Since “back in the day” where the Hip Hop generation got their style influence from the 80′s Pop culture, we have been off the radar or had minimal position in fashion.  There are however, a handful of black fashion icons;  in Pt. II  I will be highlighting these men or hoping to get some real questions answered from them

(Run DMC took adidas to another level in the 80s)

We kind of lost our taste for fashion for a minute through the 90′s;  wearing big baggy clothing and also wearing brands that didn’t support us as a culture or Race. We bounced back on the business end of things, cashing in with Cross Colours , Karl Kani, PHAT FARM, FUBU and others who had the vision to see that records won’t sell forever.  Franchising and feeding the market became the norm.

But now with the type of fashion in the 2000′s and the fashion awareness of artists and designers like Lil Wayne, Drake, Kanye West, Sean Combs & B. michael. We now are able to create our own styles and fashions.  I would be lying if I told you “naw I don’t take fashion tips from the white guys”, because I do!  I actually rate their swag;  the miss match of certain prints and colours and the matching of others.  Its expressive of who you are.

Patrick Kelly (1954 – 1990) In the 80s, Kelly became the first American member of the Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-Porter, the body that governs the French ready-to-wear industry. He was known for flamboyant garments, incorporating clusters of multicolored buttons or grosgrain ribbons. He also used controversial images of racial stereotyping in his works.
	Kevan Hall After launching Kevan Hall Couture and restoring Halston to its former glory from 1998 to 2000, Hall launched a signature collection, Kevan Hall Collection, in 2002. He has a sophisticated and elegant design sense that rejects fads and trends. Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett and Salma Hayek are some of the actresses who have worn his eveningwear.
	b. michael b. michael’s couture and ready-to-wear are known for being sophisticated, simple and timeless. Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry, Cicely Tyson and Beyonce Knowles have all worn his designs.
	Bryon Lars Lars began designing under his own label in 1991, but eight years ago, he launched Byron Lars Beauty Mark, which initially offered cotton/Lycra shirts and shirt dresses and now includes knits, sportswear and dresses.
	Kimora Lee Simmons Simmons brought glamour, sexiness and over-the-top femininity to hip-hop when she took the helm as designer for Baby Phat. She also designs a higher-end eveningwear line, KLS.
	Patrick Robinson Robinson has held the position of executive vice-president of design at Gap Adult and gapbody since May 2007. Before that, he worked for Paco Rabanne, Giorgio Armani, Anne Klein and Perry Ellis.
	Rachel Roy Before launching her eponymous collection, Roy was Creative Director of Rocawear’s women and children divisions. She often uses a natural color palette that is enriched by the texture of the fabrics. Her collection is defined by modern silhouettes, lightness and comfort.
	Stephen Burrows Burrows was thrust into the limelight when Stephen Burrows’ World opened at Henri Bendel in 1970. Cher, Diana Ross and Jerry Hall were a few of his famous clients in the 70s. He celebrated his 40th year as a designer in 2006 and continues to design collections to this day.
	Tori-Nichel Tori-Nichel debuted her namesake collection for Fall 2006. She is known for her tailored jumpsuits and effortlessly chic dresses.
	Tracy Reese In Spring 1998, Reese launched her eponymous collection, which had a distinct girly, yet charming and luxurious look. Later that year, she introduced a second line, plenty by Tracy Reese, a bohemian, ethnic-inspired collection.