Corteiz: the hottest brand in streetwear

British streetwear brand Corteiz launched into what was an already overcrowded industry: the scene is having a boom, and there’s no shortage of urban brands out there battling for the top spot. But unphased by the competition, Corteiz quickly amassed a dedicated fanbase.

Corteiz clothing, sometimes styled as crtz, launched in 2017 and produces limited drops that are available exclusively to those with a password to a specific website. It’s a genius plan that more brands could take note from: rather than over-stocking on styles, the truly sought after pieces are always limited edition. Not only does it make each piece all the more coveted, but it helps your brand’s green credentials too.

With an ever increasing following on its private Instagram account, Corteiz has quickly become one of those cult brands that everyone wants a piece of. Not since Supreme has the streetwear industry seen such a dedicated fanbase that will go to great lengths to secure a piece – and since the brand discourages resale, it’s not one you’ll easily come across while scouring Depop.

Corteiz quickly became the brand to be seen in

Famous fans of Corteiz clothing include the late Virgil Abloh, Slowthai, and Jorja Smith. But the anti-establishment brand, that only advertises through its own social media to challenge the industry’s reliance on high-cost marketing campaigns, won’t pay anyone for promotion. Even A-listers have to wait in line for a taste of Corteiz.

From £30 T-shirts to £500 coats, everything Corteiz releases is a drip. Unlike the high end brands currently trying to reposition their lines into the streetwear market and the mainstream brands creating low-effort knock off collections, Corteiz is the real deal. As Sandy Kaur from the podcast Her Life In Sneakers said:

“Corporations and fashion houses have profited from a culture that was never really theirs, and the only place streetwear can really head next is returning to where it originated… Corteiz is hot right now due to the noise it made, but it will survive beyond being a trend because its core base never relied on the support of the masses. Corteiz isn’t hype — it’s London.”

The brand knows what youth culture likes

The Alcatraz-inspired logo represents the brand’s message to rebel against convention. And along with its exclusivity, this value is something that resonates strongly within youth culture. It’s not new: young people looking to find their place in their communities or even within wider society often seek out the things that make them interesting and unique. And nothing says that like rocking a coat that only 50 people own.

The brand’s values are authentic and transparent and prioritise its community. Is this really the key to becoming a major success? When you scan the scene, it seems that might be the case. Of all the brands out there, very few are making statements beyond their designs. And the youth of today (and of every generation) want values. They want to know the brands they’re wearing stand for the same things they do. The best thing about Corteiz? Not only is their clothing on point, they’re also on your side.