The hip hop culture is well reflected and complemented in the hip hop fashion now because it has also undergone many significant changes during its history. The different expressions and attitudes of hip hop culture are evident in the hip hop fashion that we see in today’s popular brands like akademiks.

In the 80’s, several brands like Le Coq Sportif, Adidas, Nike, Pro-Keds, and Kangol, started releasing styles that appeal to the emerging hip hop scene. Most of the clothing items at the time were brightly colored tracksuits, sheepskin, and bomber jackets. Haircuts like the hi-top fade popularized by Will Smith, and accessories like large eyeglasses, name belts, multiple rings, and heavy gold jewelry, were also very popular.

The gangsta style was popularized in the late 80’s up to the 90’s. This style consisted of plaid shirts and jackets, Chuck Taylor sneakers, and baseball caps. The late 90’s looked to the gangsters of the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration. Many shifted from gang-inspired clothing to classic gangster fashion by using bowler hats, double-breasted suits, silk shirts, and alligator-skin shoes.

Sportswears were popularized in the late 90’s as part of hip hop fashion with the prominence of Tommy Hilfiger. One particular sportswear trend that emerged is the throwback jersey. Sean Combs also brought in elements like loud, flashy PVC aviator inspired suits and platinum jewelry.

Existing clothing brands like FUBU, Adidas, Ecko Unlimited, Pro-Keds, and Rocawear, took advantage of the market for urban streetwear. New clothing lines like akademiks, Baby Phat, Sean John, OutKast, and Phat Farm, also emerged.

The “old school” hip hop trend is gaining popularity once again these past few years. The articles of clothing that’s popular lately are those similar to the early 80’s styles. However, hip hop fashion has a more diverse collection now. The collections of popular brands like akademiks are wider and appeals even to those not really very much into hip hop fashion.

Fashion changes constantly and throughout the years, almost everything in our appearance that could experience change has already been changed Skirts are a very good example, their length going from so short that it hardly covers anything to up to the ankle. And what was once fashionable soon turned into unfashionable, and what was old quickly became new again.

Remember when Fashion Jewelry was referred to as Costume Jewelry? Although the name is still used you have to admit the phrase Fashion Jewelry has a lot more appeal. Marketing experts and department store buying departments came up with an even more precisely defined term.Trend Jewelry. Trends and new trend-setting is really the whole point to this segment of the jewelry industry. The “why” is affordability. With retail prices in the single and low double digits you must have a super-fast turnover in inventory in order to have a profitable market. Rapid style change is necessary for creating a need, or at the very least, a desire to buy.

A few of the many ways these trends or fads get started are major manufacturers with talented designers who continue to create new and exciting styles. Also, costume designers and stylists behind the scenes of the television and film industry can sometimes be the real trend-setters in our pop culture environment. These people usually are the first to see new designs because vendors are literally kicking down their doors daily with the latest and hopefully “hottest” merchandise looking for exposure to huge audiences. In addition, major celebrities have personal shoppers that are seeking the very latest designs, usually in Fine Jewelry, for their clients. Soon after we see that $10,000.00 piece photographed on a celebrity in “Cosmo” it’s translated to the $10.00 version available at your nearest department store. As an example, the “Y Neck” enjoyed tremendous popularity just a few years ago. That particular style made it’s debut on the TV show “Friends.” This design was so red hot….. it’s back! Just change the name to Lariat and here we go again. Another winner!

Affordability of fashion jewelry is accomplished by mass production and the use inexpensive raw materials. Base metal is utilized. Beaded pieces may include anything from resin, wood, shell, seeds, crystals, glass and more. Style and color with perhaps a designer name is what you are paying for. Fashion or Trend Jewelry is fun. Wear it and enjoy! But like those skirts and ties….hang on to those pieces and in no time at all you’ll be right on top of the latest trend right in your own jewelry box