Black History Month Discussion: Are Urban Brands Still Relevant?

In the early to mid nineties urban brands were all the rage. Guys walked around in Ecko sweatshirts, Karl Kani and Rocawear. Girls rocked Baby Phat, Apple Bottoms, and Iceberg with confidence. I remember the Baby Phat handbag I was yearning to purchase and the Pastry runners collection in my closet. And don’t get me started on the Karl Kani jacket that I received as a gift that I would wear anywhere and everywhere. All these brands are still on the market, but are they still relevant? Would you still rock it? Discuss after the jump:

Since Hip Hop has become pop, urban brands now cater to everyone in the world. The want for big flashy logos has changed for more mainstream and class. However, this is technically not really the case because women don’t mind carrying bags with a big Michael Kors or Gucci logo.

I guess people are now going for subtle sophistication, just like all the celebs. I mean, how many times have you seen Kimora in baby phat or Beyonce in Dereon at an awards show or any highly publicized event, hardly any. Russell Simmons sold Phat Farm and even Rocawear is evolving, Jay-Z said; “We don’t envision ourselves as an urban brand or streetwear brand…we’ve evolved and repositioned ourselves, without abandoning our original DNA.”

As I got older, taste changed, and to be honest the most urban brands all seem very tacky & outdated. The colors are too loud. The fits are too baggy or too tight. The prints are horrible. Thats just my opinion!

But, what are your thoughts on urban brands? Do you still wear them and do you think they are still relevant?