Rocawear Premium Launched On Rocawear Clothing Site

Article written by: Rodrick Rainey
Posted on: July 15, 2008

Jay-Z is a busy man these days and his fashion is as diverse as his touring schedule. Each show the Rap Icon who considers himself a Rock Star, steps out in something new that usually comes from the Rocawear clothing brand he once owned or Artful Dodger, a brand he acquired for $15 Million (USD).

“He sold Rocawear while it was making $700 million per year in 2007 but still has to meet some guidelines to get $34 million in Iconix stock. I know why he still wears Rocawear,” says urb1.com Hip-Hop Fashion History site founder Rodrick Rainey. “As long as Jay-Z puts Rocawear Clothing on, people will buy it. Jay doesn’t wear anything that’s sub par, so it’s not the brand can’t sell itself. This clothing Jay-Z is wearing is called Rocawear premium and it’s harder to find than typical Rocawear clothing anyhow. He just adds fuel to the fire of HypeBeasts as many call trendy shoppers today,” he continues.

Rocawear Premium, something that the Hip-Hop clothing brand started in 2005, focuses on premium denim, hoodies, shirts, and jackets. The first samples of the premium street wear line were only sold at the Training Camp Sneaker Chain Store in Manhattan (NYC), across from Bryant park. Released during the highly popularized NY Fashion Week, the original Rocawear Premium denim, shirts, and hoodies retailed at prices $60 – $300.

Artful Dodger, founded by Scott Langton, was a brand the Hip-Hop artist admired and acquired for Iconix Brand. After selling Rocawear to Iconix, Jay-Z birth name Shawn Carter, created Shawn Carter brand management and licensing company which was created according to the agreement for the sale of Rocawear. Under this Iconix branch, Jay-Z helps find and purchase a broad spectrum of designer labels such as Artful Dodger.

Formerly not available on-line, Rocawear Premium can now be purchased at the official brand site Rocawear.com, along with Rocawear and 8732 by platinum rap artist Young Jeezy. The site also has photo recaps from Jay-Z appearances to help identify Rocawear Premium he might have been wearing during a performance or media event.