Fashion StylesHip hop fashion is split into four category's. Artists are normally representing four different types of hip hop audiences. For instance, Chris Brown (top) would be representing the ‘sweet boys’ that are interested in hip hop. Chris brown is seen to be dressed informally, wearing a blazer, shirt and tie. Due to this being the orthodox way a man would or should dress when wanting to impress, Chris‘ attire shows his friendliness and co-operation to stick to the rules of society. The jeans and high top trainers then show his individual and unique side, with it not being too drastic, he represents those that will use the hip hop genre and the music it produces to get away from the real world and have some time off. He blends the two together to make an interesting statement. On the bottom we see a different approach, rapper Chief Keef poses in front of a Bentley to show off his wealth the same way he rolls up his sleeve to show off his expensive watch. This style of dressing differs to Chris’ style as Chief Keef poses a different statement. With his hanging below his backside, this shows a rebellious side to the hip hop which nowadays dominates the music genre. His dress sense is informal, and he embraces his individuality and uniqueness within his clothing. The bright red jeans match his underwear and his trainers match his shirt, whilst the jacket matches the car. Chief Keef makes an effort to stay color coordinated; as this is seen as a key element to having ‘swag’.

Fashion Styles• On the left we see group three, the wild group. This is

normally seen within artists such as Will.I.Am. These types of people like to go crazy and use their imagination when it comes to wearing clothes. Fancy hats would mix with funky glasses and oversized jackets would be worn, something that the audience wouldn't be familiar with in the hip hop music genre. On the left we see the model wearing all black, which is again linked with the nature of hip hop as black is seen as the main color. He’s wearing skinny jeans which is normally the style that would be seen in the ‘sweet boy’ group and has mixed them with dark leather gothic boots. He has gold chains hanging from his neck which would normally be associated with the ‘gangster’ group but wears a top hat and an overly sized shirt with his leather jacket to baffle the audience. This creativity normally excludes these types or artists away from other hip hop artists. On the right we see the last group of hip hop listeners with this being the classy group. These people would dress appropriately to award ceremonies and show off their expensive suits in their music videos. Some fans would dress like this on the streets. Once again Trey Songz is wearing a black suit; which is the main color in the hip hop music genre.

Footwear• Trainers and other footwear have

become an important part of hip hop cultures since the 1970s. Presently, numerous rappers sign million dollar deals with major brands such as Nike, Adidas or Puma to promote their shoes. Sneaker collectors, called "Sneaker heads", use sneakers as fashionable items. Many rappers nowadays make their own trainers and sell them (Kanye West and the Air Yeezy’s (top right)). Huge hip hop fans would splash the cash to try and look like their favourite artists.

TrendsTrends are a general direction in which something is developing or changing. Fashion trends are normally created or passed upon by famous and popular celebrities. In Hip Hop Kanye West (right) isn't just known for his music and huge fan base but for his dapper and flamboyant fashion sense which has also attracted media attention and set West apart from other rappers. Many artists are contracted with huge fashion labels and their appearances on music awards and music videos normally catch the eye of fans. Fans would then go out and purchase these types of clothing in an attempt to look like or replicate their favourite artists. Hip Hop is a genre that is highly popular within teenagers. Many teenagers are self conscious about their appearance and want to look good when going out. The music industry has a huge effect on fashion, and normally inform people on the biggest trends.