Supreme's story in a new Phaidon book explores its art world roots
The newly released Phaidon book, 'James Jebbia – Supreme,' details the evolution of the streetwear label from its inception in New York in 1994 to its current valuation of $1 billion as a global sensation. It showcases Supreme's strong connections to the art community, featuring partnerships with notable artists such as Cindy Sherman, HR Giger, and the Chapman Brothers. In the introduction, art critic Carlo McCormick reflects on Keith Haring's Pop Shop on Lafayette Street, the site of Supreme's inaugural store, highlighting Haring's view of commercial ventures as a form of expression. The book also includes a poem by Harmony Korine, whose works, including 'Kids' and 'Spring Breakers,' resonate with Supreme's rebellious spirit. Founder James Jebbia, awarded by the CFDA in 2018, asserts that Supreme transcends fashion. The brand has expanded to locations including Los Angeles (2004), London (2011), Paris (2016), and Brooklyn (2017), with a 50% stake acquired by the Carlyle Group in 2017, affirming its $1 billion valuation.
Key facts
- Supreme was founded in 1994 by James Jebbia in New York.
- The first store opened on Lafayette Street, same street as Keith Haring's Pop Shop (1986).
- The book 'James Jebbia – Supreme' is published by Phaidon (London, 2020).
- Artists collaborating with Supreme include Cindy Sherman, HR Giger, Raymond Pettibon, Larry Clark, Nan Goldin, John Baldessari, Dash Snow, Harmony Korine, Urs Fischer, and the Chapman Brothers.
- Art critic Carlo McCormick wrote the introduction, quoting Keith Haring on commercial projects.
- Harmony Korine contributed a poem to the book.
- Supreme expanded to Los Angeles (2004), London (2011), Paris (2016), Tokyo (Harajuku, Daikanyama, Shibuya), Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Brooklyn (2017).
- The Carlyle Group acquired 50% of Supreme in 2017, valuing the brand at $1 billion.
Entities
Artists
- James Jebbia
- Keith Haring
- Carlo McCormick
- Haze
- Futura
- Cindy Sherman
- HR Giger
- Raymond Pettibon
- Larry Clark
- Nan Goldin
- John Baldessari
- Dash Snow
- Harmony Korine
- Urs Fischer
- Chapman Brothers
- Gus Van Sant
- Werner Herzog
Institutions
- Supreme
- Phaidon
- CFDA
- Carlyle Group
- Pop Shop
- Mostra del Cinema di Venezia
Locations
- New York
- Lafayette Street
- Los Angeles
- London
- Paris
- Tokyo
- Harajuku
- Daikanyama
- Shibuya
- Nagoya
- Osaka
- Fukuoka
- Brooklyn
- United States
- United Kingdom
- France
- Japan