Supreme Lafayette opening, April 1994
Opened in April 1994 on Lafayette Street in New York, Supreme's inaugural store quickly became more than a retail space—it was a cultural hub.
Staffed by local skaters who later found fame in Larry Clark's cult classic "KIDS," the shop was both a haven for skateboard enthusiasts and a haven for creativity. Under the stewardship of founder James Jebbia, the store's unique aesthetic was born, featuring one-of-a-kind clothing pieces that diverged from mainstream fashion.
Despite its gritty roots, the store was always impeccably maintained, fostering an atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity.
Year 1
James Jebbia in front of the first Supreme location , 1994
Supremes' 1994 early designs laid the foundation for their iconic logo. In 1994, Supreme introduced small box logos placed over graphics, a design element that would soon become synonymous with the brand. This design approach was influenced by artist Barbara Kruger, whose work in the late 1970s and 1980s utilized black and white photos overlaid with bold red text, often commenting on consumer culture and societal norms.
Supremes' own collection was limited to a select few pieces at this time. Majority of the stores inventory featured prominent skate brand at the time like ZooYork, Independent, Spitfire, and Shorties.
Taxi Driver Tee - 1994
Afro Skater Tee - 1994
Box Logo Tee - 1994
Basquiat Tee - 1994
The first Supreme business card, distributed starting in late 1994
Supreme 1994 Collection
Girl Tee - 1994
