Essential Street Style at OMCA RESPECT Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom

tenkeypieces at omca respect wisdom style red carpet — The fannypack worn across the body is just one example of 80s street fashion that is trending with fashion influencers today.

With all the images of street style, the rise of fashion bloggers, and glam of fashion week, it’s natural to think of #streetstyle as being a new cultural phenomena.

Well, nothing can be further from the truth! I was treated to a refresher course in street fashion history at the preview of

OMCA’s newest exhibit RESPECT: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom

According to OMCA, the exhibition “features insights from artists and Hip-Hop luminaries about how Hip-Hop continues to provide a platform for creative self-expression, activism, youth development, and education”.

Growing up in 1980’s Oakland during my teen years, this exhibit really brought me back to music and especially fashion I hadn’t thought of in years! (TROOP Jackets!)

In one corner of the gallery is a wall featuring a collection of flyers publicizing upcoming performance. Reminding me of the time when Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock did a surprise performance of “It Takes Two” at my alma mater Oakland Tech.

Many of the venues are high schools, underscoring the significance of public schools as the incubator of the hip hop movement. Today we call this youth culture.

Although fashion was not the main focus of the exhibit, I was mesmerized by the street fashion images of photographer Jamel Shabazz.

Sisters. Soho NY 2003 Jemel Shabazz — Jamel Shabazz, Sisters SoHo, NYC, 2003. Photo print. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Jamel Shabazz.

In Sisters Soho his subject’s expressions are confident and regal. Their style: impeccably curated.

Every detail is captured from the tags on their Adidas originals to the outward facing bamboo door knocker earrings.

So many styles we coveted in the 80s and 90’s are sold today with surprisingly few “modern” modifications. Gucci belt bags and vintage fanny packs (like the one I wore to the exhibit) are sported by teens and fashion influencers alike.

omca exhibit of dolce and gabana headphones — Dolce and Gabana headphones

omca exhibit of teeth basquiat valentino couture sequin purse — Teeth Basquiat valentino couture sequin purse

omca exhibit of nick cave soundsuits sculpture — Artist Nick Cave “soundsuits” sculpture

omca exhibit of moschino spray can purse — Moschino spray can purse

omca exhibit of moschino graffiti couture gown — Moschino graffiti couture gown (shop similar graffiti themed accessories below)

Giuseppe Zanoti studded crystal no-heel wedge shoes (Shop similar below)

Below are my favorite modern streetstyle pieces that are heavily influenced from Respect :Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom.

Let me know in the comments your favorite style memory and which trend are you tempted to resurrect from your hip-hop heyday. Me? Definitely the bamboo earrings!

Opening on March 24, 2018, RESPECT: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom uncovers the under-recognized story of how Hip-Hop changed the world. The exhibit runs through August 12, 2018. Browse more scenes from the preview in my Instagram Stories: Places