DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy hosted a back-to-school jam in their apartment block, which became the birth of hip-hop. The style focused on customization, with Dapper Dan creating unique looks with logos of MCM, Gucci, and Fendi. This eclectic style evolved into its own apparel brands, such as FUBU, Sean John, Roc-A-Wear, Billionaire Boys Club, BAPE, Baby Phat, Cross Colours, and Pelle Pelle. Fresh Fly Fabulous is the definitive source for hip-hop style, with new research and oral histories from celebrities and designers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

In the sweltering heat of August 1973, DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy hosted a legendary back-to-school jam in the recreation room of their apartment block at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the west Bronx. Little did they know that this momentous event would go down in history as the birth of hip hop, a cultural movement that would ripple out across the globe, influencing music and fashion for generations to come.

The early days of hip hop saw a distinct focus on customization, with artists and enthusiasts spray-painting jean jackets, sweatshirts, and creasing jeans to create unique looks. Before Nike became a household name, Dapper Dan was already making waves with his one-of-a-kind creations, incorporating the logos of MCM, Gucci, and Fendi into his designs. This eclectic style gradually evolved into its own apparel brands, including FUBU, Sean John, Roc-A-Wear, Billionaire Boys Club, BAPE, Baby Phat, Cross Colours, and Pelle Pelle.

To fully explore the rich tapestry of hip-hop style, this book delves into the stories of individual designers, stylists, record labels, pink, hairstyles, nameplates, hoops, nails, and sneakers. Each chapter is accompanied by photographs of performers, entrepreneurs, and iconic pieces, providing a visual feast for fans of the genre. Furthermore, new research from journalists who witnessed the developments firsthand and oral histories from celebrities and designers make Fresh Fly Fabulous the definitive source for hip-hop style.

So, whether you're a die-hard hip-hop fan or simply interested in learning more about this cultural phenomenon, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the evolution and impact of hip hop on fashion and society.

Weight: 1665g
Dimension: 285 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847899319