To celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Upscale Magazine explores the influential individuals who have made a lasting impact on fashion throughout the years. While there are numerous notable figures worth mentioning, for brevity’s sake, only a selection is included here, with the intention of revisiting this topic in future articles. It is clear that there is much to be proud of in this realm.
Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, the sister of Tupac Shakur, has effectively upheld her brother’s heritage by means of music, activism, and engagements in the multiple industries. Through her individual fashion preferences and participation in philanthropic and fashion-related ventures, Sekyiwa stands as a prominent individual carrying on Tupac’s legacy.
The Fashion Icon: Tupac Shakur. Tupac Shakur, apart from his renowned musical talent, distinctive lyrics, and captivating presence, also made a significant impact on the fashion world. Through his unique combination of street style and a touch of elegance, he not only resonated with his followers but also left a lasting influence on the fashion industry.
In this retrospective, we explore his life and fashion choices by examining a selection of his most iconic garments.
Look One: At the Soul Train Music Awards, 1996
Tupac’s third studio album, Me Against the World, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 and received a ton of praise and chart success when it was released in 1995. A more introspective and personal work was represented by the rapper’s album. He won a Grammy and the Soul Train Award for Best Rap Album in addition to glowing reviews from reviewers. At this year’s Soul Train Awards, Pac wore a full pair of army fatigues, his go-to structured headgear, and leather fingerless gloves. The rapper signed to Death Row Records, and it’s possible that the attire foreshadowed the altercation he planned to have that night with rival East Coast Bad Boy Records artists.
Look two: At the VMAs with Snoop Dog, 1996
To put it mildly, 2Pac’s red carpet attire epitomized 1990s style. The rapper adored dressing up for the Grammy and AMA’s carpets in the typical double-breasted suit of the era, which was frequently paired with a wingtip collared shirt and accessorized with gold jewelry. For the storied MTV VMAs red carpet, Tupac experimented with his sense of style by donning a large “Euphanasia” chain and Versace vest. A unique artist from the 1990s deserves a unique style.
Sekyiwa Shakur: A Torchbearer
Sekyiwa Shakur, with her deep personal and professional connections to Tupac, has made it her mission to carry on his legacy. By combining her unique perspective and passion for fashion with Tupac’s distinctive style, she has positioned herself as a significant figure in the fashion industry.
Now, let’s delve into the background of Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur for those who may not be familiar with her. With more than two decades of expertise in family outreach, program coordination, and youth creative arts development, she has proven herself as a dedicated leader and philanthropist. Sekyiwa Shakur played a pivotal role in establishing the tupacshakurfoundation.org in 1996 and has remained committed to serving in various positions, such as Student Liaison & Program Coordinator, up until the present time – a remarkable span of 23 years.
Sekyiwa Shakur’s distinctive fashion choices showcase her natural sense of style, paying tribute to Tupac while also maintaining her own unique identity. By effortlessly combining vivid and daring hues with unconventional accessories, she curates captivating and attention-grabbing outfits that authentically reflect her personal charm.
Did you know? With over two decades of managerial expertise, Sekyiwa embarked on a mission to revolutionize our perception of fashion. Implementing this approach, she established a specialized retail store in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, during the early 2000s. Sekyiwa’s boutique played a pivotal role in transforming the industry in three significant ways: reshaping brand-consumer interactions, facilitating cost-effective trials of novel ideas, products, and locations, and identifying emerging consumer behavior trends for businesses.
Collaborations and Fashion Projects. Sekyiwa is actively involved in various fashion-related projects, collaborating with designers and brands that resonate with her and Tupac’s vision. Through these collaborations, she not only showcases her fashion expertise but also creates opportunities for emerging designers to gain recognition.
Preserving Tupac’s Legacy
Sekyiwa Shakur makes sure that Tupac’s influence on the fashion industry endures through the passage of time by continuing his legacy. She not only preserves his legacy but also introduces it to a new generation, encouraging them to value their uniqueness and express themselves through fashion.
In Conclusion
Sekyiwa Shakur gracefully and confidently carries forward Tupac’s fashion influence through her distinct style choices, fashion endeavors, and commitment to preserving his legacy. Her remarkable contributions in the social action and fashion sector serve as an enduring inspiration, ensuring that Tupac’s fashion legacy remains alive and captivating.
Stay connected with her on Instagram by following @wildseed13.
signed a fan,
Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds