2008 Woodie Awards
Students support rappers' style of stunner shades and polos
Demetrius Klyce
Issue date: 9/5/07 Section: Arts & Lifestyle
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Stunner shades are over-sized sunglasses that look like mirrored aviators' sunglasses. Stunner shades are usually worn as an accessory by young, African Americans in the urban community.
Stunner shades originated from the Bay Area in California during the hip-hop movement known as "hyphy" (hyperactive dancing), created by Oakland rapper E-40. Stunner shades are usually worn by teenagers and people in their 20s.
UW-Whitewater students wear stunner shades during the summer or to a party to look cool and represent an image of having money and style.
William Thomas, an African American alumnus, said students on campus wear stunner shades because they're popular and stylish.
"Students like stunner shades because students see rappers and other celebrities wear and promote stunner shades," Thomas said. "People would like to wear stunner shades because they see their favorite celebrity wear the shades."
A majority of students on campus wear polo shirts. Students will wear long and multicolored polo shirts to look professional or as a fashion trend.
UW-Whitewater students said they pay a range from $10-$50 for a polo shirt. The most popular brand of polo shirts worn by UW-Whitewater students are Ralph Lauren, an American fashion designer.
Andre Douglas, an African American alumnus, said wearing polo shirts are "very appropriate with casual clothes."
Douglas also said students wear polo shirts to make a good impression for businesses.
"Polo shirts can be worn anywhere at anytime," Douglas said. "Polo shirts are good to wear to internships and other jobs where business and causal clothing is a necessity."
Stunner shades and polo shirts do not only attract urban African Americans.
Daniel Tyksinski, a senior, Caucasian male from New York, said he doesn't own a pair of stunner shades, but he likes hip-hop music and style and embraces the trend of stunner shades and polo shirts.
"Stunner shades are designed for a young, trendy, urban demographic that cares about how they look," Tyksinski said. "The designs of polo shirts are very popular at UW-Whitewater. I prefer classic Ray Bans over stunner shades because they're more delicate."
Some students at UW-Whitewater do not know what stunner shades are, but they still embrace the style and culture of hip-hop music.
Lauren Vrana, a Caucasian sophomore, said she was unsure about stunner shades, but she adores the hip-hop culture.
"I do not have a clue about stunner shades," Vrana said. "I am not a fashionable person; however I do know the style and music of hip-hop."
Whether it's Paris Hilton wearing stunner shades on the Red Carpet, R&B group Jagged Edge and up-and-coming Memphis rapper Kinfolk Kia Shine making songs about stunner shades, or rappers Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco, who wear stunner shades and polo shirts, the trend is expanding.
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