Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion

mbark on a cinematic journey through the realms of glamour, grit, luxury, and serendipity with "Fashion Killa." Drawing from exclusive interviews with the luminaries of the fashion world, this narrative unfolds the compelling story of hip-hop artists, designers, stylists, and unsung heroes who, over the past fifty years, challenged conventions and reshaped style across the globe.

Immersed in the vibrant tapestries of New York, Paris, and beyond, music journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy illuminates the intertwined histories of hip-hop and contemporary fashion. The focus is on the audacious risk-takers and rebels—the artists, designers, stylists, models, and tastemakers—who dared to defy systemic power structures, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of prêt-à-porter and haute couture.

"Fashion Killa" unfolds as a timeless narrative of a modern renaissance, where innovators crash the gates of an exclusionary industry. Icons like Sean "Diddy" Combs, Dapper Dan, and Virgil Abloh elevate hip-hop from the streets to the stratosphere, while supernovas such as Lil' Kim, Cardi B, and Kimora Lee Simmons align with kingmakers like Anna Wintour, Donatella Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren. Traditionalist fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Saint Laurent are transformed into sanctuaries of rap gods.

Krishnamurthy intricately explores the dynamic connections between the DIY ethos of the hip-hop scene and the rarified realms of high fashion. Delving into the sociopolitical forces that shaped fashion, she traces the profound influence of music and streetwear on even the most exclusive (and exclusionary) luxury brands. At the crossroads of cultural commentary and oral history, "Fashion Killa" pays homage to the lasting contributions of hip-hop to music, fashion, and our broader cultural landscape.