10 Upcoming Streetwear Designers You Should Check Out
Meet the Creators
Streetwear is a powerful movement that knows no labels. Whether young or old, you can always throw on a graphic tee with some skinnies and create a dope look. Today, streetwear has canceled the modern day-to-day formality and elevated self expression through garments. Because the movement is so broad it’s quite easy to overlook or miss out on fire pieces and brands. So, here are 5 upcoming brands you might want to check out.
Fruition NYC
Fruition NYC is an urban streetwear brand that is dedicated to inspiring people to chase their dreams. Founded in 2014, it's following has grown consistently, often referencing political and social issues in it's designs. The versatile brand features a kids line, Fruition Kids, as well as Fruition Sport. "We want you to feel something when you look at our pieces." Says the website. "Whether it's good or bad. When you wear it we want you to feel like you're a part of something bigger."Favorite Piece: Do the Right Thing T-shirt[gallery type="rectangular" size="full" ids="8117,8115,8116,8118,8119"]Photos by @nej.world
STXNE ARCHITECT
Quality accessories make a good fit a great fit. This is a fact that founder DaiSean Roberts gets, and his brand STXNE ARCHITECT is a major key to pulling off your look. The brand is comprised of quality shades and frames that, as they would say, "Strategically Design and Structure Your Being." STXNE ARCHITECT's designs are informed by art, film, architecture, and fashion. Each product tells a story of its own, and each product is exclusively selected to coincide with your personal style.Favorite piece: The architect specs volume 2[gallery type="rectangular" size="full" ids="8121,8125,8122,8123,8124"]Photos by @devgatling
Freedom of Speech NY
The NY based brand's mantra is "Community Commerce Saves Poverty" and they embody this approach with their designs. They've made powerful statements with their "Racism Sucks" and "Black Male, Endangered Species" designs. We love that they pay homage to the legends as well. Icons like Keith Haring, Basquiat, Dapper Dan and Mike Tyson are often referenced in their work.Favorite piece: Scrapbook tee[gallery type="rectangular" size="full" ids="8127,8128,8129,8130,8131"]Creds: @findrskeepers
JJGRANT NYC
The brand has it's own interesting narrative starring three robots, JJ, Ella and Amigo. Each Robot has a backstory, which is featured prominently into the designs. In their new collection "LOVE IS IN THE AIR" JJGRANT features handmade products in which no two shirt is the same. The brand takes a unique approach with everything from b-ball shorts to hats and wall art. What we found incredible though, are their sweatshirts. The quality and detail that goes into these designs are dope as hell. Kudos to the creator @just__quay for this great concept.Favorite Piece: RR Crewneck[gallery size="full" type="rectangular" ids="8133,8134,8135,8136,8137"]Creds: @flicksnkicks
The Crate NY
The Crate NY is running things in Far Rock, as the Queens based brand is synonymous with NY culture. Worn by names like Fivio Foreign and Carmelo Anthony, their consistency and high quality make them stand out. As of recently, they've put out some extremely relevant and timely pieces, like their "Enough is Enough" series. The series consists of three tees, each containing commentary of the times in 2020. With proceeds going to their youth team "Team Crate", this is a brand that's by the culture, for the culture.Favorite Piece: The Crate De La White[gallery type="rectangular" size="full" ids="8138,8139,8140,8141,8142"]Creds: @polarbearflare
SleptOnClothing- Jermori Caldwell (BIGSlepton)
The Thibodaux, Louisiana native biggest focus is to speak to people through his clothing. “My brand represents home for me. Where I’m from not too many people will believe in you until you make it a reality.” SleptOnClothing is an underground movement pushing the slogan “Liked by few. Targeted by many. Slepton by all.” You can find custom hoodies, graphic tees, nite caps, urban button downs and even keychains. “I get to show my creativity which is something that’s timeless.” One of Caldwells biggest goals is to create an actual powerhouse entitled “The Slepton Headquarters” where you can find studios, a clothing warehouse and even just a place to chill. Don’t sleep. Follow @weareslepton to get with the movement. 
Krafted World - Micah McAfee
The 19 year old designer, from Atlanta Georgia is perfecting his kraft through his creative euphoria. This isn’t your average clothing line that consists of fire tees or cool hoodies. You can also purchase graphic rugs and custom artwork. Krafted World is a staple for artists and creatives who are proud to be different. For Micah, streetwear is an all around vibe that allows him to creatively speak through what is to him, a community. “I know how it feels to be in isolation because you’re different. I know how it feels to have someone count you out” he says “ the biggest message I want people to feel is the feeling of creative confidence within not only yourself but also your brand.” You can check out his art on IG @thankyoukrafted. https://www.instagram.com/p/CBYrUzJpdw4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
One Thousand- Taghi Cundiff
When you get tired of the same ole clothes at the mall you should get like Taghi Cundif and create your own. “ The clothes that I could afford were watered down and I wanted to be able to fully control the quality and language of what I’m wearing.” To him, fashion isn't’ something he expertilizes in. Instead he views himself as “an artist whose canvas and media happens to be clothing design.” Specializing in 1 of 1 pieces, One Thousand dedicates its services to giving people what Cundiff didn’t have at one point of time: freedom to build their own ideas and pieces from scratch. The brand bases its ideals around keeping it super real at all times. If you’re looking for something hip-hop cultural and stylish for the everyday use, go check out @thousandfeu on the gram!
Sensitive Creatures - Darius Rosario
Sensitive Creatures is a brand that derived from Rosarios’ parents always calling him emotional. “All of us humans are creatures of habit and being sensitive was my habit.” At the core, the line represents the freedom of self expression and shines awareness on mental health. “I want to have my own clothing store and studio of course but the big picture is to have mental health institutions/services to help those in need.” If you’re into meaningful and blunt expressions then you’ll definitely want to cop a piece or two. “What makes sensitive creatures special is that it comes from a real person that has a big heart and wants to do good for people” Rosario says “ It’s going to inspire others to want to love themselves more and love everyone else too.” Follow @susboydarius to see more of Sensitive Creatures. 
Above The Norm - Ramson “Token” Harris
The last brand but certainly not the least is ran by the 26 year-old street designer from Kansas City, Missouri. Growing up in the Midwest, Harris always felt like he wasn’t normal or didn’t fit in. While his classmates were worried about parties, gossip or pointless relationships Harris was always thinking ‘Above the Norm” which led to his start in streetwear. “With the messages that sometimes are displayed through certain streetwear brands & alone just the impact to the youth/young adult community I just knew this is where I belonged.” A.T.N encourages its wearers to push the boundaries of the normal which are inspired from Harris’s personal experiences/inspiration. In 5 years, Harris hopes to see at least one of his garments on a majority of his targeted audience when he enters music festivals/shows.For more on Above The Norm, follow @abovethenorm.us
For more lists of dope creatives check here: https://grittyvibes.com/2020/06/heres-100-black-artists-to-support-this-juneteenth/
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