Classic Chains
Classic chains are the epitome of gansta style and bling – and generally speaking, the bigger and thicker the chain, the better. Chains classics have been a popular icon of hip-hop style since the 1980’s and have taken on a variety of styles. But the classic chains worn by the original hip-hop and rap stars are making a big comeback.
Run DMC was the first rapper to popularize wearing chains classics, and the fat braided rope chain that he liked to wear is now known in the world of hip-hop fashion as the “Run DMC Chain”. Since gaining popularity, chains have taken on a variety of styles, but there are a few classic chains that are making big waves in the fashion industry, and are bringing back into chic some of the original styles of rapper chains that are so standard now in the industry that they are starting to be known as classics.
The thick braided rope chain originally sported by Run DMC is one of the most classic styles of chains, and its popularity spread from rapper culture to the high fashion runways of Chanel and Prada coture. Whether this chain is worn in gold, silver or platinum—all which are popular in the hip-hop world—it’s the braided style that makes this chain a classic.
The thick Run DMC chain is perhaps the most classic of the styles of chains worn by rappers, but there are several other styles of chains that are worn so frequently that they are quickly becoming known as classics—almost as iconic as the classic chain of Run DMC’s style.
A variation of the classic tennis bracelet is another classic chain that is quickly becoming accepted as part of the rapper fashion cannon. A tennis bracelet is one thin strand of single diamonds that are set separately and strung together. Very simple, very plain, very classic in style. Of course hip-hop fashion doesn’t do anything understated or simply – so the classic chain in the hip-hop style that takes its queue from the standard tennis bracelet is a chain comprised of several rows across of diamonds, strung together to create one thick chain of individual diamond studs. This new classic chain style can be made all of diamonds for a more classic rapper look, or it can be made up of diamonds an other precious gems like rubies and emeralds, to add a bit of color to your style.
Another classic chain style that has been accepted into the standard style of hip-hop artists and rappers is the simple link chain. Again, nothing is simple in hip-hop fashion, so this link chain is extremely large and flat – a way of adding a lot of flash and bling in an uncomplicated style. This hip-hop take on a simple classic is another icon of rapper fashion. Hip-hop fashion can take a simple closed curve chain and make it stand out as bling. Whether you are looking to shake up your look a little or keep it real with a traditional rapper look, these classic chains are an important staple in the wardrobe of any happening playa.
