Fashion and Hip-Hop have always inspired each other. Some of the greatest moments in fashion history have been created by hip-hop stars, and some of the greatest moments in hip-hop history have been accompanied by great fashion. The 90s are seen as a renaissance for this symbiosis, with lasting influence for decades to come. 

This is something that Natalie Morrow, the founder and CEO of Black Fashion Week in the Twin Cities, recognizes and wants to bring to life in this year’s Hip-Hop Fashion Show. Starting off as a concert promoter in the 90s, Morrow has witnessed some of the greatest moments in fashion and hip-hop history here in the Twin Cities. She was booking shows at legendary Minneapolis clubs like South Beach and the Red Sea for acts like Method Man and Redman - she even booked DMX at First Avenue, her first sold-out show. 

“I started off in Hip-Hop,” said Morrow. “The 90s era was when I became a young concert promoter, I was 19 or 20. I would bring in people like DMX, who became a good friend of mine. He helped me with Jay Z, Nelly, Mos Def – I’ve done all of them. So, my background is hip-hop and hip-hop shows,” explained Morrow. “90s hip-hop, to me, is the best era of hip-hop, it was amazing. It just brought back happy memories of great music and a great time in my life and a lot of others too.” 

Morrow’s close relationship with the Minneapolis hip-hop community during her time as a promoter brings us to this year's theme for the show, the 90s.

Before the Hip-Hop Fashion Show got its name, it was the “Hollywood Fashion Show.” It was initially a part of the Black Film Festival, which Morrow also runs. Eventually, they expanded it to Black Fashion Week and introduced the Hip-Hop Fashion Show. “Our very first year, we sold out every event. And we just keep doing it,” said Morrow. 

“Black Fashion Week is a platform for creatives of color. We really want to be able to have a space to showcase their talents and arts and projects that they are working on,” said Morrow. Black Fashion Week is a week-long event running from May 5th until May 13th, with the Hip-Hop Fashion Show on May 12th. In Black Fashion Week’s 16 years thus far, it has showcased big names such as Diddy with his Sean John Couture line and Adidas for last year’s show. However, Black Fashion Week’s main focus is showcasing the talent of designers in Minnesota. 

The show features the top six designers that are making a splash in Minnesota each year, “We pick those people that really worked hard and are pushing themselves to reach their goals,” said Morrow. This year’s show will feature @sonelle.couture, @lgendary, @penash_, @noexcuses_brand, Mind Over Matter, @coldbornemarlo_ , and Grave ClothN. Their designs will hit the runway in style at the W Hotel in Foshay Tower.

The Hip-Hop Fashion Show will also feature live performances. You can expect performances from local legends Truth Maze and Muja Messiah. “Truth Maze was definitely one of the biggest names back then, and Muja Messiah. Then our DJ is DJ Huh?What? We are so excited because he’s one of the best hip-hop DJs here,” raved Morrow. The show is all Minneapolis from head to toe, literally.

The rich culture showcased at the show draws big names outside of Minnesota like this year’s sponsor Puma, who will have a stylist create looks for the runway. “I’m really curious to see what Puma is going to send up there, I’m excited to see Puma’s salute to that era,” said Morrow. 

If you want to witness the greatness of hip-hop and fashion in the 90s showcased during Minnesota’s Black Fashion Week, get your tickets while you can! Morrow recommends you get your tickets early so you can have the chance to experience a night at the Foshay full of fashion, music, and community. 

The 50 Years of Hip-Hop Tribute Fashion Show will take place on Friday, May 12 at W Minneapolis. Find more information here.