Louis Vuitton bag, canvas and leather, 1970s, France, gift of Gordon Kendall

Almost from its inception, hip hop style embraced European brands as symbols of wealth and exclusivity. Bags with logos broadcast the luxe designer labels that were liberally name-dropped in the music. Gucci was an early favorite, but luxury companies did nothing to embrace their hip hop fans until younger designers like Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton and John Galliano at Dior took the helm. Their interest in contemporary music led them to partnerships with hip hop artists—Galliano designed an entire custom look for Missy Elliott based on the Rasta saddle bag.