1995 · 90s · Boon Magazine · interview · Japan · 1 comment · Sep 04, 1995

Boon Magazine Covers Maurice Malone: The '90s Streetwear Icon and Pioneer of Hip-Hop Denim Days

by Maurice Malone

Gracing the cover of Boon magazine's October 1995 issue was a groundbreaking moment that transcended typical editorial norms. Maurice Malone, an African-American streetwear designer, stood front and center—a bold departure from the usual lineup of models, movie icons, and sports luminaries. This cover wasn't just a feature; it was a powerful statement of Malone's star power and influence in the burgeoning realm of '90s hip-hop fashion and culture on a global stage. His presence on the cover signaled a recognition of talent and a celebration of the cultural shift that was sweeping across continents, placing streetwear and hip-hop at the vanguard of the fashion world.

October 1995 cover of Japan’s Boon magazine captures '90s streetwear and hip-hop denim designer Maurice Malone against a striking red backdrop, dressed in baggy jeans and jacket. With his right finger raised – the symbol of being at the pinnacle.

The cover itself was a bold statement: set against a striking red backdrop, Malone stood as the embodiment of streetwear royalty, dressed in baggy jeans and a denim jacket. With a single raised finger, he non-verbally proclaimed his rank in the fashion hierarchy, and while his left hand clasped his dreadlocked ponytail, Malone channeled a Bob Marley-esque coolness that he had adeptly translated into today's celebrity fashion. It was a visual anthem that heralded his status as a pioneering force in international street style.

Following this powerful opening visual, the magazine’s feature story unfolds in a double-page spread that captures the essence of Malone's influence. His oversized denim outfits were a clarion call that resonated through the '90s streetwear scene, a look captured so vividly in the pages of Boon. His red tee with the "Blue Jeans For Your Ass" logo was as much a statement piece as it was a signature of his brand's bravado. Malone's journey from the electric avenues of Shinjuku to the pulsating nightlife of Roppongi was a testament to his multifaceted identity—as a designer, entrepreneur, and DJ, he was a linchpin in the cultural tapestry of the era. His presence in Boon was a narrative that underscored the seismic impact of '90s hip-hop fashion, immortalizing Maurice Malone as a vanguard of the movement.