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                     In the world of Hip Hop, fashion trends shift as often as I switch my air force ones and that's everyday!  Just when you think that you have mastered the latest style, a new designer or a popular artist will cascade on to the scene with a statement all their own. A prime example of this is the scarf epidemic. Ever since multi-platinum recording artist, Lil Wayne, wore a red and white plaid scarf around his neck during the MTV Video Music Awards this past September, every young aspiring rapper and hip hop junkie alike can be seen sporting the same type of scarves. Now, before these designer scarves became a fashion must- have, Pharell Williams of the award winning production team, N.E.R.D., set the tone with his colorful bandanas which he also draped around his neck. Atlanta based rapper, T.I. has also jumped on to the hip hop fashion bandwagon. Instead of sporting plaid scarves and old-school bandanas, T.I. is rocking what he calls, the "Louis Rags," which are designer bandanas made by fashion icon, Louis Vuitton. The Grammy award winning rapper even wrote a song about the "Louis Rags" entitled "Swing Your Rag" on his third solo debut, Paper Trail. 

                   These constant unexpected shifts in hip hop fashion can definitely take its toll on the consumer. My advice: Create your own style and set your own trends. The 3 artists that I've mentioned above do it, so what's good with you? Instead of buying 5 designer Louis Vuitton bandanas because T.I. said so or overstocking your closet shelves with cotton scarves because you see Lil Wayne rocking his, make your OWN statement. 

                   Now, now, I know that some of you are thinking, "well, do YOU practice what you preach?" and my answer is: Sometimes! I too get caught up in the hype as you can see in my profile pic with the infamous Lil Wayne scarf. But guess what? We are all fashion works in progress, constantly evolving into our greater selves.

Moral of the story: Be You. Do You. 

Sincerely,

Dezi Leon