Wednesday, 26th May 2004 (5178 views)

Rap artists are having a significant affect on US fashion, with young people wearing baggy outfits and sparkling jewellery to create the same looks.

According to NPD Fashionworld, which looks at sales and marketing, the industry has now grown to around $2 billion a year.

Although stars still wear typical urban wear, the look has begun to use finer fabrics and designs since clubs and venues restrict some items such as sports tops and tennis shoes.

The stars are even launching their own ranges, with Chingy, Nelly and Jay-Z to name a few who now own their own urban brands.

Kathryn Whelan of The Lark at St. Louis's Northwest Plaza told the Miami Herald: "It's a lifestyle. If everyone around you is dressing this way ... And, the videos play a big part. The music has changed our whole style completely.'

Rap artists are now looking to expand the popularity of their looks outside the US and a number of stars have planned to open jewellery outlets.

 

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