As she relaunches the iconic brand after 20 years, the designer reflects on bringing a high-fashion and unapologetically female perspective to streetwear.
Author:Jessica L. YarbroughPublish date:Jun 13, 2019Updated onJun 12, 2019Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner launched Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons — the womenswear brand that epitomized early aughts streetwear with baby tees, bedazzled jeans and a sexy cat in silhouette — in 1999. It was huge. The fashion week presentations were over the top. The front row was always star-studded. Under Simmons Leissner's creative direction, Baby Phat became a billion-dollar company.
The timing is spot-on. Whether you like it or not, early-2000s fashion is back, with everything from going-out tops to low-rise jeans reentering the style cycle. "I've always seen it coming," Leissner Simmons tells Fashionista. "This is one of those cases where 'been there, done that' is great — women have been there, done that and want that."
"Doing it," in this case, means interrupting the male-dominated streetwear market with an unapologetically female perspective. This was Simmons Leissner's mission back in '99, as well. When oversized jerseys and too-big tees purchased and repurposed from the men's section were de rigueur, Baby Phat presented another option: shrunken, form-fitting pieces made by women, for women — of all races and sizes, no less.
During my interview with Simmons Leissner, she seems a little stuck on this idea of being forgotten, or left out of a larger conversation. She knows exactly how influential she was, and still is, really. "There are, like, thousands and thousands of kids named Kimora [after me], and I want them to understand what that means," she says . And she demands a little credit, goddammit.
"Look at Chanel, what does it represent?" she asks. The answer comes without pause: "The Depression, costume jewelry, costume now being high end, chains, faux pearls," she rattles off. "That's high-fashion perspective."
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner Reboots Baby Phat With Forever 21The brand’s founder talks about the link with the fast-fashion retailer for its relaunch back into the marketplace.
Consulte Mais informação »
Lee Daniels Still Wants to Believe Jussie Smollett: “It’s Been So Painful”The Empire creator still wants to believe Jussie Smollett wasn’t lying about the alleged hate crime
Consulte Mais informação »
Here’s Why ‘Dance Moms’ Star Abby Lee Miller Needs to Use a WheelchairWill ‘Dance Moms’ Star Abby Lee Miller Always Need a Wheelchair? A Doctor Explains
Consulte Mais informação »
How Abbey Lee Kershaw Went From Runway Queen To Hollywood IngenueBack in 2008, you couldn't attend a fashion show without catching a glimpse of the long-legged gait of Abbey Lee Kershaw.
Consulte Mais informação »
Lee Daniels on the End of Empire, Woke Culture, and Why Precious Was a Comedy.leedanielsent on the afterlife of Empire, the limits of woke culture, and why Precious was really a comedy. A conversation with andrewrgoldman
Consulte Mais informação »
The Lee Brothers Talk Sex, Drugs, and Julian Assange'There are lots of try-hard celebrities out there running around in Iron Maiden shirts. I’m like, 'Name one Iron Maiden song, please.'”
Consulte Mais informação »