The fashion documentary genre is currently experiencing widespread appeal and acclaim thanks to films like Iris, Advanced Style and Dior & I and the latest addition, Fresh Dressed is as exciting and ‘fresh’ as the title proclaims. Chronicling the history and story of hip hop and urban clothing from those working on the plantations in the South, through to the gang wars of the 70s in NYC, the mainstream appropriation of hip hop in America and today’s multi million dollar corporations, Sacha Jenkins’ well researched Fresh Dressed takes an in-depth look at a culture that has always been there bubbling beneath the surface.

Featuring a whole host of names including Damon Dash, Daymond John, Nas, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West and Sean Combs to name a few, Fresh Dressed looks in depth at trends as the film moves seamlessly through the decades. Without even needing to note the move from one chapter to another, Jenkins’ structure allows the film to flow from one fashion into the next by grouping together certain musicians, style icons, industry professionals or just people that were there at the time into certain periods.

At it’s most interesting, the film doesn’t assume that the audience have prior knowledge and through a series of archive footage, talking heads and a sprinkling of history illustrates and ultimately illuminates this colourful and expansive history. The film unfolds like a story, with a constant pace and narrative thread throughout, returning to some of the same ‘characters’ over and over again (often those who will be most known to the audience). Fresh Dressed is always making connections throughout – noting influences and influencers to products, music and culture that we have today and routing its way back through time.

Ultimately as entertaining as it is educational, Fresh Dressed is a swift and concise look through at a specific cultural niche, which has permeated all different areas of our world today.