Famous names reinvent themselves all the time through rebrands, new Creative Directors, or collaborations that reframe the label. What’s not so common is to see a brand work its way up from nothing to become one of the most talked-about names in streetwear. If anything, it’s proof of how difficult it is to create hype from scratch, but Corteiz (often styled CRTZ) hasn’t had a problem in this arena.
Hailing from London, Corteiz has seen an astronomical rise to fame but it hasn’t done so through sponsored ad campaigns or the traditional routes. Instead, organic events broadcast last-minute on founder Clint419’s Instagram page have whipped up a fervent cult following, ready to drop whatever they’re doing to flood the streets of any given location.
From giving out new puffer jackets in exchange for old The North Face Jackets which are donated to the homeless, through to releasing the viral Corteiz cargo pants at a local 99p market shop, Clint’s inspired take on brand building is a masterclass for all young labels.
And boy, is the strategy working. CRTZ announced on Instagram recently that it had secured a collaboration with none other than Nike. The Corteiz x Nike collaboration comes in the form of a Nike Air Max 95. If you thought that CRTZ was hyped already, get ready for the next level in 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoAt1MMtEQq/
So, the question arises: how to buy Corteiz? Well, it’s not that easy. Unless you’re one of the thousands ready to leave school or work to find Clint in London, you’ve got little chance of copping anything from the cult label at retail price. Instead, buying Corteiz clothing at resale is a safe bet.
Corteiz tracksuits are some of the most popular pieces from the London brand. The CRTZ Dropout Hoodie and Track Pants look to varsity styling as the main branding does the talking.
Made in honor of Notting Hill Carnival, London’s favorite festival, the Corteiz Carni T-Shirt lands in white with red, gold, and green branding.
There is, unfortunately, no such thing as Soho Yacht Club, but if there were, Clint would be the captain, and this corduroy cap would be the uniform.
One of the staple items when it comes to Corteiz clothing is the Alcatraz Hoodie. Featuring the brand’s logo front an center, this iteration is a subtle take on the style in a black-on-black colorway.
The CRTZ Bolo Jacket made some serious noise when it first dropped, and it also made a serious difference. With hundreds trading in their nearly new Moncler, The North Face, Canada Goose puffers for a Bolo Jacket, Clint was able to hand out life-saving warmth to London’s homeless.
London lost its mind when CRTZ cargos first dropped, and the hype is still here. Any trip around London in summer will be punctuated by these.
Balaclavas and ski masks have become everyday winter pieces since COVID normalized face coverings. If you’re going to wear one, make sure it’s a good one.
At some point soon, spring will arrive and we’ll have to swap our CRTZ Bolo Jacket for something lighter. This pink Spring Jacket is the only answer.
We already mentioned the hype around CRTZ Cargo Pants, and this green & black pair is all the proof you need as to why.
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