The evolution of Hip Hop can be felt in all facets of life from sound to style. As the genre’s 50th anniversary winds down, a new book from Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books imprint takes a closer look at the sartorial effect the culture has had on the fashion world.
For well over a decade, journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy has reported on music and pop culture for publications like Billboard, Rolling Stone, Complex and Highsnobiety. In her first book Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion, she takes readers on an in-depth overview of how hip hop has infiltrated the world of fashion.
From the jump it’s clear that Krishnamurthy is a Hip Hop head. Her authentic love of the culture is felt throughout the pages. Fashion Killa is well-researched. The book highlights not only key designers and artists, but models, trends, luxury brands, and fashion publications who have made a significant impact on the culture.
Readers will appreciate the myriad of behind-the-scenes stories in each chapter. How did Aaliyah’s iconic Tommy Hilfiger outfit come to be? What happened when LL Cool J low key slid in a FUBU shout-out in a GAP commercial? How did Tupac Shakur and Lil’ Kim link up with Versace in the ‘90s? Why did so many Hip Hop fashion brands shutter or never see the light of day?
Fashion Killa also does a good job at highlighting how luxury brands have tried to co-opt the culture for financial gain. One of the most well-known examples can be seen in Dapper Dan’s backstory. The Harlem native’s custom operations were continuously shut down by luxury brands which drove him underground in the early ‘90s. When a replica of one of his famous designs appeared on Gucci’s 2018 Cruise Collection runway, the demands for the heritage brand to give the designer his long overdue accolades were strong. Eventually this led to a proper collaboration between Gucci and Dapper Dan with the opening of the Dapper Dan Harlem Atelier Studio.
Throughout the interviews and memories, Fashion Killa makes it clear that Hip Hop’s influence on the world is nothing new. Hip Hop has been more than just a genre for decades. Its impact is felt in everything from business to the vernacular. As we continue to witness Hip Hop’s evolution, we must also ensure that its originators get their flowers and receive the proper credit for their creations.
For more on Fashion Killa, visit fashionkillabook.com. Follow Sowmya Krishnamurthy on X (Twitter) and Instagram.
