New York-based streetwear label Supreme is arguably one of the world’s most coveted brands of all time. Counting fans from all walks of life, the brand is has reached a cult status that it is common to see snaking queues at its physical boutiques around the world. So far, it has 14 stores in countries like the US, Germany, UK, Italy, France and Japan.
Founded in 1994 by designer James Jebbia, Supreme’s first brick-and-mortar shop was located on Lafayette Street in SoHo, Manhattan. The unassuming store was where skaters could get their basic staples such as hoodies, sweatshirts, and other paraphernalia. More importantly, Jebbia wanted the store to be a place where members of the skating community could hang out. The stores remain a space where different people can interact and exchange ideas to this day.
The cultural scene in the late 90s in New York was dominated by the convergence of skating and hip hop. It resulted in the growing prominence of streetwear style across the city. Supreme dedicated a few years to guerrilla marketing to make itself known to the niche community. The now-famous boxed red logo would be plastered all around. The brand even incurred the wrath of fashion giant Calvin Klein as Supreme stickers would be seen on the advertising posters.
The popularity of Supreme grew as the years progressed, from a symbol of an underground, in-the-know fashion brand to a hyped label with many collaborations. Among its partnerships profile, it includes global brands like Nike, Vans, and Levis. But perhaps the most prominent of it all is the history-making collection with Louis Vuitton in 2017. Streetwear was given the spotlight for the first time at a major fashion event. The coming together of two seemingly distinct worlds of high fashion and streetwear opened doors to a new future of fashion.
Undoubtedly, the phenomenon cemented Supreme’s seat at the top ranks of fashion and further pushed its desirability to a whole new level. The products released by Supreme are often of limited quantity. Given its fairly accessible price points, many are willing to take time off and line up at its stores if a new drop is announced. Supreme products can easily be doubled or triple the retail price on many resale sites, a real testament to the brand’s growth and fame.
Here are some of the best Supreme collaborations
Supreme x North Face
The relationship between the two brands started way back in 2007. Supreme gave the North Face’s Summit jackets a facelift, where two colourways mixed with earth tones and bright, volt colours are seen. For 2022, the duo collaborated again and it offers a selection of functional designs with detailing by 3M. The drop includes a Baltoro Jacket, Mountain Pro Jacket, Mountain Pant, Base Layer Long Sleeve Top, Sketch Short Sleeve Top, Chugach 16 Backpack, and Smith Squad MAG Goggles. Supreme apparel from this collaboration is always a hit.
Supreme x Louis Vuitton
How could we not mention this historical partnership? The collection was unveiled as part of the Louis Vuitton menswear Fall/Winter 2017 collection by then Artistic Director Kim Jones. The collection ushered in a new era for the fashion world. Statement pieces include many staples of the French Maison’s like its trunks but slapped on with the Supreme logo. The iconic flower monogram across its apparel was also co-branded with the Supreme’s name.
Supreme x Nike
The coming together of the two brands is kind of a given as both have a solid connection to the streetwear world. Some of the favourites amongst fans include the first-ever collaboration like the Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low (2002), Supreme x Nike SB Blazer (2006) and Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 (2012). These Supreme sneakers often command high price on the resale market.
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