The Most Important Fashion Labels In Hip-Hop Right Now

From Givenchy to Lanvin, here's a breakdown of the designer brands that are killing it in the game.

Aug 07, 2012
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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Are you hearing and seeing the same things we are? Rappers, braggadocious as ever, are name dropping fashion designers and luxury labels to prove that their style is unfuckwittable. It's pretty clear which brands are the hottest right now based on rap lyrics and what these guys are choosing to wear when they step out onto the streets. 

Rappers have long co-signed fashion labels. High-end brands have been around since the days of P. Diddy and Notorious B.I.G in Versace silk shirts, but trends have changed, which means there are new labels holding down the top spots. Hip-hop's biggest names of the moment are rocking and name-dropping a new breed of designer brands, from Maison Martin Margiela to Alexander Wang. We know there's plenty to choose from, but here are the clear stand-outs. Check out The Most Important Fashion Labels In Hip-Hop Right Now.

10. Tom Ford

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Founded in: 2005 by Tom Ford


Current designer: Tom Ford


Complex says: When rappers hit the red carpet, chances are they're wearing Tom Ford. The American designer has built a good rapport with celebrities and continues to make stand-out suits. If you recall, Jay-Z hit Carnegie Hall in not one, but two suits from the label. Swizz Beatz has also become known for rocking the formal wear, as well as the brand's velvet loafers. Even his wife Alicia Keys knows the importance of Tom Ford, as she gifted the super producer custom loafers for their anniversary.

9. Lanvin

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Founded in: 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin

Current designer: Alber Elbaz and Lucas Ossendrijver (men's designer)

Complex says: Lanvin is the uniform of the illest motherfuckers alive. Thousand dollar tees with no logos? Check. Dope high top sneakers? Check. The Parisian powerhouse has built a strong fan base that includes some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Even super producer and all around stylish dude, Pharrell, wanted to collaborate with designer Alber Elbaz. When he was backstage at the Lanvin menswear show back in 2010, he told Elbaz that he wanted to design luggage for the label or star in one of its campaigns.

8. Chanel

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Founded in: 1908 by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel

Current designer: Karl Lagerfeld

Complex says: You should know by now that rap's latest obsession is vintage jewelry. And if you've been keeping up with the trend, you should also know that there's a lot of Chanel involved. Everyone from 2 Chainz, to Kendrick Lamar, and even Soulja Boy OD on the iconic double Cs. While labels like Versace and Cartier also have dope vintage jewelry, hip-hop's love for Chanel just can't be matched.

7. Balenciaga

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Founded in: 1918 by Cristóbal Balenciaga


Current designer: Nicolas Ghesquière


Complex says: There's something about the brand's futuristic designs that have artists, such as Pusha T and Big Sean, stocking up on pieces. Whether it's the ever-popular Arena sneakers or graphic T-shirts, Balenciaga's got the game on lock. Consider stepping up your game and investing in a piece.

6. Alexander Wang

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Founded in: 2007 by Alexander Wang


Current designer: Alexander Wang


Complex says: Credit A$AP Rocky for helping Alexander Wang cross over to hip-hop. The young Harlem rapper is one of the biggest fans of the American brand, rocking it on a regular basis and even swagging out in all-Wang in his "Goldie" video. The brand may be one of the new comers — Wang first ventured into menswear with his T by Alexander Wang line in 2009 — but it's made a lot of noise as of late. They've even tapped female rapper Azealia Banks to front the new T by Alexander Wang campaign.

5. Christian Louboutin

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Founded in: 1992 by Christian Louboutin

Current designer: Christian Louboutin

Complex says: Mr. Louboutin is what we would call a footwear genius. Before other notable brands like Maison Martin Margiela and Balenciaga caught the attention of rappers, the red bottoms were the shoes to rock. And to no surprise, they're still one of the most popular. The sneakers, spiked hybrids, and slippers have all built a strong following. Seriously, rappers collect them like stamps.

4. Rick Owens

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Founded in: 1994 by Rick Owens


Current designer: Rick Owens


Complex says: In the last year or so, Rick Owens has become a brand to watch in the hip-hop community. Artists like Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, Drake, and even P. Diddy are either spotted rocking the avant-garde label or name-dropping it in their hottest tracks. Rappers love the dope leathers just as much as they do the sneakers. And with street goths looking to take over, it's only a matter of time before more and more celebs start saying it's what they're usually dressed in.

3. Balmain

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Founded in: 1945 by Pierre Balmain


Current designer: Olivier Rousteing


Complex says: Balmain is like that ex-girlfriend you never get over. The French fashion house has been killing it for years — even Lil Wayne rocked the brand, that is, before he started wearing Trukfit religiously. To this day, rappers still can't get enough of the ultra-expensive biker jeans and dope outerwear.

2. Maison Martin Margiela

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Founded: In 1988 by Martin Margiela


Current Designer: Martin Margiela's successor was never announced once he retired from his eponymous label.


Complex says: Margiela has taken the rap world by storm, especially with help from big names like Kanye West, T.I. and Swizz Beatz, amongst others. The French fashion house used to be the brand you Googled after hearing Jay-Z name-drop it in "Run This Town." But now, you're saving pennies to get your hands on those three strap sneakers or non-branded luxury gear.

1. Givenchy

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Founded in: 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy

Current designer: Riccardo Tisci

Complex says: 2012 is, without a doubt, the year of Givenchy. While it's easy to make fun of what animal the label will put on their clothing next, there's no denying the popularity of the graphics. Even artists like Waka Flocka Flame and Danny Brown have gotten in on the madness. And it seems that no matter what Tisci puts out, rappers are ready to eat it up. It's no wonder that many of them, including Swizz Beatz, P. Diddy, and Kanye West, flock to Paris to preview his new collections.

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