New York City has become, somewhat, the mecca of street wear over the past several years. In a city of over 8.4 million people and incredible diversity, here are five street wear brands that can help the obvious tourist blend in among everyday New Yorkers.
1. Supreme
Established in April 1994 on Lafayette Street in downtown Manhattan by James Jebbia, Supreme has become the poster child for modern day street wear. Catering to the skateboard, hip-hop and punk-rock cultures, the iconic red box logo encompassing the word “Supreme” is now renowned as one of the best street wear brands. They manufacture everything: from skateboards and clothing, to bricks and fire extinguishers. What sets Supreme apart from most brands is their connection to youth culture. No matter where you go in New York, you are guaranteed to spot someone or something dripping in Supreme.
2. KITH NYC
Ronnie Fieg founded KITH in 2011. Born and raised in Queens, Fieg made a name for himself in the sneaker world prior to conceptualizing Kith. Looking to shift the current trends in fashion, but also trying to give the consumer more than what they pay for, KITH specializes in exclusive collaborations with prominent shoe companies such as Puma and New Balance. With pieces that emulate the minimalist movement, and making comfort a priority, every article of clothing is tattooed with a black box logo that contains the brand’s name.
3. Life in Perfect Disorder
A more of an under the radar brand, Life in Perfect Disorder, or LPD for short, is a New York based brand that seeks to criticize the modern day fashion trends. The brand sees their barcode logo as ironic, stating that if people aren’t careful with the way they handle their culture, then they are on the road to becoming the same as the products they buy. Looking to break away from the norm and commodities, LPD’s pieces stand in a realm of their own.
4. Only NY
Conceived in 1997, Only NY is an independent brand that tries to create quality goods. What’s special about this brand is that it takes all of its inspiration from New York City. Inspiration comes from the city’s graffiti, to the city’s sports and photography. Only NY lives up to its name, as it only focuses on New York.
5. Staple Pigeon
Jeff Staple started Staple from just 12 shirts. Founded in 1997, Staple started off as a very small business, with Jeff Staple hand making all of the orders in the beginning. Capitalizing on the pigeon, which should be the national bird of New York if possible, Jeff Staple was onto something. Staple has grown to be a worldwide brand that not only holds influence in landscapes such as fashion, but also music, sports and the arts.
