'The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion' gives women in hip hop fashion the praise they deserve

REVOLT TV interviewed stars of the film, which paid homage to women in hip hop fashion, at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.

  /  05.07.2019

“Women in hip hop fashion don’t always get the light or credit we deserve.” – April Walker in The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion

Behind nearly every monumental moment in hip hop, there’s a woman behind it. It was Kool Herc’s sister, Cindy Campbell, who produced and funded the Back to School party on August 11, 1973 at 1520 Sedwick Ave in New York City that history remembers as the birthplace of hip hop. When it comes to fashion in hip hop, women aren’t behind the men, they’re styling them — inextricable from their public identity. Even if the public has no idea.

The 67-minute documentary The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion, which world premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, gives viewers more than an idea of the immutable impact of women in hip hop fashion. It gives them the history. The documentary took a little over a year for directors Lisa Cortes and Farah X to make, with Cortes telling REVOLT TV on the red carpet at the doc’s debut that 80% of the people chosen to tell the story were women and they were all “really open and candid.”



“I was approached by Tribeca Studios and MCM about telling the story about women in hip hop and fashion. Because I come from hip hop and was in the music business for a long time, I’ve always been intrigued by the behind the scenes,” Cortes said. “We all know about the people in front. But, I love the synergy of the people who helped an artist define who they are.”

Legendary fashion designer April Walker and stylist Misa Hylton’s stories are the cruces of the documentary, exploring the struggles and triumphs they experienced trying to bring hip hop fashion to a grander level. Sean Combs, who was an A&R at Uptown Records during Mary J. Blige’s first album, is often touted as the singular visionary who took Blige from the hood to queendom. However, similar to Herc’s sister, Hylton is responsible for the classic chic look that defined Blige’s style in videos like “Real Love” and “Not Gon Cry.” Hylton even reveals in the documentary that “Mary didn’t trust Puffy with her look, but she trusted me.” It’s revelations like these that are expanded from overlooked footnotes in hip hop history books to unavoidable spectacles on the big screen.

“People ask me all the time [about my story]. They want to know a lot about me. I’ve been pretty private up until this point. But, I share a lot in this documentary,” Hylton told REVOLT TV on the red carpet.



Hylton fondly reminisces on her days lying on her purple rug, as a teenager in the 1980s, listening to music and styling the artists in her head, years before it became her livelihood. Those moments underscore a prevailing theme of The Remix: hip hop making extravagance from humble beginnings. In the doc, we see Misha and her daughter Madison shop in an ordinary beauty supply store — one that exists in almost every hood. But, an MCM global creative partner is also shopping with her daughter. So, in the context of this documentary, that’s like seeing Anna Wintour shopping at H&M for inspiration.

It wasn’t only Misha’s story that makes The Remix a must-see doc for any hip hop aficionado. Women, as a whole, had to hide their femininity in fashion due to hip hop being a male-dominated space. April Walker is a trailblazing fashion designer who created the Walker Wear brand you saw on nearly every hip hop artist of the 1990s, including Tupac’s famous camouflage outfit in the 1992 Above The Rim film. She reveals in the doc that she didn’t even want to be the face of Walker Wear for the first few years, in fear of it failing because it had a female face. She remembers how men like Jam Master Jay and Treach were associated as the creators for the brand before she came to the forefront. She also remembers the fashion contributions of the female rappers of the time who still get overlooked.

“I would say Salt-N-Pepa never get enough props for being one of the first groups in hip hop to be independent and be sexy. I remember a moment when we were all wearing catsuits in the late ’80s, early ’90s,” Walker told REVOLT TV. “I think they bought a very feminine look in a very independent and unapologetic way. But, they still appeared strong in hip hop.”

Another prevailing theme of the film lies in its name: the remix. The documentary makes it abundantly clear that since slavery, black people in America had to give their spin on circumstances in order to thrive. The doc highlights how there were slaves who had to make their own clothes from fabrics discarded by their masters. Later, the doc reveals Notorious B.I.G. couldn’t fit any of the Versace clothes he rapped about. So, he had them custom made. Remixing has been in hip hop’s collective DNA from its inception, and leveled the playing field for a culture dominated by black people in the worlds of fashion and art.

The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion was an excellent reminder of how far hip hop fashion has come over the last 30+ years. Hylton went from big fashion brands such as Gucci to being hesitant to dress hip hop stars to MCM making her the global creative partner. Dapper Dan went from the government raiding his boutiques for infringing on the copyrights of big fashion brands like Fendi in the 1980s with his custom-made clothing to Gucci partnering with him on a new boutique. Hip hop used to have to scrap together what was given to make the fashion that defined generations. Now, as the most popular music genre in the entire world, hip hop is ready to cash in on the influence its had on fashion for decades.

“What we need to understand is that our designs and what we do is going to be appropriated. Appropriation takes place in all cultures. But, all cultures don’t get the financial and economic benefit of it. That’s what’s changed,” Dapper Dan told REVOLT TV.



More from Keith Nelson, Jr.:

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

Walmart has the home essentials for everyone on your holiday shopping list

Below, our gift guide highlights some of our favorite Walmart finds for anyone in need of a home refresh.

  /  11.24.2023

5 things you need to know about the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

“REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy Rue counts down the top five moments from the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, including surprising wins, historic firsts, and dope performances. Sponsored by Amazon.

  /  11.20.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicks off at Central State University

On Oct. 10, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University.

  /  11.14.2023

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour visited Mississippi Valley State University

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour made its final stop at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and left a lasting impact on students and alumni alike.

  /  11.22.2023

Walmart continues HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour during lively Virginia State University stop

After unveiling their state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University, Walmart brought the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to Virginia State University (VSU) on Oct. 13.

  /  11.14.2023

Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour brings attention and wisdom to North Carolina Central University

On Oct. 17, Walmart brought the third stop of the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

  /  11.15.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicked off at Central State University

In October, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University. The HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH was the first stop on Walmart’s Black and Unlimited HBCU Tour.

  /  11.28.2023

Dig In & Drink Up | 'Bet on Black'

In this new episode of ‘Bet on Black,’ food and beverage take center stage as aspiring Black entrepreneurs from It’s Seasoned, Black Farmer Box, and Moors Brewing Co. present their business ideas to judges with mentorship from Melissa Butler. Watch here!

  /  11.15.2023

The Auditions | 'Shoot Your Shot'

The competition begins at REVOLT WORLD as rising rappers, singers, and musicians line up to audition for their spot on the main stage. Brought to you by McDonald’s.

  /  11.28.2023

Walmart brings in heavy-hitters for Black and Unlimited Tour panel

REVOLT is continuing its impactful partnership with Walmart by teaming up to showcase Black creatives at HBCUs all-across America. The panel consisted of three experienced, accomplished Black HBCU alumni: Actor and media personality Terrence J, entertainment attorney John T. Rose, and actress and “REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy-Rue McCullough.

  /  11.30.2023

Dr. Jaqueline Echols' mission to cure environmental racism

The health of a community can often be traced to the health of the environment that surrounds it. In Atlanta, a woman named Dr. Jaqueline Echols has dedicated her life to helping ensure that people in economically underserved communities have clean rivers – for better health and for the joy of outdoor recreational space.

  /  12.01.2023

Groovey Lew on hip hop style, Johnell Young's industry secrets, BGS salon's wig mastery and more | 'Black Girl Stuff'

Fashion King Groovey Lew on masterminding hip-hop’s most iconic looks. Actor Johnell Young reveals the secret to breaking into the entertainment industry. Celebrity hairstylist Dontay Savoy and got2B ambassador Tokyo Stylez are in the BGS Salon with the perfect wig install. Plus, comedian Lauren Knight performs.

  /  11.15.2023

Investing in stocks in a recession | 'Maconomics'

Host Ross Mac provides useful advice for preparing your personal finances in the event of a recession. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting properly, building an emergency fund, and maintaining discipline when investing.

  /  11.21.2023

Pheelz talks expressing himself through music & his biggest inspirations | 'On In 5'

On this all-new episode of “On In 5,” multitalented Nigerian artist Pheelz opens up about waiting for his opportunity to fully express himself through music, his inspirations and emotions, and the musical icons he grew up admiring. Watch!

  /  07.11.2023

Tiffany Haddish on therapy, wild fan interactions & the upcoming 'Haunted Mansion' movie | 'The Jason Lee Show'

On this all-new episode of “The Jason Lee Show,” the one and only Tiffany Haddish sits for a must-watch conversation about wild interactions with fans, her new movie ‘Haunted Mansion,’ bringing her therapist on dates, and being present. Watch the hilarious interview here.

  /  07.12.2023

Kareem Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke & networking | 'The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels'

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels,” the host and REVOLT CEO sits down with Kareem Cook. Throughout the introspective episode, Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke and being nervous to be in the South at the time, network vs. education, taking advantage of your opportunities, and connecting with Debbie Allen. Watch!

  /  07.10.2023

BNXN talks leaving IT for music, linking with Wizkid, going viral & new album | 'On In 5'

For this all-new episode of “On In 5,” singer-songwriter BNXN discusses his journey from IT to music, finding his voice and originality, linking up with Wizkid for their hits “Mood” and “Many Ways,” and what fans can expect from him this year — including a new album. Watch the full episode here!

  /  08.08.2023

DDG has his sights set on becoming a fashion hero & talks Halle Bailey being his "best friend"

In this exclusive interview, DDG opens up about his fashion inspiration, what drew him to girlfriend Halle Bailey, dealing with negative opinions about his relationship, and more. Read up!

  /  11.28.2023

16 best hip hop video games of all time

From Def Jam: Vendetta, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style, DJ Hero and more, we list our favorite hip hop videos games of all time. Did yours make the cut? 

  /  11.06.2023

Best chef's kiss | 'Bet on Black'

“Bet on Black” is back with an all-new season! Watch as judges Pinky Cole, Bun B, Van Lathan, and Target’s Melanie Gatewood-Hall meet new contestants and hear pitches from entrepreneurs Saucy D and Chef Diva Dawg.

  /  10.24.2023
View More
Revolt - New Episodes