The Rise of Vlone CEO: A Story of Streetwear and Entrepreneurship
Streetwear has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years, with brands like Supreme, Off-White, and BAPE leading the charge. However, one brand that has been making waves in the industry is Vlone. Founded by A$AP Bari and his business partner, Matt Mooney, Vlone has become a staple in the streetwear scene. In this article, we will take a closer look at the man behind the brand, A$AP Bari, and how he became the CEO of one of the hottest streetwear brands in the world.
Early Life and Career
Born Jabari Shelton in 1991, A$AP Bari grew up in Harlem, New York. He was heavily influenced by the fashion and music scenes in the city and began designing his own clothes at a young age. Bari eventually became friends with rapper A$AP Rocky and joined his creative collective, A$AP Mob. It was through this group that Bari began to gain recognition for his fashion sense and design skills.
In 2011, Bari launched his own clothing line called Young Lord. The brand gained a following among fans of A$AP Mob and streetwear enthusiasts. However, it was his collaboration with Nike on the Air Force 1 “VLONE” sneakers that really put him on the map.
The Birth of Vlone
In 2014, Bari and Mooney founded Vlone. The brand’s name is a combination of “victory” and “alone,” reflecting the idea of standing out from the crowd and achieving success on your own terms. Vlone’s signature design features the word “Vlone” in Gothic font, often printed on black or orange clothing.
The brand’s first collection was released in 2015 and was an instant hit. Vlone’s unique aesthetic and limited availability made it highly sought after among streetwear enthusiasts. The brand’s collaborations with artists like Playboi Carti and Travis Scott only added to its popularity.
The Controversy
In 2017, Bari was accused of sexual assault by a woman in London. The incident was caught on video and went viral, causing a major scandal for the Vlone brand. Bari denied the allegations but was eventually dropped by Nike and forced to step down as CEO of Vlone.
Despite the controversy, Vlone continued to release collections and collaborate with artists. The brand’s popularity remained strong, though some fans did distance themselves from the brand due to the allegations against Bari.
The Return of Vlone CEO
In 2019, Bari announced that he had regained control of Vlone and was once again serving as CEO. The announcement was met with mixed reactions, with some fans expressing support for Bari while others criticized his return.
Since his return, Bari has been working to rebuild the Vlone brand and restore its reputation. The brand has released several successful collections and collaborations, including a highly anticipated collaboration with Virgil Abloh’s Off-White.
The Future of Vlone
As Vlone continues to grow in popularity, many are wondering what the future holds for the brand. Bari has hinted at plans to expand into new markets and release more collaborative collections. However, the controversy surrounding his past actions continues to cast a shadow over the brand.
Despite this, Vlone remains a major player in the streetwear scene and shows no signs of slowing down. With its unique aesthetic and limited availability, the brand has carved out a niche for itself in the industry. Only time will tell what the future holds for Vlone and its controversial CEO.
Conclusion
A$AP Bari’s journey from Harlem to CEO of Vlone is a testament to the power of streetwear and entrepreneurship. Despite facing controversy and setbacks, Bari has remained committed to his vision and has built a brand that is loved by fans around the world. While his past actions continue to be a point of contention, there is no denying the impact that Vlone has had on the fashion industry. As the brand continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how Bari navigates the challenges that lie ahead.