Founded in 1980 by surfboard shaper Shawn Stussy, the Stussy brand has been the backbone of the streetwear movement since its inception. Building slowly from simple logo shirts, the brand has developed alongside new articulations of contemporary music. Punk and rap influences are clear. As are those born from increasing global interaction.
The movement of Stussy from Laguna Beach to the style centers of New York, London and Tokyo spread the brands vibe, but also expanded its outlook. It grew from local to global, the catalyst (in many ways) for the streetwear segment of the garment industry. With that, each successive year has seen a larger Stussy Tribe, the lines more diverse and the appeal of the aesthetic broader.
This year, the Stussy tribe has increased its retail presence, hooking up with noted local retailers in each of the new cities. These Chapter Stores continue the unique aspect of Stussy culture that merges the local with the global. They also represent cities that have grown in stature within the "streetwear" community in recent years. This growth is due, in large part, to the efforts of a few people who’ve worked to change the retail landscape of those places.
In Washington, DC, COMMONWEALTH founder Omar Quiambao is that person. His vision has taken DC retail away from it’s traditional core, and transformed a stretch of Florida Avenue into a streetwear mecca. I spoke to him about the Stussy Chapter store and how it fits with the city and his other shops.
