I have been against urban fashion for quite some time now. It's not that it wasn't a good idea, but I just felt like putting a logo on a t-shirt and capitalizing off your career as an artist did not make you a fashion designer. I still feel that way - very much so. However, it was naive of me to think that fashion was an equal opportunity industry where race didn't matter. It's simply much harder to create an ethnic design house. Most black designers are at least pseudo celebrities (hip hop mogul or Stevie Wonder's wife anyone?). Black models struggle to get work. And a friend of mine was even denied her prize of the cover of a magazine.. Now I can't officially say it was because she was black, but it was because she was black. That Black Vogue issue last summer was a VERY small step towards the recognition of black talent and beauty in the fashion industry.In this light, I can see why urban fashion developed. It was to cater to a different demographic that is currently largely ignored. It was also a part of the trend of celebrities exploiting every opportunity to make money. Unfortunately, the quality of the product shows that in most cases, it was the latter motive. However, I still believe in urban fashion, and I hope that someone soon can take the reigns and lead this currently dying part of fashion to success. Just because it's "urban" doesn't mean it has to be ghetto or sloppy. Street fashion is being co-opted all the time by white design houses. Just take a look at who owns Baby Phat, Phat Farm, and Enyce today - not to mention that these owners have no idea how to handle or market these brands.
So I'm on the look-out for new ethnic designers in 09, and I'd like to see some style that's more New York and less Orange County this year. Let's make it happen.
3 comments:
I'm not feeling the urban lines that are out right now. I can't even remember the last time I went to a store that had all urban brands.
I would like to see current or new urban brands, step up and show some variety.
The only brand I have always like is LRG. They have always seem to be thinking out the box as far as colour schemes and types of clothing (jackets.)
LRG would have to be my favourite urban brand as well. Their stuff is very clean and interesting. But I'm also kind of sick of the sneakerhead/skater thing. I have a lot to say about Sean John that isn't so good, but the one good thing I can offer is that the clothing is more grown up. I mean how is a young black man supposed to dress when he's 32, but isn't a rapper?
Yea I know what u mean about the skater look. I'm in search of a more "grown" look myself. Sean John never crossed my mind.. Ill check it out though. Thanx
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