MC Hammer popularized parachute pants and Jay-Z encouraged fellas to trade in their jerseys for button-ups.
The union between music and fashion isn’t a new one, but now, more than ever, we’re starting to see musicians take their talents to new places.
This year, the creative juices of the music industry seem to be overflowing, as a lot of our favorite rappers and singers crossover into the fashion realm to try their hand at designing.
Going beyond just being a spokesperson or face of a brand, these artists are showing us just how multi-faceted they are as they go from selling out arenas, to selling out their apparel.
Kanye West x A.P.C.
Just this week came Kanye West’s capsule collection with French label A.P.C., after rumors spread of the collaboration following his interview with W magazine.
Fashion lovers and hip-hop heads alike were hyped up and ready for purchase, but once the line dropped in stores and online, we were all taken aback – not by the minimalistic style of the collection, but by the price tags. We were presented with the “Hip Hop” shirt, one that will forever live in infamy.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re diehard Yeezy fans, but we couldn’t justify dropping $120 for a plain white T-shirt, even if it was stitched with the finest Egyptian cotton in the world.
Other pieces of the collection (which did sell out instantly and wound up on eBay shortly after) included another shirt, three sweatshirts ($280) and two pairs of jeans ($265). Now, word on the rumor mill is that a new high-fashion, 100-piece unisex line is in the works, and Kanye’s gearing up to hit the Fall Fashion Week runway once again.
Rihanna x River Island
Rihanna’s River Island collection was met with that same anticipation ‘Ye had when it dropped earlier this year in March. Teamed up with the UK brand, RiRi, a fashionista in her own right, gave us clothes that were just as fly and sexy as she is.
Rihanna gave us an array of pieces, from jean-on-jean jeans (yeah, we know), to on-trend ankle-strap heels, for a collection that retailed between $37 and $237. And she showed us she was truly about that fashion life by wearing all of her own stuff.
Due to the success the line received and the praise from her Navy worldwide, the Bad Gal is doing it once again with an all-new autumn collection, which is set to drop this September.
Taylor Swift x Keds
America’s country-singing sweetheart (and Kanye’s arch nemesis) Taylor Swift has some darling footwear ready for us with her new fall line with Keds.
The shoes are all fun and flirty, with plenty of sequin and lace detail. Plus, each pair retails for under $55. Fashionable affordability for the win.
Nicki Minaj x Kmart
Another chart-topping celeb giving us something to look forward to this fall is Nicki Minaj, who’s been hard at work developing her collection with Kmart.
Come October, her Barbz will be able to scoop up original designs inspired by her very own unique and colorful personal style. So far, we’ve seen a lot of playful prints and fun shapes, and we can’t wait to see the collection in its entirety.
Big Sean x Aura Gold
Back in February, we told you all about Big Sean’s newest venture, his fashion company Aura Gold.
He’s dropped hit after hit for your stereos, and any day now, he’ll be dropping some heat for your closets, too.
The “Finally Famous” line will offer T-shirts, sweatshirts and varsity jackets – and hopefully will be reasonably priced. From our observations, the Detroit rapper knows a thing or two about how to dress, so we’re sure that’ll translate into his collection.
Wale x Wrking Title
And for the men out there who aren’t keen on breaking the bank to get their hands on celeb-designed items, Wale has a line of accessories that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
The D.C. rapper set out to create beanies that combine streetwear swag with designer fashion under the name of “Wrking Title.” Offering a variety of colorways in five styles of hats that are only $38, there’s definitely something for everyone.
We’re only halfway through the year of 2013, and we have to admit that we’re pretty impressed by what these musicians-turned-designers have to offer so far.
Now, they’ll just have to stand the stylish test of time.
