New York downtown cool has a new sponsor, the Carlyle Group, a politically connected private equity underwriter (PEU). Business of Fashion reported:
The deal marks the first time a top-tier private equity firm has invested in streetwear and underscores the power of the Supreme brand — often dubbed “the Chanel of streetwear” — and its innovative business model, rooted in cool but accessibly-priced product.Carlyle's investment will fuel rapid expansion. How long before Supreme opens a store in Washington, D.C.? When will we see the DBDs wearing skater-inflected cool?
Update 10-10-17: Highsnobiety ran a scattershot piece on Carlyle-Supreme. It mentioned Carlyle's ownership of Synagro but not the bribery case involving the wife of Rep. John Conyers or Synagro's bankruptcy. It drew an analogy to Carlyle's investment in Beats.
Update 10-28-17: Hip, high prices and scarcity are the Supreme shopping experience.
Update 11-25-18: Netflix comedy show takes on Supreme and The Carlyle Group.
Update 10-24-19: PEU Supreme landed in San Francisco. “Why can’t the tech-heads come check us out? Why can’t the artists come check us out?”