Wu-Tang Forever: The History of Wu Wear
By Jian DeLeon | Oct 12, 2011 | 12:27 pm | Permalink
Wu-Tang Clan executive producer Oliver "Power" Grant had always been looking for ways to channel the group's fame and prestige into other venues — one of which was clothing. In the mid-'90s, riding high off the success of Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Wu Wear was born. Envisioned as a full-on lifestyle brand, it eschewed the notions of collaborating with bigger companies and opted to sell its own branded clothing to capitalize on the group's success.
Wu Wear was the first in many future clothing lines started by rappers, and arguably one of the longest-lasting. Although its name and aesthetic has changed, notable collaborations with companies ranging from ALIFE to Nike as well as that iconic "W" logo have made it one of the most recognizable rap-derived brands around.
Complex sat down with Power and he told us about the brand's early days, the changing face of the fashion industry, the importance of working with the right people, and how the business has changed over the years. Read Wu-Tang Forever: The History of Wu Wear.
Interview by Jian DeLeon (@jiandeleon)
Cortney Akana October 13th, 2011 at 02:19 PM
I used to rock a 36 chambers hoodie in high school. I got a lot of compliments on it, but very few knew what it was about.
Linda Kearney October 14th, 2011 at 02:08 PM
I've always had trouble finding Wu Wear clothing. My husband & I love the label & music. We have all the music released by Wu Tang and Wu affiliates. We live in Buffalo, New York and can never find any clothing. Whenever the Wu has a concert here, they always sell out! Where's the love? If U C this, Rza....Hit up the Krudmart, Grant St., Buffalo, NY. Stock the shelves!!!
Mel Roman October 14th, 2011 at 02:30 PM
I have always wanted a hoddie or T-shirt but I never had the luck to find any wu-wear...
Christina October 14th, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Sorry, I was trying to reply to you and hit the wrong button. Wu-tang have been making clothing lately through Rocksmith...it's in their store in NY and you can find it online at places like: http://www.thegiantpeach.com/categories/Men%27s-Brands/Wu%252dTang-Clan/?sort=newest
Christina October 14th, 2011 at 04:04 PM
Wu have been making clothing lately via Rocksmith...you can find some here: http://www.thegiantpeach.com/categories/Men%27s-Brands/Wu%252dTang-Clan/?sort=newest
jahivre wyz' October 20th, 2011 at 04:48 PM
ayyo i have some wu clothings see my pictures on my fb search jahivre wyz' soon my website for my wu collection !!! B A M M M M !!! peace
Reece October 26th, 2011 at 02:24 AM
I still have my WuWear from the 90's, jeans, winter and leather jackets will never stop rocking it!!