The Story of Rocawear

Rocawear is a urban clothing label created in 1999 by Jay-Z and Damon Dash. Jay-Z is the head of the hip hop label Roc-a-Fella Records. Rocawear has annual sales of $700 million. Rocawear expanded its brand through licensing pacts to develop lines for children, juniors, socks and sandals, leather suede and fur outerwear, handbags and belts, lounge wear and big & tall, headwear, jewelry, and sunglasses; as well as co-branded product with Pro-Keds, State Property, and Team Roc.

On January 17, 2007, allegations were made of raccoon-dog (tanuki) fur being used in two styles of jackets, Rocawear pulled all of the garments from the department stores where this product was shipped. A representative of Rocawear stated the company was unaware the fur was being used and had notified manufactures it was not permitted. The items, in addition to being pulled from department stores, were also removed from the brand's official website.

In March of 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group, for $204 million. Jay-Z will retain his stake in the company and will continue to oversee the marketing, licensing and product development.