29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Denim and casualwear

Apple Bottoms

United States

Apple Bottoms is a US women's denim and streetwear label launched in 2003 by the rapper Nelly with partners including Yomi Martin and Ian Kelly. It became popular in hip hop culture and has been relaunched in recent years.

Facts
Founded2003
FoundersNelly, Yomi Martin, Nick Loftis, Ian Kelly
Country of originUnited States
OriginLaunched as a denim label
Websiteapplebottoms.com
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
WomenswearDenimAccessories
Sales channels
E-commerce

What is Apple Bottoms?

Apple Bottoms is an American women's clothing label that began as a denim brand in 2003. It was founded by the rapper and entrepreneur Cornell "Nelly" Haynes Jr. together with Yomi Martin, Nick Loftis and Ian Kelly, and was positioned as a line for women made by hip hop.

History

The brand launched with a model search televised on VH1 and quickly became popular in the hip hop community. It was reported as the sixth most searched denim brand on Google in 2006. It later widened from jeans into other women's and girls' clothing, perfume and accessories. Its last advertising campaign for some time, featuring Nelly, ran in 2010.

Relaunch

Nelly hinted at a comeback in 2020, and a relaunch was announced for later years. A capsule collection with the Atlanta rapper Latto mixes early 2000s nostalgia with current styling, built around stretch denim and velour tracksuits.

Why it matters

Apple Bottoms is a well-known example of a celebrity-founded label that tied fashion to a music scene, and its revival reflects the wider return of early 2000s styling.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Apple Bottoms?

Apple Bottoms was founded in 2003 by the rapper Nelly with Yomi Martin, Nick Loftis and Ian Kelly.

What does Apple Bottoms sell?

Apple Bottoms began with women's denim and expanded into other women's and girls' clothing, perfume and accessories.

All brands