Have you ever heard of James Jebbia and Shawn Stussy? These two names might not sound familiar to everyone, but in the world of streetwear fashion, they are pretty big deals.

They are the masterminds behind the global brand Supreme, and their partnership and relationship is what made Supreme the iconic brand it is today.

Who is James JebBIa?

James Jebbia is a British native who moved to New York City in the 80s and opened a boutique store called Union. The store featured a mix of underground and mainstream fashion brands and quickly became a destination for those interested in streetwear. In 1994, Jebbia opened the first Supreme store in downtown Manhattan, with the intention of creating a brand that would appeal to both skaters and streetwear enthusiasts. This was a unique move, as at the time, the streetwear scene was largely dominated by brands catering to skaters, and not much attention was given to streetwear fashion.

Shawn Stussy

Now, enter Shawn Stussy. He’s a California-based surf and streetwear designer who met Jebbia in the early 90s and the two quickly formed a close partnership. 

Stussy’s unique design aesthetic and Jebbia’s business acumen proved to be a winning combination and together they helped to shape the direction of Supreme. Stussy’s influence on the brand was not just limited to design, his business acumen and marketing strategy played a vital role in the brand’s success.

Stussy’s strategy of creating a sense of exclusivity and scarcity around the brand helped to fuel its popularity among streetwear enthusiasts.

What Happened to Shawn Stussy And James Jebbia?

So, these two guys were killing it, right? But like any partnership, things aren’t always perfect. As the brand grew, Jebbia and Stussy had different visions for the brand’s future.

Stussy wanted to expand the brand globally and focus on collaborations with other brands, while Jebbia wanted to maintain the brand’s focus on its niche market and exclusivity. Eventually, their differences led to Stussy’s departure from the company in the early 2000s. But, even though Stussy left the company, the legacy he left behind with Jebbia still lives on in Supreme.

Today, Supreme is considered one of the most successful and influential streetwear brands in the world. Its unique blend of high-quality design and a sense of exclusivity has helped to make it a cultural icon. The partnership between Jebbia and Stussy was instrumental in the creation and success of Supreme, and their legacy continues to shape the streetwear industry.

It’s interesting to note that, even though the brand has expanded globally and collaborated with many big brands, Supreme still maintains its core values of exclusivity and scarcity, a testament to Jebbia’s vision for the brand.