Supreme’s ascent from neighborhood cult favorite to auction star is a master class in brand marketing, based on creating hard-to-build desire. Launched in New York City in 1994, the iconic streetwear brand with a subversive attitude has attracted a following that ranges from downtown skaters to fashion's elite.
After a short-lived stint as a salesman for downtown Manhattan store Parachute and running a Stüssy branch as well as his own retail outlet, Union, British ex-pat James Jebbia opened Supreme, “the cool, cool shop … no big brands or anything.” The founder and director sold skateboards and sneakers, beanies, tees and hoodies while movies like Mean Streets and loud hip-hop played in the background, attracting a young downtown crowd of skateboarders, artists and entrepreneurs who found the store’s counterculture ethos appealing.
With success came brand collaborations big and small — all tightly controlled by Jebbia, who is renowned for unfailing business instincts — ensuring waiting lists and lines at new product launches. A 2012 partnership with Comme des Garçons brought Supreme avant-garde fashion followers with deeper pockets.
“I don’t think enough people take risks, and when you do, people respond — in music, in art, in fashion,” Jebbia told Vogue. He seemed to be taking a risk working with big brands. But although some fans accused him of selling out with Supreme’s Fall/Winter 2017 collaboration with Louis Vuitton, most did not, including the winning bidder for the Malle trunk at Christie’s.
A curated “Artist Series” of Supreme skate decks was inaugurated in 2001 when the then-not-so-famous street artist KAWS, aka Brian Donnelly, designed his Chum boards, a pair of which, signed, went for $32,000, four times their estimate, at the “Handbags X Hype” sale. The series now includes creations by Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin, Damien Hirst, the Chapman Brothers and George Condo.
Find Supreme shirts, hoodies, jackets and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
$82Sale Price|25% Off
SUPREME The North Face metallic gold black logo 6 panel cap
By Supreme
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SUPREME The North Face metallic gold black logo 6 panel cap Reference: BSHW/A00137 Brand: Supreme Collection: The North Face Material: Nylon Color: Gold, Black Pattern: Solid Closure...
Hermès 2025 Chale Maxi Triangle Robe Legere Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Maxi Triangle scarf/shawl in cashmere (70%) and silk, featuring the Robe Légère print by Théo de Gueltzl in shades of orange on an ecru background, with hand-rolled orange edg...
BES BEN Chicago Whimsical Corn Stalk Hat c 1950s
By Bes-Ben
Located in University City, MO
BES BEN Chicago Whimsical corn stalk hat c 1950s The unique midcentury hat is designed with a collection of cloth corn husks with sprouting green cloth blades of grass Makes a charming kitschy 20th century hat collectible Bes Ben hats...
Flying Kliban Cat Hat
Located in New York, NY
Charming Straw hat with applied flying Kliban cat in mid flight chasing red string woven around brim. Motif is the famous flying cat by cartoonist Bernard Kliban. Perfect for channeling your future crazy cat...
Lanvin 2014 Chapeau Paille T58 Alber Elbaz Straw Hat US7.25 UK7.125 New in box
By Lanvin Paris, Alber Elbaz
Located in PARIS, FR
Lanvin SS2014 collection hat by Alber Elbaz in natural straw, Panama trilby style, adorned with a paisley scarf in shades of black, blue, white, and gray, with grosgrain ribbon for a...
Schiaparelli cloche hat by Elsa Schiaparelli 1950's
By Schiaparelli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SCHIAPARELLI - Collection circa 1950 under the artistic direction of Elsa Schiaparelli. Panama straw cloche hat with white organza trim. Made in France. Condition: Very good Dime...
NICK FOUGUET natural straw PEPE FANJUL Fedora Hat 57
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Nick Fouquet Pepe Fanjul fedora hat is crafted in natural straw (100%) with a hand-applied patina effect. It features a wide pink ribbon band layered with a slim ...
CHANEL hair clips spring 1997
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Hair clip barrette clear and gold Collection Spring 1997 Acrylic with mother of pearls effect Made in France cm. 10 x cm. 3,5 Excellent condition
Fendi Beige Animal Printed Hair Clip
By Fendi
Located in Paris, FR
Fendi Beige animal printed hair clip Hair Clip featuring a brown “FF” logo, a back hair bar-pin fastening. Circa 2000s. 100% acrylique In good vintage condition. Made in Italy W...
Yves Saint Laurent Boater Hat Decorated with a Pleated Navy Blue Ribbon
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent (Made in France) Boater hat decorated with a pleated navy blue ribbon. Runway model, ribbon N°612. Size 57. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition...
Italian Raffia Crochet and Sea Shell Beach Cap
Located in New York, NY
Italian Raffia Crochet and Sea Shell Pointy Beach Cap form the 1960's when people had wardrobes for off beach and cabana wear. Artisanal and charming It...
Emilio Pucci Merino Wool Knit Mod Print Beret w Pompom
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Gresham, OR
Emilio Pucci Merino Wool Knit Mod Print Beret w Pompom: Banded with rib knit. Unlined. A rare find for your inner Parisienne! US size Medium.
Edwardian Beehive Raffia Hat
Located in New York, NY
Charming Edwardian hat of natural woven raffia straw circa 1900 trimmed with massive peach silk velvet bow, naturalistic green glazed cotton leaves, and imitation moss stems. Black s...
new SUPREME The North Face metallic gold black logo 6 panel cap
By Supreme
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new SUPREME The North Face metallic gold black logo 6 panel cap Reference: BSHW/A00137 Brand: Supreme Collection: The North Face Material: Nylon Color: Gold, Black Pattern: Solid Clo...
SUPREME box logo black wool short beak elasticated back cap hat M L
By Supreme
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SUPREME box logo black wool short beak elasticated back cap hat M L Reference: LNKO/A00852 Brand: Supreme Material: Wool Color: Black Extra Detai...
Supreme Black Leather Men's Women's Baseball Cap Hat
By Supreme
Located in Charlotte, NC
CURATOR'S NOTES Supreme Black Leather Men's Women's Baseball Cap Hat Leather Embroidery Clamp closure Brim 2.75" Circumference 21"