Supreme Sneakers
Supreme is one of the few brands that inspires both billionaires and streetwear aficionados. While the skateboard and clothing brand does very little advertising and has only twelve stores worldwide, fans of the brand are still willing to wait for hours to buy their latest products! A phenomenon that has influenced the streetwear market and deserves a closer look at the history of the Supreme brand.
What is the DNA of Supreme sneakers?
The DNA of Supreme sneakers is based on several pillars: the quality of materials, bold design, and memorable collaborations with iconic brands like Nike and the Jordan division. Classics like the Nike Air Force 1, the Nike Air Max, or skate models like the Nike SB Blazer have made each new collaboration memorable. Whether low or high models, like the famous Dunk or mid versions of Nike, each pair of Supreme symbolizes much more than just a simple pair of shoes. The reason? Its rarity. Each pair associated with James Jebbia's label is available in limited edition and offers a true collectible item for enthusiasts. Over time, Supreme has managed to establish its collaborations and show that they are much more than just a simple pair of shoes, driving up their prices in secondary markets.
How to choose your pair of Supreme sneakers?
Choosing your pair of Supreme sneakers may seem simple, but several factors must be considered to make the right choice. First, it is important to know your exact size, as Supreme offers variable sizes depending on collaborations and more specifically the models. Generally, the pairs are quite understated and stand out by a logo placed on the pair. If you are looking for a discreet yet trendy pair, the Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 Low in black or white are always a good choice. Want a bolder pair? The Supreme x Nike SB Rammelzee in low or high versions will be a more suitable choice. Next, availability is another crucial factor. Supreme's collaborations with brands like Jordan are often sold out as soon as they are released. It is therefore important to stay informed about new releases and regularly check the platforms where they are displayed. Additionally, don't forget to pay attention to limited edition models, as they quickly gain value, especially when associated with iconic brands like Nike. Supreme is also known for its collaborations, notably with Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Vans, and Asics. Whether you are looking for a pair of sneakers for sports, running, or simply to adopt a unique style, Supreme sneakers have become essential, whether for men or women.
The beginnings of Supreme
Working in a Duracell factory in Crawley, James Jebbia saved up to buy a train ticket to London in hopes of getting the latest trendy clothes from underground shops. At the age of 19, after returning to America, he fell in love with New York fashion and began working for brands like Stüssy and Parachute. The day the founder of Stüssy sold his brand, Jebbia decided to create the first Supreme space on Layfrette Street, an emerging urban art scene with many former independent businesses.
Where does the Supreme brand logo come from?
The iconic logo of the Supreme brand is a coveted element of its history. But where does it actually come from? This red and white symbol is inspired by the artwork of American artist Barbara Kruger. It has established itself as a label of recognition in the streetwear world. Its genesis dates back to the humble beginnings of Supreme in the 90s. James Jebbia chose this logo to embody the very essence of the brand. This minimalist design, influenced by Kruger's artistic style, was adopted for its simplicity and visual impact. Over time, the logo has become an iconic piece, associated with rarity and exclusivity. Items adorned with the Supreme inscription are often sold at high prices, attracting collectors and urban fashion aficionados. Supreme's association with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton has notably enhanced its appeal in the high-end streetwear universe. Today, every piece of clothing or accessory stamped with the Supreme logo instantly becomes a coveted item, often resold at prices exceeding their original value.
This strong demand and the rarity of the products are the main reasons for the skyrocketing prices and the resale frenzy surrounding the Supreme brand in New York and around the world.
A store designed as a living space
The resale frenzy surrounding the Supreme brand and New York worldwide was not the original intention of its creator. In its early days, James Jebbia employed a group of skateboarders to work in his concept store, many of whom were extras in Larry Clark's controversial film "Kids". In this approach, all stores are designed so that skateboarders can enter without getting off their boards. For James Jebbia, Supreme is conceived as a space rather than just a store. It offers good skateboards, plays music and videos continuously (as diverse as Muhammad Ali fights or the film Taxi Driver). The goal? Attract spectators. For the rest, nothing about Supreme was planned in advance: its success is a combination of the right place, the right timing, and hard work.
Supreme: a global success that awakens the fashion industry
Initially, Supreme simply made a few t-shirts before launching into creating a high-quality cotton hoodie. Jebbia based his idea on the belief that skateboarders would be willing to pay more for stylish and quality clothing. After the success of hoodies and fitted caps, collaborations with renowned artists began, notably with the creation of custom skateboards. Supreme remains true to its original philosophy: a very small group of people simply working on this original idea. As the fashion world awakens with Supreme, the brand gradually opens stores in Tokyo, London, and Paris over the last decade. Supreme is defined by its authenticity and immediacy.
A counter-current marketing strategy with little advertising
While the creator worries about overexposure, Supreme limits advertising to a minimum and uses social media as its main exposure platform. Without trying to oversell and be everywhere, they use these media to show people what they do, just as a magazine would have done 20 years ago. They even published six issues of their own magazine before developing their website in 2006. For Jebbia, the clothes they make are like music: they speak to open-minded people, with products strongly integrated into art and pop culture that tend to stimulate demand through consumer desire and passion, unlike explicit marketing. Their magic lies in their ability to use word-of-mouth marketing and turn their product launches into a kind of micro-experiential events.
High-profile Supreme collaborations
Having secured a prominent place in the streetwear fashion world, it is not surprising that the brand has collaborated with such a range of musicians, models, and companies. No matter the fame of the artist, James Jebbia will choose to collaborate with them if he is a fan of their work. Whether for the commemoration of Jean-Michel Basquiat in 2013, his collaborations with Nike, Fila, and Champion, or his designer collections with Lacoste, Supreme shares its enthusiasm for sportswear and positions itself as a brand with a strong impact. Its most influential collaboration remains probably that with Comme Des Garçons, which was a turning point: Supreme made its mark in high fashion. The incomparable red and white logo of Supreme makes every new product essential and memorable.
