For countless in the early 2000s, Baby Phat ruled all. The classic streetwear brand helped define an era of fashion that now is as nostalgic as it is a certified #mood these days.
Back in March of this year, the brand’s founder, Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner, announced that she purchased the company back from an unknown buyer, paving the way for a much anticipated relaunch. Now, thanks to teasers posted on both Baby Phat and Forever 21 social channels, it appears the relaunch could very well go live as soon as Thursday (June 13).
On Instagram, Forever 21 is publicly teasing a collaboration with the brand, urging followers to keep an eye out for a big announcement on June 13. The teaser clip plays up the retro feel Baby Phat represents, showcasing a pink pager with a message from “K.L.S.” and teasing that “the cat is back.”
While there is no confirmation that Forever 21 will serve as the new exclusive home for customers to purchase items from the revived brand, all signs are pointing to the reveal of a massive partnership. With early 2000s nostalgia creeping its way into fashion again, fans are taking to social media to express their excitement for Baby Phat’s return.
“We had to hunt around for it,” Simmons Leissner told WWD earlier this year, discussing her decision to buy back the company.”It’s perfect timing for this. Over the past several years, we realized the brand resonates with people and lives deep in their souls.”
Baby Phat was heralded for its influence bringing urban wear into mainstream fashion in the early aughts, as well as was one of the first urban fashion companies to specifically target women.
According to reports, the next era of the brand will focus on “mainstream sportswear” and will “modernize” some of its past archived designs to appeal to millennials today.
Take a look at Forever 21 and Baby Phat teasing their forthcoming collaboration in the clips below.