In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop in New York, we are gathering together the creators of what was referred to as “Hip-Hop fashion” or “Urban fashion” at the time it originated in the 1980s. The world of art, fashion, and music were all altered during the momentous period in American history that was the birth of Hip-Hop. During this time, the African American community experienced an unprecedented surge in creativity. Famous and well-known rappers and singers emerged from this time.
David Grandison Jr of the Music Origins Project will be speaking with Maurice Malone, founder of Maurice Malone Designs and Mo Jeans, April Walker, founder of Walker Wear and Tony Shellman, founder of Mecca and Enyce about how they built their brands and how to build a modern brand.
Musicians like Jay-Z, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G. and Aaliyah had a huge influence on the global music scene, but they also made a big impression in the streets by rocking the clothes of the era’s hottest up-and-coming fashion designers and fashion entrepreneurs. It’s interesting to note that several of these creative entrepreneurs came from different parts of the country but they all converged in New York City to create and showcase their interpretations of urban fashion and define what style should look like in the Hip Hop Era. Maurice Malone was raised in Detroit, Michigan where he began his design career and created the legendary Hip-Hop Shop where he sold his clothing and launched a weekly live hip-hop showcase and series that became a platform for top talent in Detroit. Tony Shellman grew up in Seattle, but only April Walker was a Brooklyn native when she created her brand and opened a custom clothing shop in Brooklyn.
The panel discussion for our entrepreneurship webinar series for creatives will be happening on April 16 at 7:00 EST. RSVP to attend HERE
