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.
Marc Jacobs Fall 2007
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.
Jackson’s style choices were as exceptional as his talent — bold and one-of-a kind.
His affinity for metal hardware made him shine in more ways than one stage.
Balmain Spring 2012 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.
Salt-N-Peppa’s style personified 80’s hip-hop culture. Biking shorts and acid washed denim looks just weren’t complete without the key accessories — gold chains, and bamboo earrings.
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 payed homage to hip-hop fashion by adding bamboo earrings and a gold name chain to her signature style.
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 80s hip-hop and B-Boy movement made its way into mainstream fashion and onto the Parisian label’s monogrammed bags, leggings and shoes.
Angela Simmons wears the popular Stephen Sprouse Louis Vuitton Speedy handbag emblazoned with neon graffiti designs from the late artist.
Chic pumps were even tagged up street style from the Stephen Sprouse Louis Vuitton collection.
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.
The support of the R&B and hip-hop community by artists including Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J helped popularize the all-American brand in the mid to late 90’s.
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.
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
Diana Ross’ iconic film Mahogany portrayed her character Tracy as a design student with legendary 70’s style. The film’s wide-brimmed hats, billowy blouses, and structured menswear-inspired silhouettes still show up in runway collections today.
In May 2000, Aaliyah and the other Hilfiger campaign cuties — Bijou Phillips and Kidada Jones — hang with Jay-Z at a party for the designer in Los Angeles.
In the 80’s and early 90’s Rappers wore name chains loud and proud around their necks, but on Sex and The City Bradshaw rocked her “Carrie” nameplate necklace in a more demure fashion.
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 hip-hop and B-Boy movement made it’s way into mainstream fashion and onto the Parisian label’s monogrammed bags, leggings and shoes.
