Several of the world’s most renowned street wear brands have recently introduced new and innovative designs to their collections. Among these brands are Off-White, CDG Play, G-Star RAW, WTAPS and A Bathing Ape. Each of these brands has a unique aesthetic that sets them apart from the rest.
A Bathing Ape
Among the many street wear brands, A Bathing Ape is one of the most popular. This Japanese fashion label was founded in 1993 by designer Nigo, who has been an influential figure in the fashion industry since his early years. He was born in Maebashi, the northern Kanto region of Japan, and raised by his metal fabricator father.
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As a child, Nigo was a big fan of Planet of the Apes movies. He grew up surrounded by American and Japanese pop culture, and he eventually ventured into the fashion industry. He worked as a stylist at Undercover, and later became the editor of the magazine Popeye.
CDG Play
COMME des GARCONS PLAY is a streetwear-leaning sub-label from the aforementioned parent brand. It’s one of the more popular sub-labels, resembling an in-house brand showcasing a range of affordable wardrobe staples, including men’s T-shirts, hoodies and jackets, among other items. Often, a red heart emblazoned with a white and black eye adorns the garment.
The aforementioned PLAY line was inspired by Rei Kawakubo’s vision of a less complex approach to the brand’s signature avant-garde style. To this end, a nifty logo was devised by New York graphic designer Filip Pagowski.
Off-White
Founded by designer Virgil Abloh, Off-White is a high-end street wear fashion label. It’s based in Milan, Italy, and is sold in the United States, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. It’s a part of the LVMH portfolio. In October 2018, Off-White signed a deal with the French luxury group to turn the brand into a multi-line luxury brand.
Off-White is an innovative streetwear brand that blurs the lines between luxury and streetwear. The brand focuses on high-quality natural materials and bold graphics. Its designs feature graffiti prints and sporty silhouettes. Off-White also collaborates with popular brands such as Nike, Converse, Levi’s, and Timberland. It is one of the most successful and coveted streetwear brands in the world.
G-Star RAW
Founded by Jos van Tilburg in 1989, G-Star RAW is a high-end street wear brand renowned for its awe-inspiring denim. The brand has carved out its own niche in a crowded marketplace.
The company is headquartered in Amsterdam, with flagship stores in Boston, Los Angeles and New York City. Its signature product is raw untreated denim. But, the company does make other materials such as fabric threads derived from recycled plastic bottles.
While G-Star is known for its signature raw untreated denim, it also offers some genuinely interesting products. For instance, the aforementioned flimsy gizmo, namely the Bionic Yarn, is a first for the industry. The fabric is made from waste plastic that would otherwise be discarded and harm fish populations.
Silas
Founded in 1998, Silas is a British fashion label that focuses on a combination of elegance, tradition and bridgetic elements. In addition to being one of the best street wear brands of today, it is also one of the oldest. The brand was originally started by Sofia Maria Plantera and Russell Waterman. They enlisted a friend, Jacob Kampp Berliner, to lead the business side of the company.
The name Silas comes from a fictional character, Silas Holmes, who inspired the brand’s name and logo. The name also hints at the brand’s British roots.
WTAPS
Founded in 1997 by Tetsu Nishiyama, WTAPS is a Japanese street wear brand. It was established after a stint with NEIGHBORHOOD. Known for its boxy cuts, baggy hoodies and cargos, WTAPS has a cult following.
WTAPS has been a part of the Japanese streetwear scene for over twenty years. Originally, the brand’s focus was on military-inspired garb, but has since expanded to incorporate influences from other sources.
The company has collaborated with Vans, Timberland, Undercover, and New Balance. In 2011, WTAPS opened its first official flagship store in Shibuya, Japan.
Vetements
Founded by Demna Gvasalia, Vetements is one of the most influential and exciting luxury streetwear brands. The label is based in Switzerland and is known for its eclectic and highly experimental designs. The brand is best known for its playful proportions, ironic slogans, and tongue-in-cheek garments.
Demna Gvasalia is a designer who studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. She has worked for several high-profile fashion houses, including Marc Jacobs and Maison Margiela. She has also served as senior designer for Louis Vuitton. She is now the creative director of Balenciaga.
