Indisputably the most funkily dressed rap group in hip hop history, Run-D.M.C. still reign as high as they did in the mid 80s. Not only were Joseph 'Run' Simmons, Darryl 'D.M.C' Simmons and Jason 'Jam Master Jay' Mizell as seamlessly co-ordinated as TLC (RIP, Left Eye) but they've also been incredible influential in shaping the hip hop aesthetics. It's Like That! And that's the way it is.
So go on then, why Run-D.M.C.?
Look past the gangsta chains - because the trio have serious style smarts. They were so 'inspired' by a pair of Adidas trainers that they wrote a whole song about them... which led to an Adidas sponsorship (the first time hip hop artists had been sponsored by a big brand, fyi.) We applaud both their savviness and their devotion to the omnipotent three stripe.
Who else is into it?
There's been a real resurgence in Run-D.M.C. merchandise recently, thanks to the streetwear trend whilst the group's favourite Adidas shell-top sneakers - and striped athletic socks - have been quietly gaining in popularity alongside the return of Adidas' other retro sneak, Stan Smith. Urbanistas like Rihanna and Cara are clearly influenced by Run's trend-setting aesthetic.
How would I do it?
A Run-D.M.C. tee, obviously and a subtle gold chain (don't try and be Mr T. Nobody's Mr T.) Whilst the shell suit isn't something we massively want to rekindle our love affair with, baseball jackets are supercool right now and fully represented everywhere from Rag & Bone, to Opening Ceremony, to Beyond Retro which offer some slightly cheaper vintage alternatives. Also, the signature black bowlers? You totally want to do those to. Having grown a bit tired of the fedora, we've been looking for some new headgear - and the bowler might just fit the bill this spring. Very Sienna circa 2008.
So... should I do it?
If you break down the parts, rather than do a straight style emulation then hell's to the yeah. Slogan tees, natty hats, fine gold jewellery - oh, and a hefty dollop of Adidas? No brainer. You don't even need to be Cara to pull that off.
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Superstar II in White and Black, £69.99 Adida at Spartoo.co.uk; 2. Necklace, £3.99 H&M Divided; 3. Top With Print, £9.99 H&M Divided; 4. Knit Sleeves Bomber Jacket, £381 Risto at Opening Ceremony; 5. Wool Hat, £7.99 H&M Divided
Loving Run DMC's look? There's more where that came from at the H&M Loves Music Roadshow – a celebration of music and style going on nationwide. Think DJ sets as you shop and a chance to win a share of £2,000 H&M vouchers at stores in Southampton, London, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh. For more details check out #hmlovesmusicroadshow on Twitter @hmunitedkingdom
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.