The Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City is presenting an exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the “Birth of Hip-Hop”.
‘Fresh, Fly and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip-Hop Style’ will celebrate the influential style and music genre through over 100 pieces of clothing and accessories. The tracks reflect key moments in hip-hop culture. These include Kangol hats, tailored Dapper Dan jackets and the Manolo Blahnik Okla Alta boots inspired by Timberland work shoes.
Visitors can also see looks by Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Khaled, Lil Nas X and Cardi B, as well as designs by Karl Kani, Fubu, Rocawear, Wu Wear, Baby Phat and Tommy Hilfiger.
The exhibition was curated by Elena Romero, journalist and assistant professor of marketing communications at FIT, and Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costumes at the Museum at FIT (MFIT).
The exhibition first looks at early club venues and the media of the time, before moving on to other thematic areas that shed light on the evolving relationship between hip-hop, established designer brands and custom designers.
Other parts of the exhibition look at the sources of inspiration for the style and how hip-hop influenced different clothing categories such as denim and outerwear.
The conclusion of the exhibition is formed by the red carpet looks by artists and designers of the 21st century.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a book of the same name and a symposium open to the public on February 24, 2023.
This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk.