A hip-hop young men's clothing company founded in 1992 by Rap mogul Russell Simmons (1957- ) as a division of his media company, Rush Communications. In 1999, Phat Farm signed an agreement with Aris Industries, Inc., for worldwide licensing rights for its Baby Phat children's line designed by Simmons's ex-wife, former model Kimora Lee Simmons. In 2004, Phat Farm was sold to Kellwood for $140 million and, by 2006, the Phat empire grew to include clothing and accessories for men, women, and children (Phat Farm kids and Baby Phat) and a partnership with Motorola for cell phones. Originally known for its urban fashion appeal, its broken flag logo (political statement), and "American Flava" moniker, the company has expanded into a global American lifestyle brand, with flagship stores located in the United States, Canada, European countries, and the United Arab Emirates.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.