None
I recently took the time to pen an essay on Supreme's legacy, the origins of their rise into the mainstream spotlight and what effect that might have on their reputation in the coming years. While I dealt with the broad strokes of what it means for a label of any kind to be "cool," I did not explore the specific garments, items and products that earned Supreme their now legendary status. When ranking the 50 greatest Supreme products of all time, I relished the opportunity to further investigate the idea of what exactly makes Supreme so special.
When evaluating any brand's legacy based on signature pieces, we need to use both a micro and macro lens— within the vacuum of the brand itself and its resonance with the outside world. In the case of Supreme this means two things: 1. "How did an item help build Supreme's own reputation?" and 2. "How did an item impact the broader environment of streetwear, fashion and culture in general?" Naturally, the "eye test" also comes into play. Meaning, "Was this shit cool?" because, of course, the "best" pieces are ultimately the ones that we remember most. At the end of the day, ranking anything via superlatives such as "greatest" and "worst" opens the floodgates of subjectivity. No list such as this will ever be entirely satisfactory to everyone. With that said, this list is pretty fucking on point—just something to consider before you take your box logo torches to the comments.
Jake Woolf is a writer living in New York City. You can read his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.
Leopard Print 5 Panel, 2011
50. Leopard Print 5 Panel, 2011
Tyler, The Creator donned the now famous "Feathers Cap" in his notorious music video "Yonkers," but when he wore this leopard brimmed 5 panel at the 2011 MTV VMA's, it signaled a tipping point in Supreme's legacy. In this case, it's not so much the hat itself that earns it a spot amongst the Top 50, but simply the mass media context in which it was consumed by culture at large. In the weeks following the VMA's the hat would drop and sell out in mere minutes (not a first for the label, of course) and would be seen on the heads of both diehards and those who had never heard of Supreme before. For better or for worse, that makes this hat special.
Supreme x Padamore And Barnes Sahara Boot, 2001
49. Supreme x Padamore And Barnes Sahara Boot, 2001
Before the release of the Padamore and Barnes x Supreme Sahara Boots, every garment the label had released up until that point could arguably be considered traditional skate gear. While Supreme's M65 jackets and chinos are more "lifestyle" pieces, at the end of the day you could still skate in them. The same cannot be said for the above, a leather crepe-soled boot. They signaled a definitive shift in the brand's offerings, transforming Supreme into an all encompassing one stop shop for skaters and non-skaters alike.
Supreme x Playboy Jacket, 2011
48. Supreme x Playboy Jacket, 2011
When this jacket dropped in 2011 no one had any reason to pick up a physical Playboy because INTERNETZ, but the brand's own legacy combined with Supreme's lead to one of the cleanest and most unexpected collaborations in recent memory. The two brands are similar in many ways, conveying a counter-culture brand image on their surface, while delivering true substance within. All that combined with the simplicity of two iconic logos lead to one of the most objectively "good looking" pieces the label has ever created.
Supreme x Everlast Boxing Gloves, 2008
47. Supreme x Everlast Boxing Gloves, 2008
Supreme's strength when it comes to their collaborative efforts has always been their knack for working with unexpected, often non-clothing brands. As much was certainly the case with Everlast, one of the world's top boxing brands. While it seems somewhat random that a boxing company would team up with a skate shop, when you step back you see that throwing punches has long been Supreme's game, this makes complete sense.
Supreme x Nike Air Trainer 2, 2007
46. Supreme x Nike Air Trainer 2, 2007
The Supreme x Nike Dunks from 2002 get all the shine, and we'll get to those later, but another strong collaborative effort between the two brands came in the form of these Air Trainer 2's. Nearly every collab between Supreme and Nike has been a success, perhaps the one exception being 2010's Supreme x Nike SB 94 that delivered more on technology than style. The Air Trainer 2's, on the other hand, are a classic Nike silhouette that is seldom used, which is exactly why Supreme used it.
Hebrew Box Logo Tee, 2004
45. Hebrew Box Logo Tee, 2004
Shalom, Hypebeasts. The inspiration for this tee could have come from a handful of sources—the constant political unrest in the state of Israel to an homage to The Chosen People in downtown Manhattan—but really, it's simply one of those classic Supreme tees that is simply dope. Sure, this came after the "Arabic Tee," a design that has been revisited multiple times since its initial release in 1994, but in many ways that makes the Hebrew box logo all the more #rare.
NY & LA Old English Velvet Hat, 2007
44. NY & LA Old English Velvet Hat, 2007
Supreme always seems to wink at current trends in their designs (a floral print here, an ikat there), but their true genius has been their ability to predict trends sometimes 3, 4 or even 5 years out. Today, most "NY" or "LA" hats you see on the street come from 40OZ Van, but just know that Supreme was about that old-school font rep your city hat life all the way back in '07. Even better, their version came in a luxurious velvet. Apologies to your wholesale distributor in New Jersey.
Japan Box Logo Tee, 2011
43. Japan Box Logo Tee, 2011
The Japan box logo tee is really the only time the label has become directly involved with a political or social issue. In 2011, when an earthquake hit Japan and left much of the country devastated, it had particular meaning to Supreme. That's because the majority of their stores are located within the far east nation—Japan's obsessive Harajuku culture has been instrumental in Supreme's growth. This tee combined Japan's Rising Sun flag and Supreme's box logo to create what is truly a beautifully designed tee. All proceeds were donated to charity.
Stained Glass Tee, 2007
42. Stained Glass Tee, 2007
If you're a streetwear label that's hopping on the stained glass/religious print wave, then you deserve to know that you're late to the game. In fact, you're over 5 years too late thanks to this stained-glass raglan tee Supreme did in '07. This is simply another example of how Supreme's designs have set the tone for where streetwear, as an industry, desires to go, even when it takes famous rappers half a decade to take an idea mainstream.
Nate Lowman Deck, 2007
41. Nate Lowman Deck, 2007
It's actually surprising that it took Supreme until 2007 to commission a Nate Lowman skate deck. After all, the bullet hole motif featured on the deck has graced the walls of Supreme's OG location since the early days. Outside his work for Supreme, Nate Lowman is a world-renowned artist, if not as high-profile as some of Supreme's other collaborators. Lowman's work is as much a part of the brand's DNA as the TV's in the windows or the wall of skate decks in the back of their Lafayette St. store.
Public Enemy Vans Sk8-Hi, 2006
40. Public Enemy Vans Sk8-Hi, 2006
If there ever was a music group to overtly state their anti-establishment ethos, it's Public Enemy. In 2006, Supreme had just come off their "Fuck Bush" campaign and must have been feeling rather angry in general because, rather than lay off their anti-government brand messaging, they decided to re-up by teaming up with hip-hop's most notorious crew. The collection spanned a tee, hoodie and accessories, but the standout amongst the offerings were these Vans Sk8-Hi's featuring Public Enemy's own iconic imagery.
Supreme x Umbro Soccer Jersey, 2005
39. Supreme x Umbro Soccer Jersey, 2005
What do a downtown NYC skateboard label and a global soccer brand have in common? Not much by my estimation. And that's exactly what makes this jersey so great. It also utilized Supreme's iconic Arabic logo—another move with seemingly no basis, but the end result of looking fucking awesome. In 2005, America was on its latest failed attempt to make its citizens give a shit about soccer, and while this jersey didn't exactly change anyone's opinions, it proved, once again, that Supreme can literally work with anyone at any time and turn out product that is highly covetable.
Supreme x Comme Des Garcons SHIRT Polka Dot Hoodie, 2012
38. Supreme x Comme Des Garcons SHIRT Polka Dot Hoodie, 2012
There was a time when high-fashion labels looked down upon streetwear, viewing it as the representation of the kind of people they didn't want to see wearing their own clothing. Brands like Louis Vuitton sued Supreme in 2000 for mimicking their logo, taking offense to the homage. By 2012, that stigma had been lifted, leading world-renowned label Comme Des Garcons to collaborate with Supreme on a full capsule collection. The polka dot hoodie is the standout because it was cleanest of all. Today, the world of high fashion openly apes established streetwear tropes *cough Givenchy cough*, making millions in the process thanks to their ridiculous markups.
Leather Bomber, 2008
37. Leather Bomber, 2008
Military basics have always been the guiding force behind Supreme's collections, this leather bomber serving as a prime example. There's nothing tricky or unnecessary about it, it's just a really solid looking leather jacket. How does that justify its place in the top 50? Although Supreme's hype will always be built around graphics and logos, they do a lot of basics better than brands focusing solely on those very items. When a leather jacket this good is your side hustle, you know you're doing something right.
Supremes Tee, 2002
36. Supremes Tee, 2002
At first glance this tee is sort of "cute," but it also reflects just how wide Supreme's view of cultural icons spans. Endorsing female soul singers from the '70s is part of the package. Showing your respect for like hip-hop in streetwear is fine, if not a little obvious. And Supreme is never obvious. The fact that their names are the same is just extra.
Keith Haring Tee, 1998
35. Keith Haring Tee, 1998
In 2013, Keith Haring is so fucking played out it’s not even funny. But in 1998, the memory of the iconic artist was still somewhat fresh and his "pop shop" was still open just up the street on Lafayette. Keith Haring was undoubtedly a great artist and it's a shame that his iconic imagery has become so ubiquitous and over-saturated. Supreme's own 2009 Keith Haring collection in many ways contributed to this over-exposure, but that's a conversation for another time. This tee, released eleven years earlier, captured some of the last moments Keith Haring's work felt completely honest.
Tree Back Backpack, 2006
34. Tree Back Backpack, 2006
Supreme has had some of their most creative design expressed through accessories, backpacks in particular. In 2006, their backpacks were widely accepted as some of the best, and not just in streetwear, but in general. The quality was on point and the designs were stellar. Perhaps the best backpacks during this era was the tree bark backpack, a refreshingly clever design that would be welcomed with open arms in an over-camouflaged 2013.
Raekwon Tee, 2005
33. Raekwon Tee, 2005
From the Mike Tyson tee in '07, to the Kate Moss tee redux of 2012, Supreme's photo-print tees have been iconic staples not only in clothing, but as landmarks across New York as bootleg posters and billboards. The photo that started it all was the above picture of Raekwon and his bodyguard by Kenneth Capello in 2005. It might not be the most recognizable of the bunch, but it set the stage for a new Supreme staple vital to the brand's continued success. And you get points for that.
Miles Davis Tee, 2008
32. Miles Davis Tee, 2008
Miles Davis is credited with "The Birth of The Cool" and in many ways Supreme has carried the torch and kept the cool, well, ice cold. Again, Supreme flexed its cultural muscle on this one, paying homage to one of the greatest musicians of all time and, in turn, acknowledged iconic culture outside of the black hole we call streetwear. The tee was released with a re-issue of Davis' classic Kind of Blue LP. Above all, it conveyed one of the most powerful messages of all—style is never just about one's clothes. It's about how one expresses themselves through what they create.
Supreme x Oakley, 2007
31. Supreme x Oakley, 2007
If you're wearing Oakley's in 2013, then what the fuck are you doing, bruh bruh? But back in 2007, even the most dickheadish menswear nerds have to admit they were having a moment. The one style that bridged the gap between frat bros and streetwear fiends was the Frogskin, Oakley's tricked out wayfarer. Supreme presented the sunglasses in their best colorways to date, proving once and for all that they're not just good at recognizing which brands are cool NOW, but can give any brand the extra push they need to become next level.
"Denver Nuggets" Basketball Jersey, 2003
30. "Denver Nuggets" Basketball Jersey, 2003
10 years later, I'm realizing just how much I dropped the ball on the throwback jersey wave. I had this one "Carr 34" Cavs jersey that was 20 sizes too big that I never wore, but that was about it. Back in '03, Supreme capitalized on the throwback movement with this Denver Nuggets inspired basketball jersey. I imagine that at the time, copping this was a way to completely murder your throwback game—a sort of wink that you were about that life, but weren't about to ever actually set foot inside of a Modell's.
George Condo Deck, 2010
29. George Condo Deck, 2010
These decks came out in May of 2010 and Kanye West's instant classic, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, was released in November of the same year. Simple mathematics will lead you to conclude that Supreme is cooler than Kanye West. Condo's bizarre portraits make him a true artist in ways that Damien Hirst is not, even if Hirst's decks were 100 times more desirable.
Nunchucks, 2010
28. Nunchucks, 2010
In theory, kicking someone's ass with these would be the dopest shit ever. In actual practice, overweight nerds probably bought these, and they now sit in their top drawer next to a bunch of Old Navy boxers. But their sheer potential for awesomeness, which emphasizes Supreme's ability to slap their logo on anything to create some semblance of subversive greatness, is they're #28.
Takashi Murakami Skate Deck, 2007
27. Takashi Murakami Skate Deck, 2007
These decks came out in early 2007. Ye's Graduation came out in September 2007. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'!
Supreme x Rizzoli Book, 2010
26. Supreme x Rizzoli Book, 2010
For a brand with such a rich history and list of memorable moments as Supreme, my biggest biggest issue with this book is that it was made too soon. Regardless, it gives a thorough retrospective of the label and the most complete story of its often fragmented and mythologized history. It packs a foreword by Glenn O'Brien and an interview with Supreme founder James Jebbia by world-renowned artist KAWS. Without this book as reference, this very list would have been absolutely impossible to put together.
Arabic Tee, 1999
25. Arabic Tee, 1999
The reason Supreme decided to re-imagine their logo in Arabic is unclear, but it is one of the first such twists made to their name. Originally released in 1994, and then tweaked in 1999, the design is one the label keeps revisiting. As the years go by and tensions in the Middle East grow tighter, its message becomes more relevant. The logo was most recently used during Supreme's Spring/Summer 2012 collection and fit perfectly into the Middle Eastern/Persian theme.
Supreme x Neighborhood, 2006
24. Supreme x Neighborhood, 2006
Neighborhood is one of those legendary Japanese brands that you will see 1000 times on Tumblr before you see a single piece in person. Even in 2006, before we all got blog crazy, Neighborhood had a reputation for producing some of the coolest garments on the market that you could never find, buy and afford. When Supreme teamed up with the Japanese label, it created a level of hype that has seldom been rivaled by any subsequent collaborative effort. This T-shirt was particularly badass and allowed fiends stateside to finally acquire a piece of the action. For the record though, the jeans from this collab were fucking stupid expensive.
Supreme x North Face Skyline Jacket, 2008
24. Supreme x North Face Skyline Jacket, 2008
THIS JACKET IS SO FUCKING SICK. AND IT'S MADE WITH GORE-TEX AND SHIT. PRINTED MOTHERFUCKING GORE-TEX. NYC. SKYLINE. ON. A. JACKET. CASE. CLOSED.
Supreme x Brooklyn Machine Works Bike, 2000
22. Supreme x Brooklyn Machine Works Bike, 2000
It's crazy to think that in 2000 biking didn't have this whole hipster stigma surrounding it because hipsters weren't really a thing yet. Brooklyn was still Brooklyn and not "Manhattan 2.0". Without diving into a gentrification tirade and all that nonsense, this bike was simply really well made and insanely exclusive (it was only sold/gifted to friends and family). They retailed for $1800, so if you are one of the few people that owns one of these, I hope you're actually riding around shining.
Chinos, 1995
21. Chinos, 1995
Supreme's chinos are probably the one guaranteed non-box logo "sell-out" for the label. People fucking love these. That's because these pants are some of the best fitting, well-made pants available at a digestible price point. They often feature a reinforced seat, which, as stated earlier, is inspired by military garments. They're a straight fit so they'll never go out of style and are the perfect item for someone who wants to wear Supreme but is a little too old for a camp cap, which is, like, at least 25% percent of people who wear camp caps.
Supreme x Nike SB Varsity, 2007
20. Supreme x Nike SB Varsity, 2007
Fuck, when are we going to get to THE Supreme x Nike SB collab? Be patient, young Hypebeast, be patient. Until then, take a look at how amazing this Nike SB x Supreme varsity jacket from 2007 happens to be. What's so great about this particular jacket? It got right to point when that was still a legal move in the collabo game. Nowadays, simply slapping your name on a jacket would be considered lazy, but when your names are as meaningful as Nike and Supreme, you can pretty much do whatever you want. This is one of those genuinely timeless pieces that is best appreciated years later on gooey sentimental lists such as this one.
Ceramic Ashtray, 2012
19. Ceramic Ashtray, 2012
From personal experience I can tell you that this tray is heavier than an actual Hermes version it's based on. I don't know if that's good or bad when it comes to ceramics, I'm just giving you those hard-hitting journalistic facts. The reason this ceramic tray, which is obvious not clothing, a collaboration or even from pre-2000, cracks the top 20 is because it signifies Supreme's slow and steady crawl from skateboard label to full-service lifestyle powerhouse. A Supreme ashtray might seem frivolous, but that's kinda the point. Only brands who've earned the right to can move merchandise like ceramics. Granted, let's not be play coy—potheads bought this thing just to Instagram super sick pics of their blunt. #Supreme #Tray #Flex #Luxurious #Frivolous #Swag
Kermit Tee, 2008
18. Kermit Tee, 2008
Something about the Kermit Tee felt like Supreme was just flexing that they could work with anyone they wanted to. I mean, the fucking Muppets? Just to make sure the stunting was at an all-time high, Supreme enlisted none other than Terry Richardson to shoot the accompanying photos. To date, this is the most iconic photo tee released by the label, in part because of its insanity, but mostly because of its brilliance.
KAWS Skate Deck, 2001
17. KAWS Skate Deck, 2001
In 2001, Brian Donelly aka KAWS was far from a household name. Rather, he was just starting to make a name for himself as a street artist and toying with the idea of crossing into the gallery scene. Before that all happened, Supreme enlisted the young artist to create two skate decks. In this case, Supreme chose to work with an artist based on their potential for greatness rather than the greatness they had already achieved. And that's what makes these so special.
Buck Knife, 2009
16. Buck Knife, 2009
I wonder how many parents flipped the F out when they found out their 16-year-old was carrying around a buck knife. "But Mom, it's Supreme! And I already copped it!" The Supreme buck knife is legendary because streetwear labels always like to play the tough guy, but that shit is usually all talk. I'm not saying Supreme was encouraging stabbings, just that when I do eventually go out, I hope it’s at the hands of someone with a Supreme buck knife, so I can die with v rare levels of swag, bruh.
OG Varsity Jacket, 1997
15. OG (?) Varsity Jacket, 1997
I'll be honest, I don't know much about this varsity. Sorry, streetwear scholars, for I have failed you. What I do know is that this is one of the few Supreme items to be explicitly limited (100 pieces total). Typically, Supreme items have an implied limited quantity, but the specific numbers are left unknown. In this case, each jacket had a patch on the sleeve depicting which of the 100 it was, which is fucking incredible because no one does shit like that anymore. Additionally, the fact that this was one of the first ever varsity jackets released by the label set the stage for what would continue to be of their best items released year after year—a good move whether it's 1994 or 2013.
Damien Hirst Skate Deck, 2009
14. Damien Hirst Skate Deck, 2009
Ah, the most hyped of all the Supreme skate deck collaborations. The story goes that Damien Hirst claimed he didn't want to see these decks on eBay or in galleries, both of which obviously happened anyway. At the time of their release, Hirst was the biggest names (read: Trolls) in art, which translated into resale values in the multiple thousands. Today, you can own of these decks for the reasonable price of $1800, which were recently on display at The New Museum. These decks validated Supreme as not just a brand, but as a curator of culture at the highest level.
Motion Parka, 2010
13. Motion Parka, 2010
The motion logo was inspired by the opening sequence of Martin Scorsese’s classic mafia film GoodFellas and first appeared on a Supreme T-shirt in 1998, but had you not known that, you probably would still think this parka was incredible. And that's because it is.Supreme's fishtail are always on point, sometimes boasting details like oxford cloth lining or detachable fur collars. Of all of them, the motion parka combined Supreme's two best traits: Iconic graphics and military grade construction.
Fuck Em Rug, 2009
12. Fuck Em! Rug, 2009
Anyone who's ever been to a Supreme store knows that this "welcome mat" is the perfect representation of the atmosphere. Unless you're friends with an employee, they can be assholes, which is really refreshing as someone who shops a lot. From Supreme's perspective, if a customer likes something they'll buy it and if they don't, well, then "Fuck 'Em!" I'm not sure a rug has ever better summed up what a particular brand is all about.
Supreme x Budweiser, 2008
11. Supreme x Budweiser, 2008
Even if you don't like beer (and, obviously, having fun), you gotta admit that Budweiser is about as American as it gets. Supreme might not be as pro-America, but they're certainly pro-sentiment, and Budweiser packs a whole lot of that. Their logo, like Supreme's, is basic and classic, which lends itself to one of the most iconic all-over-print items the label has ever produced. Right before the Americana movement changed modern menswear forever, 'Preme was, as always, already setting the tone.
Supreme x visvim, 2008
10. Supreme x visvim, 2008
Supreme x visvim was a Hypebeast's wet dream. Actually, wet dream doesn't even begin to cut it. In a world of covetable swag and limited runs, Supreme and visvim are the best at what they do and in a class all their own. Admittedly, this collaboration happened in a different era of visvim, before Hiroki Nakamura became obsessed with the Great Plains and started charging a first-born child for ever pair of socks. At the time, visvim was much more streetwear than menswear, relying on logos and clean lines more than fabrications and authentic production methods. Regardless, its elite reputation combined with Supreme's own created the perfect storm of hype and anticipation. The designs were arguably some of the best Supreme has ever seen, particularly in the jacket and 5-panel.
Calendars, 2001-2005
9. Calendars, 2001-2005
Over the course of a five-year span, Supreme released a yearly calendar shot by various high-profile photographers. The general idea was, and correct me if I'm wrong, ASS AND TITTIES. My personal favorite was 2005 because it featured the best lighting, theme and…PSYCH! Shit was bangin'. On a more serious note, the Supreme calendars were a polarizing item—often considered downright misogynistic. Regardless, they reminded people that Supreme is not afraid to do what they want. I mean, chances are people will buy it either way.
Illegal Business Controls America, 2003/2007
8. Illegal Business Controls America, 2003/2007
In 2003, Supreme released a photo-print tee depicting financial broker Igor Kotlyar in handcuffs following his conviction for fraud. In the photo, Igor wears a Supreme box logo T-shirt—a prime example of Supreme's ability to capitalize on a PR moment thanks to sheer luck. The subsequent photo tee, "Illegal Business Controls America," came out late that year and that theme was capitalized (no pun intended) on once more, this time in hoodie form, 4 years later. At the time, all-over print hoodies were going strong thanks to Bape. Supreme's subversive wink at the trend was a stroke of genius.
Fuck Bush Sticker, 2005
7. Fuck Bush Sticker, 2005
This is the most direct political statement Supreme has ever made on record. In 2005, George W. Bush had just been elected to his second term in office and the U.S. was balls deep in Iraq. For what it's worth the economy was doing alright! But as pressures mounted against Bush for what people were slowly starting to realize was an unjust war, Supreme decided to cut to the chase and say what every liberal in NYC (aka everyone) was thinking: Yo, fuck this asshole.Rather than put their message on a tee and sell a couple hundred, Supreme distributed thousands of stickers that ended up on subway platforms, bike racks, buildings, taxi cabs and, yeah, quite a few skateboards.
OG Kate Moss Tee, 2004
6. OG Kate Moss Tee, 2004
I suspect a lot of people who grabbed the 2012 Supreme Kate Moss Tee don't know the story behind Kate Moss and Supreme. In 1994, Calvin Klein ran an advertisement campaign featuring the young model. Supreme had just opened, and slowly but surely the brands logo began to appear around the city in the form of box logo stickers. It just happened to be that a favorite location for these stickers were over those very prominent Kate Moss ads. Calvin Klein got their panties in a bunch and sued Supreme. 10 years later in 2004, they got the last laugh by releasing a T-shirt featuring the image of Kate Moss with their logo over her lady bits. This design is truly THE iconic Supreme x Kate Moss because it wasn't really designed at all. Rather, it evolved organically out of the brand's culture and helped the box logo become an iconic symbol of rebellion.
"Louis Vuitton" Skate Deck, 2004
5. "Louis Vuitton" Skate Deck, 2004
Supreme has been sued a few times, but perhaps no instance is more noteworthy than the time they had to recall hundreds of decks that donned a motif Louis Vuitton felt was a little too close to home for their comfort. This deck is the highest of any on the list because of its place within the greater cultural landscape. As I've already mentioned, years later streetwear brands are still trying to make a quick buck by reinterpreting high-fashion logos, which to Supreme is a very, very old game.
Travis Bickle Tee, 1994
4. Travis Bickle Tee, 1994
As the first tee Supreme ever produced, it’s hard not to put this very close to the top—this is truly the tee that started it all. Before there was even a regular box logo tee, the Travis Bickle T-shirt conveyed from the jump that Supreme was a brand of refined tastes (Taxi Driver is a classic flick after all), but, more importantly, a label that supports counterculture to the fullest.
OG Supreme x Nike Dunks, 2002
3. OG Supreme x Nike Dunks, 2002
There has been enough inked spilled about these sneakers, so I'll keep this brief. These are the greatest sneaker collaboration in history. Period. The fact that they warranted a 10 year anniversary is a testament to that fact. To this day, you will can find these sneakers retailing for upwards of $800. What's even crazier is that the color scheme was inspired by another legendary sneaker, the Air Jordan 3. In many cases that would mean the shoe would live in the shadow of its predecessor, but the Supreme Dunks, in many ways, have ascended their forefather. The fact that I'm still writing about these fucking things 11 years later is insane in its own right, is it not? In a broader context, these sneakers set the stage for the clusterfuck of sneaker collaborations that would follow—a blessing and a curse of its power.
OG Box Logo Apparel, 1994
2. OG Box Logo Apparel, 1994
There's a reason anything with a box logo on it sells out instantly. Supreme's uncompromising design aesthetic and overprotectiveness of their brand messaging has led to the most powerful symbol in all of streetwear and, arguably, fashion itself. When people say that the box logo is just a hype mechanism, they're completely wrong. Sure, of course there's hype that surrounds box logo gear (roughly 14 items on this list alone) because of the real connection people have with it and that goes way deeper than just design. What does the box logo really stand for? It's a funnel for the best forms of art and culture, packaged neatly into a red rectangle and a single, white Futura Bold Italic word. That's why the original box logo basics earn this slot. But not because it's somehow better than everything else below it. In fact, on the contrary, without the success of each and every item that dons a Supreme tag, the box logo gear would mean absolutely nothing.
Box Logo Sticker, 1994
1. Box Logo Sticker, 1994
The box logo sticker is the purest, most distilled version of Supreme anyone can own. Because of that it has afforded the label an endless amount of free promotion. Whether they know it or not, every single New Yorker has seen a box logo sticker in their lifetime—on a bus stop, laptop or even an ad for another brand. It's not just that the sticker is a gateway for unsuspecting consumers, luring them into the world of Supreme (which it certainly is), it's that the sticker succinctly brings together all of the things Supreme stands for—counter-culture, art, jazz, hip-hop, "fuck the police," Kermit the Frog, Taxi Driver, quality, style and, of course, skateboarding. After all, where clothes can only go as far as the person wearing them, a sticker, or perhaps, more simply put, a logo, can span cities, generations and culture itself. Honestly, it's the logos and the brands they represent that live inside of your heart more than they do on your chest. Love it or hate it, Supreme means something to you, and, yes, it's something as simple as a sticker that helps you remember.