A new exhibit celebrating a slice of hip-hop’s 50 year contribution to the fashion world opened at the Museum at FIT in Manhattan.  

It’s a curation of clothing and accessories that has graced artists, music videos, red carpets and performance stages.

“Hip-hop style is fly, fit, and fabulous and it has been for 50 years,” said Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at the Museum at FIT. “We want people to come to this exhibition and realize how hip-hop style that started as something very concentrated in the Bronx or worn by an artist affects how they dress every single day.”

“Fresh, Fly and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip-Hop Style” showcases chunky jewelry, Timberland boots, cool sneakers, garments covered in logos, track suits and more — which were all popularized by the genre throughout the years.

“It’s really these pieces that were worn in the 1970s, 80s, 90s through today that really personify how people emerged in a culture are actually dressing. These really tell an important story. Some of these pieces are on display for the first time,” said Way.

The exhibit also features dozens of iconic outfits worn by celebrities.

”This is a piece by Roberto Cavalli. That was worn by Lil Kim in 2003,” said Way, pointing to a denim embroidered floral jacket and skirt.  

There’s also Beyonce’s MCM bustier, the vintage Mugler gown Cardi B wore when she won her first Grammy and Chance the Rapper’s custom Ralph Lauren stadium tuxedo for the MET Gala in 2021.

“When Chance the rapper wore this, he really said this was like a Cinderella moment for him because he loved stadium growing up,” said Way.

Besides All-American brands like Ralph Lauren and European design houses like Gucci and Versace, the exhibit also spotlights designers that are not well known but have been integral to hip-hop fashion.

“I think Dapper Dan is one of the most important designers of the late 20th century but we also have people like April Walker who was one of the very early street wear designers and one of the only women working in that space,” said Way.

Way said the sampling of items curated throughout the room has paved the way for countless creatives, and shows the world that hip-hop can’t be placed in a box.

“Hip-hop fashion is not just one thing, it is so multifaceted and has changed so much over the last fifty years. Hip-hop fashion is American fashion,” said Way.

There exhibit, which features over 150 items, runs until April 23 and admission is free.

The museum is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.