When rap takes over haute couture: between luxury and cultural influence
Just a decade ago, seeing a rapper sitting in the front row of a haute couture show was a rare occurrence. Today, they are among the most closely watched guests at fashion weeks, rivaling traditional luxury figures. More than just a passing fad, this fusion is the result of a shift in perception: rap, long marginalized in the luxury world, has become an undeniable cultural force.
Some artists don't just wear the creations of the biggest fashion houses; they embody them, reinterpret them, and sometimes even direct them. Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton , A$AP Rocky and Dior , Cardi B and Schiaparelli ... The list goes on, and hip-hop's influence on luxury is only growing.
Rappers who are redefining haute couture
Kendrick Lamar and Chanel
Kendrick Lamar isn't just a rap genius, as he proved once again during the last Super Bowl ; he's also a rising star in the fashion world. Present at the Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show, he made a statement in a head-to-toe Chanel look, complete with a tweed jacket and a branded bandana. More recently, he collaborated with the fashion house on "The Button," an exclusive short film presented during the Spring/Summer 2024 show, demonstrating that the relationship between rap and haute couture extends far beyond mere clothing.
Pharrell Williams and Louis Vuitton
Appointed artistic director of the renowned French fashion house's menswear collections in 2023, Pharrell Williams embodies the fusion of rap and haute couture. His first collection, inspired by the house's heritage and hip-hop culture, blends precise tailoring with urban references. A pivotal moment that demonstrates that rap is not merely a luxury consumer, but a key player.
Cardi B and Schiaparelli
With her increasingly extravagant outfits and pronounced taste for exuberance, Cardi B has made her mark on the haute couture scene. In 2023, she attended the Fendi Haute Couture show, but it was in Schiaparelli that she truly made her mark: a sculptural bustier, imposing gold embellishments, and exaggerated silhouettes—she was the perfect embodiment of modern maximalism.
Damso and Balenciaga
Damso has mastered the art of dark minimalism, an aesthetic that resonates perfectly with Balenciaga. Structured silhouettes, oversized volumes, and a raw, untamed look: the Belgian rapper effortlessly appropriates the house's codes. Present at Paris Fashion Week 2024, he blends seamlessly into the Balenciaga universe with a restrained yet sharp outfit, where every detail reflects his approach to luxury—discreet yet commanding.
A$AP Rocky and Dior
A$AP Rocky, always ahead of the curve in fashion, walks a tightrope between haute couture and streetwear. Loyal to Dior , he consistently creates meticulously crafted silhouettes where fluid tailoring blends with more raw elements, confirming his status as a fashion icon.
Shay and Maison Margiela
In Belgium, Shay has established herself as a fashion icon. In 2024, she caused a sensation in a head-to-toe red Maison Margiela look, proving once again that rap artists have a rightful place in haute couture.
