The online lyric annotation platform known as Rap Genius has just announced its emergence into the fashion industry with the announcement of its new 90s-inspired line, The 1997 Collection.
In the announcement tweet, the company laid out specifics of the inspirations it references: Hype Williams’ fisheye lens, Fiona Apple’s ‘97 VMAs speech, Notorious B.I.G., underground NYC nightclub The Tunnel, Titanic, Wu Tang and the phrase "girl power." The designs, which are split into one of four categories, touch upon major cultural and social events of the year, ranging from the Titanic to monumental music videos.
The collection, inspired by pop culture of 1997, is reflective of contemporary streetwear styles which have been dominating streetwear blogs and designer runways alike. The designs, which are printed on oversized hoodies, t-shirts and distressed baseball caps speak to aging fashion-conscious Millennials who are nostalgic of the culture and music of the late 90s.
90s-Inspired Clothing Lines
The 1997 Collection Takes Inspiration from Late 90s Pop Culture
Trend Themes
1. Nostalgic Apparel - Businesses can capitalize on the trend of '90s nostalgia in clothing by taking inspiration from major cultural and social events of the decade.
2. Streetwear Resurgence - The resurgence of streetwear as a popular clothing style provides an opportunity for businesses to incorporate elements of '90s fashion into their clothing lines.
3. Cultural Throwback - Businesses can create a culture throwback phenomenon by developing clothing lines that embody the culture and music of past decades.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can develop clothing lines inspired by '90s pop culture to meet the demand of aging fashion-conscious Millennials who are nostalgic of the era.
2. Streetwear Industry - Streetwear brands can incorporate elements of '90s fashion and pop culture into their designs to cater to the current trend of '90s nostalgia in clothing.
3. Cultural Heritage Industry - Companies within the cultural heritage industry can preserve the legacy of past decades by creating exhibits or merchandise that showcase the unique fashion style of the era.