The largest and most comprehensive exhibition to explore the revolutionary and influential style of hip hop has landed at The Museum at FIT (MFIT), marking the first time a museum examines fashion exclusively through one musical genre. Now on view until April 23, Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style showcases over 100 garments and accessories capture the pivotal moments in hip hop fashion’s evolution over the last half a century.

Born in the Bronx in 1973, hip hop was the invention of Black and Brown youth who created an innovative style of music, dance, and visual art that spoke to their lifestyles. Within two decades, hip hop had spread beyond the borders of New York City to impact international culture. Fashion and style were, and are, a major part of hip hop’s appeal. Artists and fans have used fashion to embrace historic glamour, convey messages of Black pride and activism, and express their individuality and unapologetic style.

Fashion was a popular way for hip hop entrepreneurs and artists to extend their musical personas, and many launched their own fashion lines, which grew to become influential American brands.

Designs from innovators Dapper Dan, April Walker, Misa Hylton, Cross Colours, Karl Kani, FUBU, Rocawear, Wu Wear, and Pelle Pelle are featured, as well as looks from CFDA members Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Sean Combs for Sean John, and Kimora Lee Simmons for Baby Phat.

The exhibition examines the personal and stage style of trendsetting of yesterday and today’s hip hop legends, including the incomparable Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, Chuck D, Missy Elliot, Lil’ Kim, Aaliyah, DJ Khaled, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion (to name a few) who illustrate the worldwide impact of artists as red carpet fashion icons in the 21st century.

“It was important for The Museum at FIT to organize this exhibition, because hip hop—the most influential music genre of our era—has had such a profound impact on the world of fashion,” notes Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator, MFIT. “Furthermore, hip hop fashion and music are cultural expressions of the African and Hispanic cultural diasporas, which MFIT seeks to amplify as part of our goal to expand the understanding of fashion.”

Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style is free and open to the public.