James Jebbia at a Glance
What is James Jebbia’s Net Worth?
James Jebbia is a highly successful businessman and fashion designer, celebrated for founding the iconic streetwear brand, Supreme. As of late 2023, James Jebbia’s net worth is estimated to be around $800 million, a testament to his keen business acumen and the enduring appeal of the brand he created. Supreme’s influence extends globally, with flagship stores in major fashion capitals such as London, Paris, Milan, and various locations across Japan, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon. Jebbia’s journey to the pinnacle of the fashion world is a fascinating story, with early experiences that shaped his unique perspective.
In 2017, the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, recognized the immense value of Supreme by investing $500 million for a 50% stake, which valued the brand at $1 billion. The brand’s ascent continued, and in November 2020, VF Corp. acquired Supreme in an all-cash deal for a staggering $2.1 billion, highlighting the brand’s significant market presence and financial success.
Early Life and Background
James Jebbia was born in New York City on July 22, 1963. His upbringing was influenced by a diverse background; his mother was English, and his father, an American, served in the United States Air Force. As an infant, Jebbia and his parents relocated to Crawley, West Sussex, England. His parents divorced when he was ten, an experience that may have contributed to his resilience. He returned to the United States in 1983, settling in Staten Island.
From Child Actor to Fashion Icon
Before his influential role in the fashion industry, Jebbia began his career in the entertainment world. In the late 1970s, he appeared as a child actor, portraying Tommy Watson in the first season of the British children’s television series “Grange Hill.” This show was known for its realistic portrayal of school life, exploring themes that were considered taboo at the time. “Grange Hill” was known for its gritty depiction of school life, and it was a significant departure from the more sanitized portrayals of earlier school-based dramas. The show fearlessly tackled subjects such as drug use, homosexuality, mental illness, child abuse, and sexual assault.
Early Career in Fashion
Upon returning to the United States in 1983, Jebbia embarked on his fashion career. He secured his first job in New York City at Parachute, a minimalist skate shop and clothing store. He later founded and managed Union NYC, a streetwear store launched in 1989, which predominantly featured English clothing brands. Initially located on Spring Street in Manhattan, the store later moved to Los Angeles. From 1991 to 1994, Jebbia collaborated with Shawn Stussy, the founder of the clothing brand Stüssy, further solidifying his footprint in the burgeoning streetwear scene.
James Gebbia/ Getty Images
Supreme: The Rise of a Streetwear Empire
In spring 1994, Jebbia founded Supreme, a brand that would revolutionize streetwear culture. Geared towards the skateboarding and hip-hop communities, the company’s initial store was situated in a converted office space in Lower Manhattan. Early employees were recruited from Larry Clark’s seminal film “Kids,” which captured the essence of youth culture at the time. In 2004, Supreme expanded by opening a second store on Fairfax in Los Angeles, doubling the size of the original New York City location. This expansion marked a significant step in the brand’s growth. Supreme’s influence expanded globally, with stores in major cities like Paris, London, Milan, Tokyo, and Nagoya. The company has a presence in San Francisco and Chicago. Besides its in-house clothing label, Supreme stocks other skate brands such as Nike SB, Thrasher, and Vans.
Supreme’s success stems from its limited-edition drops, collaborations, and the distinct aesthetic that captures the spirit of New York City’s underground scenes. This strategy, coupled with its focus on quality and design, has established Supreme as a leading brand in the industry.
Supreme’s Iconic Collaborations
Over the years, Supreme has forged numerous partnerships with leading brands and artists. These collaborations have enhanced the brand’s reach and appeal, creating sought-after products. Some notable collaborations include:
- Luxury Brands: Louis Vuitton, Emilio Pucci.
- Apparel Brands: Champion, Timberland, Lacoste, True Religion.
- Artists: Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons, Mark Flood, John Baldessari, and Damien Hirst.
- Fashion Designers: Yohji Yamamoto.
These collaborations have consistently produced high-demand products, contributing significantly to Supreme’s cult following and financial success.
In 2017, Jebbia confirmed the sale of approximately 50% of Supreme to the Carlyle Group. A few years later, VF Corporation acquired Supreme in an all-cash deal for around $2.1 billion, solidifying the brand’s impressive valuation. Jebbia has continued to manage the business following the purchase, ensuring the brand’s legacy continues.
Personal Life
James Jebbia is married to Bianca and has two children: a son named Miles and a daughter named Nina. The family resides in the West Village in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Jebbia’s personal life is relatively private, allowing him to focus on his business endeavors and maintain a low-profile lifestyle.
/**/