This collab is one for the history books—but first, let’s take a trip down memory lane, back to the days of Proibito, a chain of designerwear stores that were dotted across the heart of London’s West End. Throughout the 1990s, when UK garage reigned supreme amongst Black and working-class youth, Proibito was one of the main spots that you would go to get your designer threads from, chief brand among them: Iceberg History.
The luxury clothing brand was founded in Italy by Guiliana Marchini and Silvano Gerani in 1974, and was known for its out-there, in-your-face designs. The addition of Looney Tunes character prints to form Iceberg History came in the early ‘90s, and was a major hit with U.S. rappers such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Lil’ Kim, before reaching British shores and becoming a staple within UK garage and, later down the line, grime.
Many would argue that the streets influence culture. Back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, before hip-hop was considered popular music, rappers were often influenced by the coolest people of their neighbourhood, which more often than not were the street-stars and hood legends. They were among those who had the financial freedom to purchase high-end fashion, and so the trickle down effect began.
In 2006, Lee, Mikey and Will—three young entrepreneurs from West London, inspired by the elders they saw growing up—joined creative forces to formulate what is today considered an iconic entity in and of itself: Trapstar, a London-based clothing and lifestyle brand which, 17 years later, continues to bridge the gap between streetwear and high fashion. For their latest drop, Trapstar has teamed up with Iceberg History for a new limited-edition capsule collection, featuring jumpers, tees, a jeans suit, and accessories.
