Phat Farm
Phat Farm is a clothing brand that was founded by Russell Simmons in 1992.[1] Phat Farm was known for its bold and colorful designs that married classic preppy style with hip-hop culture.[2]
History
[edit]Phat Farm was established in 1992 by Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings.[1] The brand was initially a men's clothing line and sold clothing items such as T-shirts, jeans, and jackets.
The brand's early success was attributed to its association with hip-hop culture, which was growing in popularity at the time.[3] Phat Farm became a recognizable name in urban fashion and expanded its product offerings to include women's clothing as well.[4]
In 2004, Phat Farm was sold to the Kellwood Company for a reported $140 million.[5] Despite the change in ownership, the brand continued to develop and remained popular with hip-hop fans and urban fashion enthusiasts until 2010, when the excess of early 2000's popular culture became passé.[6]
Legacy and future
[edit]Phat Farm's popularity began to decline in the late 2000s as the urban fashion market shifted away from excess towards more minimalist and streetwear-inspired styles.[7] In 2007, Simmons announced that he would be stepping down as CEO of Phat Fashions, the parent company of Phat Farm, to focus on other business ventures.[8] In 2002, former wife and business partner of Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons, reacquired the Phat Farm label. In the holiday season of 2022, Phat Farm was relaunched as part of a capsule collection with American fashion retailer Forever 21.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Reed, Sam (2017-11-30). "Russell Simmons' Apparel Line, Phat Farm, Died Long Before His Reputation". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
- ^ "From Nike to Nautica, Here Are the 90s Brands that Defined the Decade". Complex. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
- ^ "Phat fashion". Chicago Tribune. 20 April 2004. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
- ^ DeCarlo, Lauren (2006-04-20). "Phat Farm Sets Mideast Growth". WWD. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
- ^ Rozhon, Tracie (2004-01-09). "Phat Fashions Is Being Sold To Kellwood for $140 Million". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
- ^ Dazed (2019-03-12). "A brief history of Baby Phat, the cult 00s label bringing sexy back". Dazed. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
- ^ Porter, Nia (2016-01-11). "Where Did These Hip-Hop Clothing Labels Go?". Racked. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
- ^ Watkins (@GrouchyGreg), Grouchy Greg (2007-08-24). "Russell Simmons Steps Down As CEO Of Phat Fashions". AllHipHop. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
- ^ Hargrove, Channing. "The Under-$25 Baby Phat x Forever 21 Items You'll See Everywhere This Summer". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2023-05-05.