There’s no denying the fashion world has been experiencing profound shifts in recent years. Luxury is no longer confined to stiff suits and cashmere sweaters. Thanks to trailblazers like Virgil Abloh of Off-White, casual favorites like hoodies, sweatpants, and t-shirts now sit at the forefront of the industry.
Of course, we’re not talking about any old t-shirt. We mean the designs crafted with ingenuity, boldness, and craftsmanship that rivals the renowned European luxury houses. These luxury streetwear brands and designers are making us question our entire perception of fashion, and we’re here for it.
This new niche in the industry is filled with talent, but there are a few names that especially stand out. Read on to discover the top five luxury streetwear brands that are redefining the industry for the better.
1. Off-White
No list of luxury streetwear brands would be complete without Off-White. Founded by visionary designer Virgil Abloh, Off-White was one of the first brands to merge streetwear with high fashion fully.
Abloh challenged the fashion world’s preconceived notions of luxury with Off-White, setting a new standard for streetwear and subsequently bringing on a wave of brands aspiring to do the same.
Much of Off-White’s fame can be attributed to successful collaborations with cultural icons, from renowned creatives like Takashi Murakami to beloved sportswear brands such as Nike and Champion. But the label’s irony-tinged in-house designs (the “everything in quotation marks” graphics and architecturally-inspired stripes) also gained them a cult following of celebrities, influencers, and streetwear enthusiasts across the globe, from Kanye West and Rihanna to athletes like Vasthi Cunningham and English Gardner.
The brand has faced challenges since Abloh’s unexpected passing in 2021, but its demand remains high under the helm of current creative director Ib Kamara. No matter what direction Off-White takes in the future, Abloh’s legacy and imprint on the luxury fashion world will never be forgotten.
The piece to buy:
2. Palm Angels
Inspired by the laidback energy and rebellious spirit of Venice Beach, Palm Angels offers the perfect blend of European luxury and California coolness.
The brand’s designs seem unapologetically American at first glance, drawing influences from LA’s vibrant skateboarding scene. But with a deeper look you’ll notice high quality materials and advanced craftsmanship techniques that prove its Italian heritage.
Founded by former Moncler photographer Francesco Ragazzi in 2015, Palm Angels has quickly established itself as a leader in luxury streetwear. From graphic tees emblazoned with palm tree motifs to effortlessly cool track jackets, each piece takes classic elements of streetwear to a new level.
Like its contemporaries, Palm Angels has widened its reach and created hype through collaborations with skate and luxury fashion brands alike, from limited edition sneaker drops with Vans to capsule collections with Missoni and Moncler. But regardless of who the brand partners with, their bold designs always keep fans coming back for more.
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3. Arttitude
The luxury streetwear industry is already a place where two worlds collide, but Arttitude takes it a step further by adding art into the mix. The cutting-edge artwear label (a fusion of art and streetwear) acts as a bridge between street culture and art world, creating eye-catching pieces of wearable art through their limited-edition artist collaborations.
Founded by French designer, art aficionado, and entrepreneur Sylvain Castet, the brand is the first of its kind. At the heart of Arttitude lies a deep appreciation for art in all its forms. The brand’s ethos is rooted in the belief that fashion is not just about clothing but a form of art that allows individuals to express their personalities and emotions. With this philosophy in mind, Arttitude collaborates with artists from around the world to create exclusive collections. You’ll find the classics, like Caravaggio’s Saint Matthew, Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ and self-portraits by Salvador Dalí among contemporary figures from the global street art scene such as Eduardo Kobra and COVA.
Castet and his team believe that art shouldn’t be confined to galleries. Arttitude’s collections are striking evolutions of original art pieces, depicting, and recreating the stories told within the canvas onto ultra-wearable pieces. Arttitude brings the luxury with their premium materials, signature clothing lines and meticulous craftsmanship.
Based in California, each piece and series are made-to-order in the golden state using rare Supima (superior pima) cotton. To ensure the highest levels of quality and uniqueness, Arttitude releases items in limited editions and numbered drops, with no more than 300 units of any given piece ever created.
The piece to buy:
Amor Victorious Signature Hoodie- $675
4. Heron Preston
Looking for a streetwear brand that does things a little differently? Heron Preston will be right up your alley.
This eponymous label was founded by Virgil Abloh’s multi-talented protege Heron Preston. Aside from being a pioneer of sustainable luxury streetwear, the New York-based creative is also an artist, DJ, content creator, and overall icon.
Before branching out on his own in 2017, Preston worked as a consultant and merchandise designer for Kanye West while launching the creative collective #Been #Trill alongside Abloh. He had the connections and reputation to make a name for himself with that experience alone, but Preston has always been one to go above and beyond.
His first groundbreaking move was the release of UNIFORM, a zero-waste collection made in collaboration with the New York City Sanitation Department. The next was the official debut of Heron Preston, which he commemorated with a pop-up shop in Moscow, political tension and cultural stigma aside. Heron’s pieces are undeniably cool; the designer gives streetwear classics an avant-garde edge while challenging industry conventions through details like Russian logos and upcycled materials.
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5. RHUDE
RHUDE, founded by Rhuigi Villaseñor in 2015, is a design venture born out of Los Angeles, balancing luxury techniques with streetwear elements, showcased as ready-to-wear collections. Designed from a narrative standpoint RHUDE is both a reflection of modern socioeconomics and personal stories as Villaseñor came to Los Angeles.
RHUDE is not just a clothing brand; it’s a fusion of streetwear sensibilities, high fashion aesthetics, and a rebellious spirit. Inspired by Villaseñor’s eclectic upbringing and diverse influences, RHUDE blends elements of luxury with urban grit, resulting in garments that are both edgy and refined. From graphic tees to tailored outerwear, RHUDE pieces exude a sense of effortless cool, attracting a global following of fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and trendsetters alike.
With its bold designs and meticulous attention to detail, RHUDE continues to push boundaries and redefine contemporary menswear, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the fashion industry.
The piece to buy:
