Hip Hop Voices
Bloomberg Connects:
Hip Hop Voices
To tell the story of hip hop style, the curators of Fresh, Fly, Fabulous: 50 Years of Hip Hop Style spoke with several influential people from the community. Listen below to learn more about the history, inspiration, and other stories about hip hop style from designers, archivists, fashion stylists, and more.
Sal Abbatiello
Sal Abbatiello, owner of Disco Fever and Fever Records, shares stories from the early days of Disco Fever and how he supported his Bronx community.
Ralph McDaniels
Ralph McDaniels, founder of Video Music Box (1983–Present), highlights his experience with couture fashion from his community's custom designers and makers.
Rebecca Pietri
Artistic director, fashion stylist, costume designer, and archivist Rebecca Pietri contextualizes Timberland boots in fashion and work wear.
TJ Walker and Carl Jones
Cofounders TJ Walker and Carl Jones explain the mission of their brand Cross Colours: to create clothes for the culture.
Karl Kani
Karl Kani, designer and founder of Karl Kani, reflects on the impact and influence of his brand on uplifting Black models.
Shara McHayle
Co-founder of Hoop88Dreams, Shara McHayle provides the historical context for hip hop fashion of the 1990s.
Dapper Dan
Known for his custom fashion designs using luxury logos, Dapper Dan of Harlem narrates the inception of logomania.
April Walker
April Walker, founder of Walker Wear, shares her approach to competing in a male-dominated space when starting her streetwear brand.
Daymond John
Daymond John shares the story behind the FUBU name, the brand he co-founded in 1992.
Emil Wilbekin
Former Editor in Chief of Vibe, Emil Wilbekin, reflects on the influence of the LGBTQ+ community on hip hop style and their identity reckoning today.
Tommy and Andy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger, American fashion designer and his brother, Andy Hilfiger, co-founder of Star Branding, and former VP of marketing for Tommy Jeans, discuss the inspiration and reception of incorporating big logos on the brand’s apparel.