One of the pioneers of streetwear, April Walker of Walker Wear, became an entrepreneur at the age of 20. Though Walker was born with a love for hip-hop and style, it wasn’t until a visit to Dapper Dan’s store in Harlem that she became interested in designing clothes. In the late ’80s, she opened her first atelier, Fashion in Effect, in her home, with the aim of delivering the hip-hop lifestyle through fashion. She became a stylist for music videos by Run-DMC, Naughty by Nature, Aaliyah, and more, before finally debuting Walker Wear in 1990. The line featured loose silhouettes, pants with low-hanging pockets, and muted colors that complemented existing wardrobes. At the time, streetwear was synonymous with rap culture, and Walker established herself as a top player during streetwear’s golden age. Walker Wear was one of the first brands to be sponsored by celebrities such as Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac and Jay-Z, and was one of the first streetwear brands to be carried by major retailers and department stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, Foot Locker and Finish Line. Some of Walker Wear’s classic designs have been featured in the films Straight Outta Compton (2015) and All Eyez on Me (2017). In 2015, the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary with a relaunch of Walker Wear.
