6 Streetwear Startups Putting Chicago Hip Hop in High Fashion [2025]

Launch Date: November 2017

Style Vibe: Vintage rebel with a polished twist

Culture Footprint: Tied to East Coast rap royalty, loved by street collectors

Instagram: @godspeed

Available At: Godspeed Official, Tops & Bottoms, NWAHype, GOAT

Let’s talk mood. Godspeed is that brand you throw on when you’re feeling dangerous — in the best way. Graphic skulls, baroque angels, throwback fonts. It’s all designed to nod to hip hop’s raw energy while tapping into vintage Americana.

And don’t sleep on the LOX collab. Any brand tight enough to drop official gear for legendary rap groups is doing something right. It’s edgy, rare, and built for those who rock their gear like armor.

Launch Date: June 2023

Style Vibe: Grit-forward street staples, with strong visual storytelling

Culture Footprint: Lowkey heat — right now it’s underground, but bubbling

Instagram: @gunziniibrand

Available At: Civilized Clothing, Tops & Bottoms, Underground Clothing, The Shop 147

Gunzinii might not be a household name yet, but in Chicago’s boutique scene? They’re already making noise. Fresh N Fitted and Shop147 keep dropping Gunzinii collections that sell out fast, especially those bold “Strength Honor” and “Fearless” hoodies.

TikTok heads are clocking the brand’s varsity cuts and heavyweight fits, while early fans are calling it “next-up energy.” It’s raw, it’s graphic-heavy, and it definitely leans into that underdog spirit.

Launch Date: December 2020

Style Vibe: Luxe meets loud, with heavy hip-hop DNA

Culture Footprint: Worn by rising rap royalty, built on Chi values

Instagram: @hydeparkgoods

Available At: Hyde Park Official, Tops & Bottoms, Capsule NYC

Started by Jacob Joseph — a South Sider now based in Houston — Hyde Park Goods is rooted in rebellion and realness. Think bold graphics, loud cuts, and a DIY spirit that screams “for us, by us.” What sets this brand apart is how many hip-hop names are co-signing it: Jeezy, GloRilla, Saucy Santana, DC Young Fly. It’s clear the music world’s listening — and watching.

This brand doesn’t just sell fashion; it builds narrative. It’s for the visionaries who know that looking good is only half the story.

Launch Date: December 2019

Style Vibe: Dark-graphic chic, Japanese art x skate style fusion

Culture Footprint: Cult streetwear following, sneakerhead-certified

Instagram: @rokustudiobrand

Available At: Tops & Bottoms, Era Clothing Store, D2ICHI, Urban Street Wear

Though technically born in NYC, Roku Studio has been fully embraced by Chicago’s streetwear tastemakers. Why? Because their pieces go hard — both visually and conceptually. With layered anime influences, “tear-drip” motifs, and fast-selling collections, Roku brings a moody, mystic energy to the streetwear game.

It’s not a brand for hypebeasts — it’s for those who treat fashion like art. You’ll catch DJs, skaters, and underground rappers in Roku, but blink and the drop’s gone. That’s the magic.

Launch Date: September 2021

Style Vibe: Italian luxury meets urban utility

Culture Footprint: Imported drip that’s getting real Chi love

Instagram: @robertovino_

Available At: Roberto Vino Official, Tops & Bottoms, The Shop 147, Underground Clothing

Yes, this one’s born in Italy — but Chicago has made Roberto Vino its own. The label’s sharp cuts, bold motifs (snakes, bullets, etc.), and soft cotton tees have found their way into city boutiques and streetwear lineups. It’s fashion-forward without being flashy, and perfect for pairing with crisp Air Force 1s or Italian-made kicks.

While it lacks local hip-hop roots, its Milan-meets-Midwest energy fits right in with the city’s global fashion aspirations.

Launch Date: October 2013

Style Vibe: Dark glamour, rockstar-meets-runway, French edge with street grit

Culture Footprint: MGK co-signs, high-fashion circles, spotted in Chi’s trend-forward boutiques

Instagram: @rtabrand

Available At: RTA Official, Tops & Bottoms, Feature.com

Born in L.A. with French luxury sensibilities, RtA (pronounced “ar-tee-ay”) isn’t a Chicago native — but you wouldn’t know it from how heavy it’s been hitting local boutiques. From distressed moto denim to hardware-drenched jackets, RtA is that brand you throw on when you’re not just trying to flex — but owning yourself fully. ,Feature.com

It’s the kind of label that’s been seen on everyone from Machine Gun Kelly to the Jenner sisters, but in Chicago, it’s often spotted on those who know their fashion history and aren’t afraid to mix luxury with street.