Currently Channeling: MC Hammer
At WhoWhatWear.com, we're notorious for channeling surprising figures like the Muppets or Barbarella, but today's subject matter is perhaps the most unexpected of them all. Not to toot our own horn, but we think we've outdone ourselves! Would you ever have expected to discover that our latest muse is the one and only M.C. Hammer? Frankly, we were also surprised by this source of creative influence, but the parallel themes between the revolutionary rapper and the spring runways are simply undeniable. So now, ladies and gentlemen, it greatly pleases us to say something we never thought we'd utter as fashion editors: it's hammer time!
Hopefully, those three little words will transport you back in time, to the very early nineties and the height of Mr. Hammer's career, when many of us could be found at our local roller rink, grooving to guilty-pleasure jams, like "U Can't Touch This." Can't you immediately recall the flamboyant metallic fabrics, sharp shoulders, and, of course, Hammer pants that our hip-hop subject made such a widespread craze? Proving just how cyclical style can be, we found each one of those trends in key Spring 09 collections, including Emporio Armani, Balmain, and Chloe, respectively.
Although those designers are not so budget-friendly, the good news is there are many inexpensive routes to achieving Hammer's look. If you're on-board for the resurrection of his ostentatious style, try digging in the back (way back) of your closet where you may find some long-forgotten gems. Should that mission leave you empty-handed, we know you'll enjoy the round-up of affordable items—and, forgive us, one pricey selection—that we chose to convey Hammer's flair. Not only will you be in step with the fashion world, but you'll finally have an excuse to unleash your very best running man move. Now that's too legit.—Jessica Amento
1. Topshop Ringmaster Tails Jacket ($135)
The combo of strong shoulders and a cropped front makes this blazer the consummate outerwear selection for Hammer-inspired outfits. Though not quite as extravagant as some of his show blazers, we chose a more practical black shade so you can seamlessly incorporate it into your wardrobe. Plus, this piece also suits well with the current circus microtrend, hence the "ringmaster" name.
2. Juicy Couture Drama Necklace
($198)
Nothing says "the nineties" quite like gold snake-chain necklaces, which, we might add, our muse was quick to display on his bare chest. In addition to their Hammer-relevancy, these gold chains are an awesome update to fall's mostly-silver chain link options.
3. Sue Stemp Parachute Pants ($495, coming soon to shopbop.com)
Glancing back at fall's many voluminous pant styles, we can officially say they were an obvious forecast of the current harem-pant craze. Try Sue Stemp's amazing fuchsia version with a chic blouse, or revisit last month's Tips for some inspiration from Margherita Missoni, who enviably works her pair!
4. Deena & Ozzy Cutout Leather Oxford ($108)
We are shamelessly fond of snazzy footwear around these parts, so we're conspicuously giddy over these lace-up oxfords. They are dressy enough to alternate with your heels at work and will make it easier to achieve Hammer's moves next time your hit the dance floor!
5. Forever 21 Goldie Vinyl Jacket ($38)
This shiny piece of outerwear will definitely earn you some envious glances from anyone with a closet in need of a nineties boost. Not to mention, the price is right for anyone who wants to inch their way into Hammer's style on a one-piece-at-a-time trial basis.
6. 80's Purple Deluxe Vintage Wayfarers ($10)
If you aren't quite ready to add a full-on M.C. Hammer ensemble to your closet, take a moderate step in that flashy direction with these sunglasses! Don't hesitate to swap out your tired pairs for them, because now is the time for fun and retro styles!
7. Banana Republic Studded Ring
($12)
Since Hammer wore a handful of cocktail rings at all times, this chunky band is a fitting piece for today's Currently Channeling! Wear it with your other gold jewelry to infuse your outfit with some of his pizzazz!
Hopefully, those three little words will transport you back in time, to the very early nineties and the height of Mr. Hammer's career, when many of us could be found at our local roller rink, grooving to guilty-pleasure jams, like "U Can't Touch This." Can't you immediately recall the flamboyant metallic fabrics, sharp shoulders, and, of course, Hammer pants that our hip-hop subject made such a widespread craze? Proving just how cyclical style can be, we found each one of those trends in key Spring 09 collections, including Emporio Armani, Balmain, and Chloe, respectively.
Although those designers are not so budget-friendly, the good news is there are many inexpensive routes to achieving Hammer's look. If you're on-board for the resurrection of his ostentatious style, try digging in the back (way back) of your closet where you may find some long-forgotten gems. Should that mission leave you empty-handed, we know you'll enjoy the round-up of affordable items—and, forgive us, one pricey selection—that we chose to convey Hammer's flair. Not only will you be in step with the fashion world, but you'll finally have an excuse to unleash your very best running man move. Now that's too legit.—Jessica Amento
1. Topshop Ringmaster Tails Jacket ($135)
The combo of strong shoulders and a cropped front makes this blazer the consummate outerwear selection for Hammer-inspired outfits. Though not quite as extravagant as some of his show blazers, we chose a more practical black shade so you can seamlessly incorporate it into your wardrobe. Plus, this piece also suits well with the current circus microtrend, hence the "ringmaster" name.
2. Juicy Couture Drama Necklace
Nothing says "the nineties" quite like gold snake-chain necklaces, which, we might add, our muse was quick to display on his bare chest. In addition to their Hammer-relevancy, these gold chains are an awesome update to fall's mostly-silver chain link options.
3. Sue Stemp Parachute Pants ($495, coming soon to shopbop.com)
Glancing back at fall's many voluminous pant styles, we can officially say they were an obvious forecast of the current harem-pant craze. Try Sue Stemp's amazing fuchsia version with a chic blouse, or revisit last month's Tips for some inspiration from Margherita Missoni, who enviably works her pair!
4. Deena & Ozzy Cutout Leather Oxford ($108)
We are shamelessly fond of snazzy footwear around these parts, so we're conspicuously giddy over these lace-up oxfords. They are dressy enough to alternate with your heels at work and will make it easier to achieve Hammer's moves next time your hit the dance floor!
5. Forever 21 Goldie Vinyl Jacket ($38)
This shiny piece of outerwear will definitely earn you some envious glances from anyone with a closet in need of a nineties boost. Not to mention, the price is right for anyone who wants to inch their way into Hammer's style on a one-piece-at-a-time trial basis.
6. 80's Purple Deluxe Vintage Wayfarers ($10)
If you aren't quite ready to add a full-on M.C. Hammer ensemble to your closet, take a moderate step in that flashy direction with these sunglasses! Don't hesitate to swap out your tired pairs for them, because now is the time for fun and retro styles!
7. Banana Republic Studded Ring
Since Hammer wore a handful of cocktail rings at all times, this chunky band is a fitting piece for today's Currently Channeling! Wear it with your other gold jewelry to infuse your outfit with some of his pizzazz!
A style of ultra-baggy parachute pants, also known as harem pants, especially popular in the late eighties. Roomy up top and tapered at bottom, it's perfect attire for Thanksgiving dinner! http://www.pennysaverusa.com/savertime/ HammerTime? It's SaverTime!!! Tribute to MC Hammer's U Can't Touch This & Power of PennySaver.
Posted by: Amy Lorandi | 2009-07-28 07:54:16
Loves it. How freaking awesome are MC Hammer's gold pants and bejewelled jacket in those pics? Now there's a trendsetter.
Posted by: cynth | 2009-01-21 04:42:36
super creative! this made me smile :) btw, the price on (7) the banana republic ring should be $49, not $12.
Posted by: Michelle | 2009-01-15 20:52:23
Haha I love it! And people do need to lighten up. Yes, these trends have popped up on fall runways but they're still strong for spring as well. And the post was great inspiration, these pieces might seem a little out there for some but are definately on the mark fashion-wise. 80's is huge for the spring shows as well- hello, neon anyone? I've basically tried everything except for those tap-dancey shoes. As for the jacket, theres one just like it at American Apparel, priced around $80. It's a bit more pricey but doesn't look as cheap. And it is great that the editors have responded and put up thriftier items, but I personally miss the more pricey finds. Not for the luxe factor or snob appeal, but I look to your site to get inspiration (which I think the more expensive items off runways and boutiques do a better job of), not to simply copy and go out and buy exactly what you post. Come on people, you can be creative and take inspiration from pricier items as well! GIve the editors some more freedom!
Posted by: ripan | 2009-01-15 16:04:17
i'm confused, gossip girl is a fiction show, and this is a real life website? how can one try and be like the other, they are totally different things. lol
Posted by: katie | 2009-01-15 15:50:06
Ha! Love it. Its terrible, but I love it!
Posted by: http://littlero | 2009-01-15 14:14:12
Yeah, this isn't unexpected... once the parachute pants starting popping up on runways, M.C. Hammer was making calls to start a new tour.
Posted by: samantha | 2009-01-15 13:39:43
i find it so funny how even some of the worst trends, come back full circle.
Posted by: B | 2009-01-15 13:04:09
The only piece that could be tailored/worn again when this trend ends (and I hope it ends quickly) is the jacket. Would much rather invest $135 into a more classic piece and spend $495 on two pairs of theory pants. I understand it's meant to be fun and trendy but hells to the no on this one.
Posted by: Erica | 2009-01-15 12:37:08
I love the fact that a lot of people has taken this post lightly. It's inspiration and fun, but mostly I happily embrace a bit of change to the so used and abused little party dress. Why don't dress upp your lower-body instead of your upper-body... Change we need, and change we get. :)
Posted by: vanessa | 2009-01-15 11:37:46
GOSSIP GIRL IS A NEWER SHOW. WWW HAS BEEN AROUND A LOT LONGER. MAYBE SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST OBSESSED WITH GOSSIP GIRL AND EVERYTHING REMINDS THEM OF GOSSIP GIRL.
Posted by: KATIE | 2009-01-15 11:03:26
Ha, this is hilarious.. and those pants are gorgeous.. love them!
Posted by: kianna | 2009-01-15 10:38:28
lmao, this was a great post. Lighten up guys, fashion is all about taking risks and having fun. There is absolutely no doubt that this upcoming spring and summer is going to be a burst of 80s flavor. So why not just run with it! Harem pants, metallic bombers, and tuxedo jackets have popped up all over the place including stores and runway. Very unique post, I enjoyed it :) beautyandthestreet.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amber | 2009-01-15 09:59:37
I don't think they were advocating wearing all of these pieces together. It's just a fun post that demonstrates how things come back around. It's amazing b/c I never would have thought I'd see the day when hammer pants came back, but they have. www.shinylittlethings.com
Posted by: Julie | 2009-01-15 08:29:57
WWW is just having some fun, guys. You know, fun? Silliness? Not taking oneself too seriously? Lighten up.
Posted by: ames | 2009-01-15 07:51:11
I know that I am dating myself, but I found this style horrible when I was a teenager. There is NO WAY that I would dress like that now. Has fashion lost all its sense of style? Is there no better person to channel than Hammer? Oh, please, fashion, don't hurt us!
Posted by: mochababe73 | 2009-01-15 07:37:00
Affordable?? $135 for the Topshop jacket? $198 for a Juicy Couture necklace? Weren't you aiming to put only one expensive item in this post? I'm assuming the pants were meant to be the expensive item but the others are as well. The only thing that's affordable on this post is the Forever 21 jacket and it does look cheaply made. I'm not expecting $10 outfits, I know fashion is costly, but come on! Make a Lust/Must; a high end item and an affordable item. The general population doesn't shop at Saks and wear Christian Louboutins. We shop at malls and thrift shops. Great post otherwise tho!
Posted by: Brittany | 2009-01-15 07:33:22
Does the fact that I'm horrified by this "trend" mean that I'm getting old? Yikes.
Posted by: K | 2009-01-15 07:22:22
The only thing I like on the page is the topshop jacket. Forever 21 bomber looks cheap. I know its cheap, but it shouldn't look cheap. Maybe if it was in another color.
Posted by: Champagne | 2009-01-15 07:18:53
no! no! no!
Posted by: dee | 2009-01-15 06:12:50
It seems that WWW is trying to write like Gossip Girl. Gossip Girl would not approve.
Posted by: Katie | 2009-01-15 06:07:06
I can't say I find most of this stuff appealing except maybe the shoes in that ugly but still cool kind of way. Also none of this should be paired with each other which is what hammer did and what makes it just too gaudy overall.
Posted by: Shannon | 2009-01-15 05:13:43
Life just isn't worth living without some fly Hammer pants. Ha!
Posted by: Tracy | 2009-01-15 05:00:17
'we're notorious for channeling surprising figures... but today's subject matter is perhaps the most unexpected of them all. Not to toot our own horn, but we think we've outdone ourselves!' Arrogant much? This is so not a surprise trend, been around for almost half a year. Way to lead the fashion pack WWW. 2 min google search and: http://www.stylebayarea.com/styleblog/2008/05/trend-report-mc-hammer-pants.html http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/lifestyle/sfl-li0921fashionwrapsbsep21,0,1637686.story http://flypaper.bluefly.com/archives/2008/05/surfacing-trend-5.html
Posted by: notimpressed | 2009-01-15 04:59:11
Lol! this post inspiration is amazingly hilarious ;-)
Posted by: stephanie | 2009-01-15 04:16:58
can't touch this! :-))
Posted by: fashiongirl | 2009-01-15 03:02:40
No, seriously?
Posted by: Val | 2009-01-15 02:10:02