February is Black History Month, and it is a time to appreciate and educate ourselves on Black history. It is important to acknowledge that many “trends” are rooted in Black culture, often resulting from systemic inequality. Why is it important to do so? Sainabou Lowe explains that “People should pay attention to streetwear’s history because I feel like when we learn about Black history in America, so much of it’s negative. It’s important that we shine a light on all the positive, popular things that Black people have brought to this world.” SO, let us explore some of those trends!
- Streetwear
-
No, your favorite social media influencer did not invent streetwear–– shocking, I know. Zoe Gonzalez tells how streetwear emerged in the 1980s as a result of a new type of sound from rhythm and blues–– rap music–– and how young people’s clothing reflected this new music. The general title of streetwear includes other trends like bucket hats, sneaker culture, and oversized clothing. This group of Black youth was affected by President Reagan’s War on Drugs of the time.
- Hoop earrings
-
Jonquil Lawrence explains that hoop earrings date back to the Bronze age and 4th Century Africa; more specifically in Sudan (called Nubia at the time). Lawrence goes on to say hoops were also essential in Egypt, as well as India and Vietnam. Hoop earrings then became synonymous with the disco scene of the 1970s, as Black women embraced a more African-inspired look (“A BRIEF HISTORY OF TRENDS THAT ORIGINATED FROM BLACK COMMUNITIES”). Now, hoop earrings can be seen literally everywhere–– across all ages, races, and genders.
- Logomania
-
The term “logomania” refers to the trend today of luxury brands placing their logo on everything–– think Gucci, Louis Vuitton bags, Chanel. This is all thanks to “Dapper Dan,” Daniel Day. Martinez-Trejada explains, “In the ‘80s, the Harlem-based designer began dressing hip-hop’s top artists by using fabric splashed with knock-off designer insignias and that he’d use to customize virtually anything.”
It is important to recognize the roots of such trends in order to acknowledge larger issues of exoticism and appropriation. Exoticism is the fetishizing of other cultures. In this situation, it appears as adopting any of the above trends because they’re “cool” or “exotic” because they are linked to Black culture. Appropriation complements this idea but goes further as white people profit off taken Black culture and claiming it as their own–– think white social media influencers. It is not inherently bad or evil to take part in any of these trends, but you should know their history. Feel free to check out any of the linked articles to read even further on these three trends!