Fashion Killa
how hip-hop revolutionized high fashion
By
Sowmya Krishnamurthy
“One of the best books of 2023”-Kirkus Reviews
A cinematic narrative of glamour, grit, luxury, and luck, Fashion Killa draws on exclusive interviews with the leaders of the fashion world to tell the story of the hip-hop artists, designers, stylists, and unsung heroes who fought the power and reinvented style around the world over the last fifty years.
starring
2Pac, Aaliyah, April Walker, andre 3000, andre harrell, A$AP FERG, A$AP Rocky, Big Daddy Kane, Cam’ron, Cardi B, Dame Dash, Dapper Dan, eve, Fonzworth Bentley, Future, Gianni and donatella Versace, Groovey Lew, j. Lo, Jay-Z, Jeremy Scott, Kanye, Karl Kani, Karl Lagerfeld, Kendrick Lamar, Kimora Lee Simmons, lil’ kim, Lil Nas X, lo lifes, Naomi Campbell, Nicki Minaj, nigo, Notorious B.I.G., Pharrell, Pusha T, Raekwon, Ralph Lauren, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Slick Rick, supreme team, Tommy Hilfiger, Tyler, the Creator, Virgil Abloh, Young Thug, and more.
Celebrity love
“Fashion Killa is a love letter to hustlers, innovators, and people who didn’t abide by the rules. Krishnamurthy’s comprehensive work gives the history of hip-hop its due, recognizing the elevated contributions of the icons, designers, and rappers who came together to claim a place in a culture.” —Dapper Dan, Fashion Innovator
“Fashion Killa is super important because we are the culture that transcends into fashion. Rappers motivate designers to make something dope. Hip-hop and fashion is a perfect marriage!” —Raekwon, Rapper and author of From Staircase to Stage
"Sharp and engaging contribution to fashion, art, and storytelling. A must read for anyone who adores and respects fashion's contribution to mankind." —Slick Rick, Storyteller, and Fashion Icon
About sowmya
Sowmya Krishnamurthy’s writing has been featured in Rolling Stone, XXL, Essence, Complex, Highsnobiety, Playboy, The Village Voice, and Time. As an on-air expert and pop culture personality, she’s appeared on E!, VH1, CNN, MSNBC, BBC, Sirius XM, and NPR.
She launched and hosted the weekly radio show The Lookout by SoundCloud on SiriusXM.
Sowmya began her career in the mailroom at William Morris Endeavor and Bad Boy Records. She was born in India and raised in Michigan. She is a graduate of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
Fashion Killa is the culmination of Sowmya’s expertise in music, fashion, and pop culture. This is her first book.
