Hip-hop styling

[European Interloper]

These days, it seems that everyone from teens to thirty year old imitate artists in some way, be it from a Tracey Emin slouch to a pair of Snoop Dogg sagged jeans. I just wanted to pose the question- would you ever attempt to dress somehow like any one of the above options?
If not- why not? If so- how do you imitate these styles?

This may be interesting. If not, I apologize for wasting your time.
As for me... Well, I have been known to be highly sartorially experimental when going out clubbing, exploiting my age as an excuse for any misjudgements. I'd say, if anything, I dress somewhere between all styles listed. I specifically appreciate the DanceHall look, although it must be worn with a tan.
--European Interloper

 

[davei]

I wouldn't dress totally tricked out in hip-hop gear, but I do wear certain hip-hop style pieces.  For example, last season's YSL:RG line (loose fitting pants and jeans) and Nike Air Jordans (I love the new suede 18s.) Can't stand the typical Air Force 1/Dunk style footwear. And I wouldn't touch the past couple of Versace seasons with a ten foot pole... same goes for most urban style tops - I don't mind long sleeves but I HATE long body hems (i.e. past the butt) with a passion.

 

[gqelements]

For men and women in late teens, early twenties, being surrounded by the elements of hip hop fashion, it is hard not to be influenced in one way or another. Personally, while favoring looser fitting jeans, I willingly accept the fact that dress pants are to remain conservatively hemmed and tailored. I believe that hip-hop has as much to offer to fashion, as Hugo, Armani or any Italian designer. Its clothes project themes or freedom and unique, careless nature. Without a doubt, the general teen population has degraded the style to labeled, branded sport apparel. However, same teen populations are flaunting Versace and Diesel labels with similar attitude. Real hip-hop style, as seen on Sean John runways is not much different from contemporary fashion. One might rebut my argument by saying there's little conservative, or stylish about "low riding" pants well past the waste line. Completely agreeing with the utter ridiculousness of this jail-house fashion, I point you, once again, to Sean John site. Look at the belt line of the runway - aaahhh, it's right at the equator, is it not? It is ludicrous to ignore this part of fashion, as it is absurd to ignore many others. A healthy combination of "contemporary" and "urban" is for many an untapped resource that can yield great wardrobe results. While Timberlake, might not be a great example, he is a part of a trend that is becoming, if has not already become and invaluable addition to the world of fashion. Sean John P.S. I only referred to Diesel because it has been mentioned several times by some members of the forum. I do not have any positive feelings towards the brand although some of the readers might. In any case it provided a good example.

 

[European Interloper]

I certainly agree that Hip-Hop and Gangsta stylings can actually be stylish. The jailhouse sagging technique, replicated in real life to acheive a low crotch, is carried through to real fashion by simply dropping the crotch on jeans, keeping the waistline either equatorial or just beneath it. I too hate low tops, from tees to hoodies- if you want to wear a skirt, buy a sarong, or, indeed, a skirt. The Air Force One style I don't mind so much, as long as it's worn on a basketball court, where it belongs. Why wear them to a club? Why wear sneakers to a club?
European Interloper

 

[T.M.]

Somebody already mentioned Sean John, they seriously have some nice stuff. Y'all gotta pay attention to Mr. P. Diddy... he knows how to combine "Hip-Hop" with Tom Ford.

 

[European Interloper]

Actually, 'black' styling often predates white trends, almost directly (in menswear, that is). Look at the YSL lines and see what SeanJohn had out last year. Look again. Then go... woah, those pants are identical. Now, repeat for Cavalli etc.
European Interloper

 

[acole]

My favorite label in this area of men's fashion is Norfolk & Waay. Â Whenever anyone asks me where I get my hip-hop and gangsta styles, those are the first words out of my mouth. Anything else would look inauthentic and unworthy on a guy like me.

 

[Nick M]

My favorite label in this area of men's fashion is Norfolk & Waay.

That's funny. Took me a minute...

 

[bigbadbuff]

Sean John is really the only one attempting to combine high end materials with the hip hop looking and succeeding. I don't care for a lot of their line but I could say that for almost any designer out there.

 

[ernest]

Ridiculious.

And not original any more.

 

[LA Guy]

Although I have a visceral reaction to all things Sean Jean, I have to admit that some of their pieces are in fact pretty cool, and that I would buy them if I could somehow overcome my P.Diddy aversion.

 

[marc37]

Somebody already mentioned Sean John, they seriously have some nice stuff. Y'all gotta pay attention to Mr. P. Diddy... he knows how to combine "Hip-Hop" with Tom Ford. Puff Daddy is a stylish man. l like to dress like a ganster. l will wear a leather trench coat, leather pants, [hand made] patent leather [multi colored] pointed shoes (brothel creapers), D &G patterned silk shirt [showing off the hairs on my chest], big puff daddy crucifuxes on thick gaudy chains, big flamboyant sunglasses (who cares if it's dark), flashy rings, a leather hat and a signiture cigar. l could dress like this everyday. l just wish l had a big fur jacket like puff daddy or snoop dog. People will often look and stare or tug at their partners arms [as if to say; "look at that guy"]. l love the attention. Actually; l've got alot of confidence and guts when it comes of to wearing and pulling outfits off with alot of attitude. Clothing and attitude can get you things alot of people normally can't get.

 

[marc37]

Puff Daddy is a stylish man. l like to dress like a ganster. l will wear a leather trench coat, leather pants, [hand made] patent leather [multi colored] pointed shoes (brothel creapers), D &G patterned silk shirt [showing off the hairs on my chest], big puff daddy crucifuxes on thick gaudy chains, big flamboyant sunglasses (who cares if it's dark), flashy rings, a leather hat and a signiture cigar. l could dress like this everyday. l just wish l had a big fur jacket like puff daddy or snoop dog. People will often look and stare or tug at their partners arms [as if to say; Â "look at that guy"]. l love the attention. Actually; l've got alot of confidence and guts when it comes of to wearing and pulling outfits off with alot of attitude. Clothing and attitude can get you things alot of people normally can't get. l often like dressing for a fun time. l would love to dress like Austin Powers and drive the shagmobile.