Trapstar was a brand that merged underground aesthetics with mainstream appeal to birth a fresh identity within the fashion world. Founded in London in 2005, the brand became synonymous with edgy designs, bold graphics, and a rebellious ethos that resonated with urban youth. According to a 2023 report by Business of Fashion, over the past five years, sales at Trapstar have increased by 150%, which has solidified the brand as a global streetwear powerhouse.
The brand’s highly publicized limited-edition drops and collaborations with high-profile artists like Rihanna and A$AP Rocky propelled its visibility. After a 2019 collaboration with Puma, online sales jumped 35% within the first two weeks of the collection’s release. Such partnerships not only give Trapstar more market presence but also bridge the gap between streetwear and high-end fashion.
Trapstar introduced new exclusivity levels into streetwear by offering a “hidden world” through limited availability and direct-to-consumer sales. Items like the iconic Irongate Tracksuit retailing for $250 sell out within hours of release, and so a demand-driven market is achieved. This goes in tune with the “drop culture” phenomenon, in which 72% of consumers in streetwear will opt for an exclusive piece over a mass-market product.
The brand also made news due to its strong affiliations with music and especially urban culture. In 2022, Trapstar went into partnership with one of grime’s leading figures: Skepta. This reaffirmed their influence in the UK vibrant music scene. This approach with cultural movements has become part of the brand’s hallmarks and reflects its cognition of the close-knit ties between fashion and music.
As Virgil Abloh once said, “Streetwear is a reflection of the culture we live in.” Trapstar captures that with raw energy and creativity from the streets. The fact that it tells stories through its collections-mostly built around themes like freedom and resilience-places it at an edge over its competitors.
For those fashion lovers looking for a combination of realism and exclusiveness, Trapstar remains at the forefront of this ever-changing world of streetwear.