From June 15 to September 15, 2019, Kunsthal Rotterdam hosts Street Dreams: How Hip-Hop Took Over Fashion, a captivating exhibition tracing hip-hop's profound influence on fashion and lifestyle. Streetwear now leads the industry's trends and aesthetics, shifting sportswear from the gym to everyday wardrobes and inspiring high-end designers worldwide.
The Bronx, hip-hop's birthplace in 1970s New York, was marked by violence, poverty, and discrimination. This gritty environment birthed a DIY culture emphasizing originality and authenticity—core to hip-hop. Fashion emerged as a vital outlet for self-expression: even on a tight budget, one could dress like a millionaire. Through immersive spaces, the exhibition showcases hip-hop's iconic looks, cultural codes, and creative energy—from pioneering influencers shaping luxury brands, hypebeasts queuing for drops, to artists commanding front-row seats at fashion weeks.
Join Kunsthal director Emily Ansenk and curator Shehera Grot for the opening on Saturday, June 15 at 8 p.m. Press is invited to the tour and reception—RSVP in advance via communicatie@kunsthal.nl.
The Mixtape
This opening space charts hip-hop's stylistic evolution. Relive the raw 1970s Bronx era, where gangs paired leather motorcycle jackets with sleeveless denim as early streetwear. The 1980s brought b-boy influences like Kangol hats, flat-laced sneakers, and chunky gold chains from breakdancers. Videos highlight 1990s baggy fits, the rise of hip-hop labels, and rappers launching their own lines in the 2000s.
The Gallery Featuring standout works by contemporary artists like Nick Cave, Thomas J. Price, and Kehinde Wiley—who reimagines classical portraits centering Black men—this section embodies hip-hop's success ethos: wealth, attitude, and ambition. Iconic photos by Jamal Shabazz, Janette Beckman, and Dana Lixenberg capture early hip-hop style, displayed as museum gems. Don't miss Hank Willis Thomas and Kambui Olujimi's poignant 2006 video Winter in America, addressing urban violence, or Djamilla Rosa Cochran's legendary shot of Cam'ron in his pink mink coat at 2002 New York Fashion Week.
The Masters
Step into a larger-than-life immersive installation where hip-hop fashion pioneers speak directly to visitors. Icons like April Walker, David Fischer, and the late Virgil Abloh* share intimate stories of breaking barriers and reshaping the industry—from early struggles to front-row influence. Dutch trailblazer Edson Sabajo, co-founder of Patta, offers local insights into this global shift.
The Streets
From Bronx blocks to worldwide phenomenon, hip-hop rules today. Queues form for Nike x Patta drops, sneakers pair with suits, and sportswear blurs lines with high fashion. This space mirrors today's vibrant street culture, spotlighting emerging talents and pondering hip-hop fashion's future.
Throughout the run, enjoy guided tours, lectures, masterclasses, and The Perfect Night on September 13. Visit www.kunsthal.nl for details.
Photo: Jamel Shabazz, Rude Boy, Brooklyn, NYC, 1981 © Jamel Shabazz
