#5 – Lil’ Wayne
In January 2012, Lil’ Wayne launched his streetwear line, Trukfit, at The Agenda trade show in Long Beach. Featuring reasonably-priced skater gear including graphic tees, snapbacks, pants, skateboards, and sweatshirts, the line has been embraced by the hip-hop community, athletes, and fashionistas alike. According to Lil’ Wayne’s stylist, Marisa Flores, his taste is not inspired by typical trends, but rather by the streets around the world. The tagline for the brand is: “Respect Few, Fear None.” When asked about the origin of the name Trukfit, Lil’ Wayne took it back to his hood in New Orleans: “There was a truck that would come around the neighborhood for the less-fortunate people that can’t go to those stores, and he would have those same items — those Polos, those Tommys — for less. If you were known to have that outfit, then it was not called an ‘outfit,’ it was called a ‘truckfit.’” There are plans to expand the line in 2013. With respectable reviews under his belt, it’s bound to be a good look.
#4 – Chris Brown
Chris Brown’s recently debuted collection, dubbed Black Pyramid, is being produced in collaboration with Pink + Dolphin and was launched at the their flagship store in Los Angeles earlier this year. When asked about his inspiration, Brown explains: “We really haven’t mastered the art of making a pyramid ourselves, like the ancient ones. The black pyramid label is basically an unknown art, so I think my painting, my designs, whatever I do fashion wise, is unknown to a lot of people.” Brown is the creator behind the sketches and graphics that reveal his obvious talent as an illustrator. Meanwhile, illuminati conspiracy theorists are having a field day as he slowly reveals additional material for the collection via Instagram. Chris also recently announced that he has signed with the Wilhelmina Models Artist Management division, with plans to embark on new fashion and beauty endorsements, in addition to editorial and licensing agreements.
#3 – Pharrell Williams
No doubt about it, Pharrell Williams is one of the most respected style icons and producers in the game. He has already achieved success with his brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, which he started in collaboration with brilliant fashion designer Nigo, creator of A Bathing Ape. In an effort to satisfy demand, the N.E.R.D. frontman has announced his next fashion endeavor, Billionaire Girls Club (BGC), set to hit streets in 2013. Each item will be branded with the new BGC “Space Girl” logo, designed by superlative Japanese artist SK8THING. A limited number of BGC tees were released at Fashion Night Out 2011. The much anticipated full collection will be available in 2013.
#2 – Rihanna
Popular British clothing chain River Island recently announced their collaboration with Rihanna for a collection set to hit stores in March 2013. For the capsule collection, Rihanna will team up with her costume designer, Adam Selman, to create pieces that she feels are missing in her own wardrobe. “Rihanna is a style icon, from street to chic she enjoys her fashion,” says River Island Chief Executive Ben Lewis. “Rihanna will be designing the collection and we will be sharing our fashion experience with her to develop a range her fans will love.” The “Phresh Off the Runway” singer and Vogue cover girl is known for her ’90s inspired hip-hop glam style and as an international trendsetter. 2013 will also reveal the much-anticipated U.S. premiere of Rihanna’s TV show, Styled to Rock, which follows 12 designers as they compete for the title of top celeb stylist, awarded by Riri herself.
#1 – Kanye West
Always on the front end of fashion, Kanye West has interned for Fendi and designed for Louis Vuitton. For his latest venture into the ready-to-wear world, Kanye collaborated with designer Louise Goldin, Professor Louise Wilson, and students from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. For spring 2012, Kanye participated in his first Paris Fashion Week show and unveiled DW, a collection named for his mother. The show received harsh reviews for being scattered and not practical for its intended season, spring. For his fall 2012 collection show, Kanye’s audience included top fashion critics Anna Wintour, Suzy Menkes, Stefano Tonchi, Sally Singer, and Robin Givhan. The collection was well received. If he continues on this path, West may earn a place among high-caliber designers in the sportswear division. The more concise fall collection incorporated black scattered earth tones, furs, and exotic animal skins. To the surprise of fashionistas aplenty, DW did not participate in Spring 2013 runway. Regardless, no matter what Kanye’s next move is, it’s sure to be fab.
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