Streetwear has been a fashion subculture that has grown in popularity over the past few decades, and collaborations have played a significant role in its growth. Collaborations between fashion brands and streetwear labels have allowed for the creation of unique and exciting products that have captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts around the world.
The following are some of the most iconic streetwear collaborations of all time that have had a significant impact on the industry.
Nike x Off-White
Virgil Abloh’s Off-White and Nike’s partnership has been one of the most influential collaborations in streetwear history. The collaboration has seen the release of numerous iconic sneakers, including the Air Jordan 1, Air Max 90, and VaporMax. The collaboration is characterized by its use of deconstructed designs, bold text graphics, and signature Off-White branding. The collection’s success has paved the way for Abloh to become the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear.
Supreme x Louis Vuitton
Supreme is one of the most iconic streetwear brands in the world, and its collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2017 was a game-changer. The collection featured a range of products, including leather goods, apparel, and accessories, that blended the distinct aesthetic of both brands. The collaboration was a sign of the growing acceptance of streetwear by the luxury fashion industry and was seen as a turning point in the evolution of streetwear.
Vetements x DHL
Vetements x DHL collaboration is one of the most unique and unexpected partnerships in the world of streetwear. In 2016, the French fashion brand Vetements teamed up with the global logistics company DHL to create a capsule collection that became an instant sensation in the fashion industry.
The Vetements x DHL collaboration features a range of oversized Vetements hoodies, t-shirts, and bombers, all of which are emblazoned with the iconic DHL logo. The collection also includes accessories such as socks, caps, and belt bags that bear the same logo. The garments are made with high-quality materials and feature bold, eye-catching graphics that are a trademark of Vetements.
What makes this collaboration so iconic is its ability to turn something as mundane as a shipping company’s logo into a fashion statement. Vetements designer Demna Gvasalia, known for his irreverent approach to fashion, saw the DHL logo as a symbol of globalism and turned it into a symbol of high fashion.
The Vetements x DHL collaboration was not just a fashion statement, but it also challenged the traditional idea of luxury fashion. The collection was intentionally priced lower than Vetements regular collections, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The collaboration quickly gained popularity among fashion enthusiasts, and the pieces sold out within hours of their release. Celebrities like Kanye West and Rihanna were spotted wearing the Vetements x DHL garments, further solidifying the collection’s place in streetwear history.
Comme des Garcons x Nike
The Comme des Garcons x Nike collaboration in 2017 was one of the most unexpected collaborations in streetwear history. The collection featured the Nike Air VaporMax, which was given a unique Comme des Garcons twist, with a completely blacked-out design and CDG branding on the tongue. The collaboration showcased the power of collaboration and how it can create new and exciting designs that capture the imagination of fashion enthusiasts.
KAWS x Uniqlo
KAWS is a New York-based artist who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Nike, Comme des Garcons, and A Bathing Ape. However, his collaboration with Uniqlo in 2016 was one of his most significant. The collection featured a range of affordable T-shirts and hoodies that showcased KAWS’ signature graphics and designs. The collaboration was significant in that it made KAWS’ artwork accessible to a wider audience and showcased the power of collaborations to democratize fashion.
BAPE x Adidas
BAPE’s collaboration with Adidas in 2016 was another significant moment in streetwear history. The collaboration featured the Adidas NMD sneaker, which was given a unique BAPE twist, with a camouflage print and signature BAPE branding. The collaboration was a testament to the power of collaborations to create unique and exciting products that appeal to fans of both brands.
Stussy x Nike
Stussy’s collaboration with Nike in 2000 was one of the earliest examples of a streetwear brand collaborating with a major sportswear label. The collection featured a range of sneakers and apparel that blended Stussy’s distinct aesthetic with Nike’s performance-driven design. The collaboration was a significant moment in streetwear history and helped pave the way for future collaborations between streetwear and sportswear brands.
