Stussy is a brand that has long been synonymous with streetwear, effortlessly blending California surf culture with urban influences. Founded by Shawn Stüssy in the early 1980s, the brand quickly rose to prominence as one of the cornerstones of street fashion. Over the decades, Stussy has produced numerous collections that have become iconic in the world of streetwear. From collaborations to standout solo releases, Stussy evolution is a testament to its enduring relevance and influence. This article takes a deep dive into some of Stüssy’s most iconic collections and explores what makes these releases so memorable.
1. The Early Years: The Foundation of Streetwear
Stüssy’s journey began in the early ’80s, when Shawn Stüssy started selling hand-drawn shirts with his signature logo, initially at surf shops in Laguna Beach, California. The aesthetic was deeply influenced by surf culture, but with a more rebellious and countercultural twist. The Stüssy signature logo, a simple yet striking font that was unique to the brand, would become one of the most recognizable symbols in streetwear.
By the late ’80s and early ’90s, Stüssy had gained a dedicated following. The first true “iconic” collection, from the early ’90s, was the Stüssy x Nike Collaboration. Released in 1991, this collaboration featured the Stüssy Dunk, a sneaker designed by Stüssy with Nike. The Dunk is a classic, and Stüssy’s take on it was transformative, blending streetwear and skate culture in a way that resonated with sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike. The collaboration set the stage for future streetwear partnerships, marking the brand’s ascent into mainstream consciousness.
2. The Stüssy x Supreme Collaboration (2000)
In 2000, Stüssy entered into a historic collaboration with Supreme, a brand that would go on to become one of the most powerful forces in streetwear. At the time, both Stüssy and Supreme were household names in their own right, but this partnership was a seminal moment in the history of street fashion.
The collection featured a range of graphic tees, hoodies, and jackets, with each item showcasing the logos and graphics that were integral to both brands. The standout pieces included a limited-edition box logo tee, which became an instant collector’s item. This collaboration not only further cemented Stüssy’s place in streetwear but also paved the way for future partnerships between streetwear brands, which would go on to shape the industry for decades to come.
3. Stüssy’s “World Tour” Collection (2004)
The “World Tour” collection of 2004 stands as one of the most iconic releases in Stüssy’s history. This collection drew inspiration from the brand’s global reach, featuring a series of graphic tees adorned with iconic landmarks from around the world. The pieces were simple yet effective, boasting oversized prints of cities like Tokyo, London, and New York on the back of high-quality, comfortable T-shirts.
What made the collection special was the way it tapped into the idea of global streetwear culture, uniting cities and their respective urban subcultures. The idea of “touring” was central to the piece’s appeal, as it reflected the global movement of streetwear from its humble beginnings in California to the fashion capitals of the world. The “World Tour” collection was not just a collection of clothing—it was a representation of Stüssy’s international influence, showing that streetwear could transcend geographic boundaries.
4. The Stüssy x Bape Collaboration (2000s)
In the 2000s, Stussy collaborated with another influential brand, A Bathing Ape (Bape). This collaboration became one of the most sought-after and legendary in streetwear history. At the time, Bape was a key player in the Japanese streetwear scene, and the pairing of Stüssy with Bape was a perfect fusion of the two distinct streetwear cultures: Stüssy’s California roots and Bape’s Japanese heritage.
The collection featured a variety of items, from graphic tees to hoodies and jackets, all featuring both brands’ iconic logos and motifs. One of the standout pieces was the Stüssy x Bape Camo Hoodie, which combined the signature camouflage pattern of Bape with Stüssy’s branding. The result was a truly unique garment that became a must-have item for streetwear enthusiasts. This collaboration marked a defining moment for global streetwear culture, and it solidified Stüssy’s role as a bridge between different streetwear subcultures across the world.
5. The Stüssy x Dior Collection (2020)
Fast forward to 2020, and Stüssy’s collaborations have continued to push boundaries. One of the most surprising and high-profile collaborations in the brand’s history was its partnership with Dior. The Stüssy x Dior collection was a significant departure from the streetwear staples that the brand was known for, blending high fashion with streetwear aesthetics in a way that had never been seen before.
The collection, designed by Kim Jones (the creative director of Dior Men’s), featured a selection of ready-to-wear items, from oversized jackets to T-shirts, all embellished with both Dior’s luxury branding and Stüssy’s iconic logo. The collection was an instant success, and it drew attention not only from streetwear aficionados but also from the luxury fashion community. The collaboration was a testament to Stüssy’s influence—able to cross over from streetwear to the luxury fashion world and back again.
6. The “Fleece” Collection (2019)
Another memorable collection from Stüssy was the “Fleece” collection, released in 2019. Known for its cozy yet stylish apparel, the fleece collection included an assortment of jackets, pants, and hoodies made from high-quality fleece material. The collection took inspiration from vintage outdoor wear and infused it with Stüssy’s signature streetwear style.
The standout item from this collection was the Stüssy Sherpa Fleece Jacket, a soft, warm, and oversized piece that was both functional and fashionable. The collection’s combination of comfort and high-end streetwear appeal made it a fan favorite and further solidified Stüssy’s place in the ever-evolving world of street fashion.