How Trapstar went from a local brand to a global UK legend
We've all seen or know someone that has a Trapstar jacket with the logo on the back, and we've all seen our favourite UK rapper wear a Trapstar piece of clothing, but what isn't particularly known is how the brand started, as success was not overnight for this brand.
In this edition of CrepTalk we take a deep look into Trapstar, one of the biggest UK streetwear brands out right now.
Since 2008, Trapstar has gone from a local brand in West London to a global streetwear brand and one of the most successful homegrown UK brands in the streetwear scene.
The phrase 'Trapstar' is synonymous with Trap culture especially in the UK and primarily targets itself to young adults.
Trapstar's rise looks like it happened overnight, but the graft and hustle needed has been on another level, as this was way before the rise of high streetwear. Trapstar has come a long way, as being labelled as the 'Best Streetwear Brand' at the first World Fashion Awards was no joke.
The Early Days
In 2005 three childhood friends Mikey, Lee and Will decided to create something with a common passion they all had, which was in style, creps, and old school 90s hip hop classics they listened to whilst growing up.
They first started with drawing up custom t-shirts, often being competitive about who had the best design, which design could be worn with multiple fits and which design would stand out to suit there individualistic style.
It wouldn't take too long when West London finally recognised the trio and their fresh garms , as the first official Trapstar shirt was a pink t-shirt with a Scarface poster
The brand got soo well recognised that even their own boys we're threatening to bootleg their designs if they didn't start selling their designs.
Progression...
This where I start to rate Trapstar, because the consistency and hustle to push the brand before social media was not easy. These days a brand can use social media such as Instagram and 'tictok' to promote themselves, but back in 2008, Trapstar had to get it out the mud.
The three founders would find new ways to stand out from other brands as they often used Myspace to showcase their designs, their merchandise was to be purchased by a simple direct message or text to the brands 'Traphone' (which is basically an easily disposable phone). After which, they would then link up with the customer or leave the clothing packaged in a Trapstar 'pizza box' in a telephone box, kiosk or sometimes in a car boot. Which is creative but also plays deeply on the 'trap' culture.
Trapstar prides itself on being secretive, like Corteiz, If you know then you know. Even the founders pride themselves on their enigmatic nature as its quite difficult to find a picture of all three with their faces clear.
Their creativity and secrecy created a spark in sales, and before you know it, this was just the beginning of the brand becoming bait.
Reaching new heights...
As demand grew and Trapstar became more prevalent, the mandem decided to expand, which is easier said than done as Trapstar was entering the industry with no handouts, Mikey Trapstar recalls it as building their own door when no one would let them in.
Can't lie with Trapstar being as big as it is now and being an independent black owned business at the time it's mesmerising to see how they grew and the hustle needed to make it in a competitive industry in the UK.
It wasn't until Trapstar opened their first store in 2009 on Portebello Rd that they had started to get national and international attention.
Fast forward to present day 2022, and Trapstar is now a world recognised street wear brand. with achievements such as an investment from Jay Z's Roc Nation, a Puma collaboration and multiple co-signs from artists in the UK and global artists such as The Weekend, Stormzy, and Dave, have all helped the brand to the global stage.
I think the rise of UK brands such as Trapstar and Corteiz can mainly be attributed to the presence and influence of UK artists especially with UK artists that are on the global stage like Dave and Stormzy. It goes back to my previous post of how rappers have influenced sneaker culture and streetwear.
Personally I think the best trend setters have always been music artists especially amongst the younger generation.
Either way you have to rate the hustle and graft of three guys from North West London, they got now.
Comments