Lo-Life: An American Classic takes the reader on a tripto New York City in the early 80s-a time when crimeand violence ran the streets. The infamous Lo-Lifegang emerged from this tumultuous time. Formedby crews of teenagers from the Brownsville and CrownHeights neighborhoods of Brooklyn, they made a namefor themselves by dressing head-to-toe in expensive RalphLauren clothing, or "Lo." Polo apparel-and other preppy80s fashion labels like Guess, Nautica, and Benetton,among others-represented an aspirational lifestyle forthese kids from rough neighborhoods just struggling toget by. Fighting for style and survival, the Lo-Lifestargeted these brands, and would acquire them by anymeans necessary, including stick-ups, shoplifting, and
hustling. A reign of terror ensued, when your new wintercoat could make you the target for a robbery-or worse.
What started as an informal gang uniform organizedaround clean designs and bright colors, became adevotion to a lifestyle brand, and eventually created anassociation between the streets and luxury that wouldfundamentally change the fashion industry. Lo-Life: AnAmerican Classic documents the personal collectionsof exclusive archival vintage photographs amassed bythe crew and interviews with original members,presenting the first comprehensive oral history of thisnotorious New York collective.
Lo-Life is the remarkable story of a small group of teenagersfighting to make a name for themselves who eventuallymade themselves seen, heard, and emulated globally.
Love and Loyalty!