MH FASHION: BLACK CULTURE INFLUENCING FASHION

#1: Diana Ross’ 70s Style

Diana Ross’ legendary film Mahogany portrayed her character Tracy as a design student with iconic 70’s style. The film’s wide-brimmed hats, billowy blouses, and structured menswear-inspired silhouettes still show up in runway collections today.

Mahogany Moment

Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2007 runway collection borrowed several direct references from the epic fashion film Mahogany, including model Liya Kebede in this look.

#2: Michael Jackson

The King of Pop’s distinct style is one that has been admired for decades. His unique crystal encrusted details, marching band-style jackets, and 80’s bold shoulder padding are just a few fan favorites that have been emulated.

Regal Runway

The legend’s passing gave way to a resurgence of Jackson-inspired style on the runways. Design houses including D&G, Balmain and Haider Ackerman, to name a few, brought the icon’s exaggerated shoulder, metal detailing, and marching band style to the forefront of fashion. Balmain Spring 2012 runway.

#3: 80’s HipHop Culture

Salt-N-Peppa’s style personified 80’s HipHop culture. Biking shorts and acid washed denim looks just weren’t complete without the key accessories — gold chains, and bamboo earrings.

Sex and the City

Carrie Bradshaw of the hit HBO series Sex and the City was a stylish, single New Yorker. Her shopping obsession made Manolo Blahnik heels a closet staple, and for several seasons she paid homage to HipHop fashion by adding bamboo earrings and a gold name chain to her signature style.

#4: Graffiti Art

In 2008, when Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with the late artist Stephen Sprouse hit the streets, it was clear where the inspiration started. Graffiti street art which was prevalent throughout the HipHop and B-Boy movement made its way into mainstream fashion and onto the Parisian label’s monogrammed bags, leggings and shoes.

Speedy Style

Angela Simmons wears the popular Stephen Sprouse Louis Vuitton Speedy handbag emblazoned with neon graffiti designs from the late artist.

Well Heeled

Chic pumps were even tagged up street style from the Stephen Sprouse Louis Vuitton collection.

#5: 90’s R&B / HipHop Style

The late R&B beauty Aaliyah’s signature style — midriff-baring tops and baggy pants — was a huge 90’s trend. Not only were Tommy Hilfiger’s early collections inspired by the look, but he made Aaliyah the face of his ad campaign.

All-American Brand

The support of the R&B and HipHop community by artists including Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J helped popularize the all-American brand in the mid to late 90’s.

#6: Jean-Michel Basquiat

Brooklyn born artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Neo-Expressionist artwork has inspired artists of all genres from the late 70’s until now. The rich colors and imperfect lines are exactly what made his creations perfect.

Art Re-Worked

Basquiat’s quirky art has gone from the street walls to the runway. Collections including Valentino and D&G have directly beaded or printed his work on cocktail dresses and tops, while Reebok launched various sneaker styles covered in his doodled designs. Valentino Fall 2006 runway.