Fashion. Just like history, it seems to always repeat itself. Brands like Karl Kani, Baby Phat and Von Dutch are slowly but surely making a comeback.
I had the opportunity to be apart of instagram comedian Toya TurnUp’s Rent Due music video which aired March 1st on all platforms. Her stylist focused on abstract colors and bold hair and makeup. I was impressed with the fact that she was dressed down in Karl Kani, established 1989. Kani got most of his buzz from styling hip hop artists who were to be featured on MTV like LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Flavor Flav and many more. That being said Kani was the face and voice of Hip Hop Fashion during the 90s. At this time most designers didn’t want hip hop artist wearing their clothes so that gave Karl Kani the perfect opportunity to brand with baggy denim suits and t-shirts. Now you can find most of his clothes on websites like KarlKani.com, Pretty Little Thing and Urban Outfitters.
Fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner has announced the relaunch of her infamous brand Baby Phat on National Women’s Day. Baby Phat is the sister company of Phat Farm by Russel Simmons all established in the late 90’s. Rumored to be relaunched in summer of 2019, Kimora plans to use the help of her daughters Ming and Aioki to help curate the street wear brand. I know this is exciting for me being a fan of Baby Phat at such a young age, I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my adolescence into adulthood with brands I know and love.
Von Dutch named after American artist and pinstriper Kenny Howard is creeping its way up the list of fashion brands making a comeback. Being known for their unique truckers caps and bowling bags, Von Dutch has been worn by some of the realist OGs in hip hop like Jay Z, Madonna, Whitney Houston, the list goes on. After Howards death in 1992, his daughters have been trying to keep his brand alive with their unique style of street wear. You can see artists like Play Boi Carti, Justine Skye and Chris Brown rocking the apparel on its Instagram @von_dutch_uas.