Supreme Has Been Sold To Ray-Ban Maker EssilorLuxottica

The iconic streetwear brand Supreme was founded by James Jebbia in 1994. The first store opened on Lafayette Street in New York City, quickly becoming a cultural hub for skaters and artists alike.

Supreme’s minimalist designs and limited releases garnered a cult following, elevating it to a global phenomenon.

In 2017, the Carlyle Group acquired a 50% stake in Supreme for approximately $500 million, valuing the brand at nearly $1 billion. This deal marked Supreme’s first significant financial milestone outside its independent operations.

In November 2020, VF Corporation, owner of brands like The North Face, JanSport, Smartwool, Vans, Timberland, Icebreaker, Altra, Eastpak, Napapijri, and Dickies. They also formed Kontoor Brands, which includes Wrangler, Lee, and Rock & Republic, purchased Supreme in a colossal deal worth $2.1 billion. This second sale further cemented Supreme’s status as a cornerstone of contemporary fashion.

Recently in 2024, EssilorLuxottica owner of brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and Oliver Peoples and vision care brands like Varilux, Crizal, and Transitions Optical, also retail chains like LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, and GrandVision has acquired Supreme for $1.5 billion cash deal.

Currently, Supreme is owned by EssilorLuxottica after the completion of the transaction.