Many people may not realize where modern fashion trends originate from, so what better time than Black History Month to recognize a few fashion trends that were started by the Black community.
Bucket Hats
The bucket hat is a popular piece that has continued to go in and out of style for years. The hat was created in the early 1900s to protect fishermen and farmers from the rain using its sloped sides. It wasn’t until the 1960s when the piece transitioned into a fashion accessory by creating bucket hats using stylish fabrics. But the item became especially trendy in the 80s when members of the black community started wearing bucket hats in music videos and album covers. The accessory quickly became a staple piece in the hip hop community with artists including Run-DMC, Jay-Z and most notably LL Cool J sporting bucket hats in a modern, cool way. Now the piece has been seen on the heads of everyone from celebrities to fashion influencers, and even on the runway.
Logomania
Logomania is a fashion fad where clothing pieces are covered in the designer’s logo. The fashion designer from Harlem, New York, Dapper Dan, is responsible for popularizing the iconic trend. Dapper Dan made knock-off leather items that featured logos from luxury fashion brands including Gucci and Louis Vuitton. As Dapper Dan began wearing his pieces, he started to design for many big names in the 80s and 90s music industry. Artists including LL Cool J, P Diddy and Salt-N-Pepa began to sport Day’s monogram pieces, and the fashion houses themselves began to create similar pieces. Today, Logomania is still seen in items like baguette pants, sweatpants and recently worn on the red carpet by Billie Eilish at the 2020 Grammys.
Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are a classic accessory that can spice up any outfit, but many people do not know where they originated from. Hoops trace all the way back to fourth century Africa in a civilization named Nubia where they used to make them out of various metals. They were later worn by Greeks, Romans and Egyptians as a symbol of power. Fast-forward to the 20th century, hoops were worn during the Civil Rights Movement as a way to honor Black culture. Since then the piece has been adapted in every era. Ranging from thick and chunky in the 80s, to sleeker and thinner in the early 2000s.
Sneaker Culture
In the 1980s, sneakers started to become incredibly fashionable accessories. A definitive moment in sneakerhead history is when Nike signed a deal with basketball star Michael Jordan. The “Air Jordan” shoe line became extremely popular as they were slipped on by children, rappers and athletes. People started accumulating various sneakers, which was looked upon as a symbol of status. Nowadays, brands like Nike, Adidas, Vans and Converse have been creating new and improved styles every season, and sneakers have become an essential part of streetwear.
Many people do not know who start fashion trends, which can continue the erasure of Black culture. This makes it very important to acknowledge the origins of fashion trends and continue to educate each other about the Black community’s impact on pop culture.
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