Streetwear has become a global phenomenon, influencing not only fashion, but also popular culture. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering this universe, it's essential to know the brands that have left their mark on this culture and those that are redefining it. In this article, we'll introduce you to the 10 must-have streetwear brands, explaining their history, influence and why they deserve a place in your wardrobe.
1. Supreme: the cult streetwear brand
Supreme is undoubtedly one of the world's most iconic and influential streetwear brands. Founded in New York in 1994 by James Jebbia, it began as a skate store and quickly became a benchmark in urban culture. With its frequent collaborations with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, as well as artists and celebrities, Supreme has created an aura of rarity and desirability around its products.
Why is Supreme a must-have?
Supreme is known for its limited releases, making it a brand for collectors. Each drop (new product launch) creates an unprecedented craze, with queues in the streets and products often resold at a premium. Hoodies, T-shirts and accessories bearing the emblematic Supreme logo have become symbols of streetwear style.
Example: The famous Supreme box logo hoodie, often seen worn by celebrities such as Travis Scott or Tyler, The Creator, is an iconic piece that sums up the brand's influence.
2. Off-White: the elegance of luxury streetwear
Founded in 2012 by designer Virgil Abloh, Off-White is a brand that has fused streetwear with haute couture aesthetics. Its collections are characterized by graphic prints, asymmetrical cuts and the frequent use of quotes and arrows. Off-White quickly gained popularity and established itself as a benchmark in the urban fashion industry.
Off-White's influence
Virgil Abloh has played a major role in the democratization of streetwear in high-end fashion circles, notably by becoming Louis Vuitton's artistic director for menswear. Off-White is a popular brand for its collaborations, whether with Nike, Ikea or artists such as Takashi Murakami.
Example: Off-White x Nike collaborations, notably the Air Jordan 1 Off-White sneakers, have become cult items, selling for astronomical prices on resale platforms.
3. A Bathing Ape (BAPE): the Japanese forerunner
Founded in 1993 by Nigo in Tokyo, BAPE (or A Bathing Ape) is one of Japan's pioneering streetwear brands. It is famous for its unique camouflage patterns, monkey logo and collaborations with artists and brands from all over the world. BAPE has had a major influence on the emergence of Japanese streetwear on an international scale.
Why BAPE remains a cult brand
BAPE has remained true to its roots while constantly renewing itself. It has collaborated with brands such as Adidas, Pepsi and Supreme, while remaining a key streetwear brand in Japan and internationally.
Example: The famous BAPE hoodie with camouflage motif and full zipper is a must-have for streetwear fans, often worn by celebrities such as Pharrell Williams.
4. Stüssy: The pioneer of streetwear
Stüssy is often considered the brand that gave birth to modern streetwear. Founded in 1980 by surfboard designer Shawn Stüssy, the brand popularized a style inspired by Californian surf and skate culture. With its graphic T-shirts and simple yet recognizable logos, Stüssy has captivated an entire generation.
Why Stüssy is timeless
Stüssy has evolved with the times, remaining a pillar of streetwear culture while incorporating new influences and collaborations. The brand is respected for its authenticity and longevity, and always remains at the forefront of urban trends.
Example: The Stüssy t-shirt with the emblematic hand-written logo is a classic piece that has stood the test of time without a single wrinkle.
5. Nike: the power of streetwear collaborations
Although Nike is first and foremost a sports brand, it has played a crucial role in the evolution of streetwear, not least thanks to its collaborations with designers and artists from all over the world. The Air Jordan sneakers, created in partnership with Michael Jordan, marked the beginning of the sneaker era in urban fashion.
Collaborations that marked the history of streetwear
Collaborations with designers such as Virgil Abloh (Off-White), Travis Scott and Comme des Garçons have established Nike as a benchmark brand in streetwear. Models such as the Dunks or Air Force 1 have become fashion icons, worn both on the sports field and in the street.
Example: The Nike x Off-White collaboration on the Air Jordan 1 created a worldwide craze and enabled Nike to strengthen its influence in streetwear.
6. Adidas Originals: retro sports revisited
Adidas is another sports brand that has embraced streetwear culture with its Adidas Originals collections, featuring retro silhouettes such as Superstar, Stan Smith and Gazelle. These models have become streetwear icons thanks to their simplicity and comfort.
Why Adidas is essential
Adidas has reinvented its classics while creating new streetwear icons, such as the Yeezy Boost in collaboration with Kanye West. The brand has also collaborated with designers such as Pharrell Williams and Alexander Wang, proving its ability to evolve in the world of luxury and streetwear.
For example, the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 has become a mythical sneaker, at the crossroads of streetwear and haute couture, selling out within minutes of each launch.
7. Palace Skateboards: the London skate spirit
Founded in London in 2009, Palace Skateboards has rapidly become one of the coolest and most influential brands in streetwear. With its skate culture-inspired aesthetic and collaborations with giants such as Adidas and Ralph Lauren, Palace has established itself on the international scene.
Why Palace is a must
Palace is appreciated for its casual yet daring approach to streetwear, with garments often imbued with humor and cultural references. The brand knows how to combine technicality and style, staying true to its skateboard roots while reaching a wider audience.
Example: The Palace hoodie with the triangular logo, often nicknamed “Tri-Ferg”, is a must-have for any streetwear fan.
8. Fear of God: minimalist luxury
Fear of God, founded by Jerry Lorenzo in 2013, has quickly established itself as one of the most respected brands in luxury streetwear. With a minimalist aesthetic and loose cuts, Fear of God offers a pared-down vision of streetwear, blending luxurious materials with sportswear-inspired cuts.
Why Fear of God is worth following
The brand has won over a wide audience with its versatile pieces, halfway between casual and formal. Its more accessible Essentials line has also struck a chord with urban fashion enthusiasts.
Example: Fear of God Essentials sweatshirts and joggers, with their minimalist design, are essential pieces for a casual yet elegant streetwear look.
9. Carhartt WIP: authentic workwear
Derived from the American workwear brand Carhartt, Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) is a modernized, streetwear version of the brand. Founded in 1989, Carhartt WIP takes the rugged, functional aesthetic of workwear and adds an urban touch.
Why Carhartt WIP is a classic
With its simple cuts and hard-wearing materials, Carhartt WIP embodies authentic streetwear, rooted in the culture of manual labor. Pieces such as canvas jackets and cargo pants have become urban fashion staples.
Example: The Carhartt Detroit jacket is an iconic piece, often worn by artists such as Kanye West or ASAP Rocky for its rugged utility.
10. Kith: the concept store turned brand
Founded by Ronnie Fieg in 2011, Kith began life as a New York concept store, before becoming a brand in its own right. With a mix of streetwear and luxury clothing, Kith has quickly established itself as a must-have brand, with prestigious collaborations and capsule collections that sell out in a matter of hours.
Why Kith is a benchmark
Kith is famous for its collaborations with brands such as Coca-Cola, Tommy Hilfiger and Nike, creating limited-edition products that instantly become must-haves. Kith's style is distinguished by contemporary silhouettes and attention to detail, making it a brand prized by premium streetwear enthusiasts.
Example: The Kith x Tommy Hilfiger collaboration made its mark on the streetwear industry, fusing Hilfiger's American heritage with Kith's modern, urban aesthetic.
Conclusion
These 10 brands are the pillars of modern streetwear, each with its own vision and unique contribution to urban culture. Whether you're looking for comfortable clothing, iconic pieces or exclusive collaborations, these brands represent the very best in streetwear. By incorporating a few of these brands into your wardrobe, you'll be assured of an authentic and striking urban style.
Links to the following articles
To conclude, let's get back to basics: what exactly is streetwear? Let's decipher this essential trend and discover how it has evolved to become one of today's fashion mainstays.
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