In need of some style inspiration? Two new books are particularly ripe with the pointers: Streetwear chronicles what has been called–a bit uncomforably–the rise of “urban wear”, breaking it down not only by clothing label but by the publications and websites that brought the fashion to prominence. No custom-designed sneaker is left unturned. Then there’s rock photog Janette Beckman’s new book, The Breaks: Stylin’ and Profilin’ 1982-1990. Beckman snapped hip hop in its early years (Afrika Bambaataa! Slick Rick! Eric B & Rakim!) and compiled them all for our style-copping pleasure.
