Hip-hop legend Nelly is making a fashion comeback with the return of his iconic Apple Bottoms jeans brand. Initially launched in 2003, the brand has held a special place in fashion history for its celebration of body diversity and curves—a message that feels more relevant today than ever.

Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Nelly shared sketches of new designs set to launch in 2024, giving fans a nostalgic yet fresh preview of what’s in store.

 

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A post shared by CORNELL HAYNES JR (@nelly)

Apple Bottoms entered the market in a time when few brands catered to curvier body types and Nelly saw an opportunity to empower women to embrace their shapes and celebrate individuality. With an endorsement on “Oprah’s Favorite Things” and the backing of hip-hop culture, the brand became a phenomenon almost overnight. It struck a chord with women who felt overlooked by mainstream fashion, offering them a style that celebrated their bodies unapologetically.

The brand’s instant success was rooted in its trendy designs, perfect fits, and strong message of self-confidence, a philosophy that was ahead of its time. Long before the term “body positivity” became widely used, Apple Bottoms was breaking boundaries in the industry, promoting size inclusivity and showing women that fashion could be both stylish and comfortable.

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Apple Bottoms wasn’t just a clothing line; it was a cultural icon. From music videos to club scenes, the jeans became synonymous with early 2000s hip-hop fashion.

As Nelly prepares to reintroduce Apple Bottoms to a new generation, he’s bringing back the essence that made the brand iconic, while infusing it with modern updates. Collaborating with Apple Bottoms President Michael Saunders, the re-launch promises upgraded stretch denim technology, ensuring a fit that flatters various body types. These new collections not only aim to bring back the signature Apple Bottoms style but also adapt to today’s fashion landscape, which has seen a resurgence of early-2000s trends.