Streetwear has always thrived on authenticity, rebellion, and raw storytelling. Brands like Supreme, BAPE, and Off-White reshaped fashion by taking inspiration from music, skateboarding, and urban culture. Among this pantheon of influential labels, Trapstar stands out as a brand born directly from London’s streets—a name that embodies hustle, struggle, and ambition.
What started as an underground movement has become an internationally recognized fashion label, blending music, street culture, and high fashion into one distinctive identity. Trapstar is no longer just a brand; it’s a lifestyle, a statement, and a cultural symbol.
This article explores the origins of Trapstar, its aesthetic, its connection to music and celebrity culture, and why it has become one of the most recognizable names in global streetwear.
The Origins of Trapstar
Trapstar was founded in London in the mid-2000s by three friends—Mikéla (known as Mikey), Lee, and Will. The trio shared a passion for music, fashion, and street culture, and they set out to create something that authentically represented their community.
The name “Trapstar” comes from the word trap, slang for hustling or grinding against the odds, combined with star, symbolizing aspiration and success. The duality of the name reflects the brand’s ethos: rising from struggle while shining brightly in ambition.
At the beginning, Trapstar was a grassroots operation. The founders made custom t-shirts and hoodies, selling them directly to friends and fans. Each piece was limited and exclusive, creating a buzz within London’s underground music and fashion scenes. Their slogan—“It’s A Secret”—added mystique to the brand, hinting at its exclusive nature and building a cult-like following.
Trapstar’s Aesthetic
Trapstar’s designs are unapologetically bold, blending raw street style with cultural symbolism.
Logo and Branding
The signature Trapstar logo is a Gothic-inspired typeface, often accompanied by the red and white star motif. It’s instantly recognizable, with a look that’s edgy yet sleek.
Core Pieces
- Hoodies & T-Shirts: Heavy graphics, bold logos, and dark palettes make these staples of the brand’s collections.
- Tracksuits: A London streetwear essential, Trapstar tracksuits combine comfort with status, often seen in monochrome shades with oversized fits.
- Outerwear: Jackets and coats often feature statement details—reflective prints, patchwork, or military influences.
Style Influence
Trapstar blends London’s streetwear DNA with elements of punk, grime, and hip-hop culture. The result is clothing that feels raw, rebellious, and authentically tied to the streets.
Music and Cultural Connections
Trapstar’s rise cannot be separated from its connection to music. From its earliest days, the brand was embraced by London’s grime scene—a genre known for its gritty lyricism and street authenticity. Artists like Skepta, Stormzy, and Giggs frequently wore Trapstar, helping establish its credibility within the culture.
But Trapstar’s influence extended far beyond London. As UK hip-hop and grime gained global attention, the brand found fans across the Atlantic. American artists such as Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Jay-Z were spotted wearing Trapstar, solidifying its position as an international streetwear label.
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation eventually partnered with Trapstar, giving the brand a platform to expand globally while retaining its underground credibility. This partnership marked a turning point: Trapstar had officially graduated from an underground label to a global streetwear powerhouse.
The Power of Exclusivity
Trapstar mastered the art of limited releases and exclusivity. Early on, the brand sold its products in unmarked bags, distributed by hand in London clubs and music events. This underground marketing strategy created an aura of secrecy.
Even today, Trapstar’s drops sell out quickly, maintaining the sense that owning a piece is not just buying clothing—it’s gaining access to a movement. The slogan “It’s A Secret” continues to reflect this philosophy, reminding fans that the brand is more than fashion; it’s membership in an exclusive community.
Trapstar in Popular Culture
The brand’s cultural reach has expanded massively over the last decade.
- Celebrities: Stars like Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, and The Weeknd have all been seen in Trapstar gear, bringing it into mainstream visibility.
- Athletes: Footballers such as Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford have been spotted in the label, highlighting its crossover into sports culture.
- Media & Film: Trapstar’s aesthetic has been linked to British cinema and television, often associated with gritty, street-inspired storytelling.
This cultural saturation has ensured Trapstar remains relevant—not just in fashion, but in the broader conversation around music, sports, and entertainment.
Trapstar and the Luxury Fashion World
While Trapstar began with hoodies and tees, it has since evolved into a more versatile label. Its collections now include cut-and-sew pieces, outerwear, and accessories that blur the line between streetwear and luxury.
Collaborations with brands and artists have further elevated Trapstar. The Roc Nation partnership was just the beginning; as streetwear increasingly infiltrates high fashion, Trapstar continues to hold its own against global heavyweights like Off-White, Palm Angels, and Fear of God.
The Trapstar Community
One of the strongest aspects of Trapstar is its ability to connect with its audience. The brand has cultivated a community that sees Trapstar not just as clothing, but as identity.
- For the Streets: It’s rooted in struggle, ambition, and survival—values many fans relate to.
- For the Creatives: It represents self-expression and authenticity, giving wearers a sense of individuality.
- For the Dreamers: It symbolizes rising beyond limitations and striving for stardom.
Trapstar’s storytelling and aesthetic resonate across demographics, making it both aspirational and relatable.
The Future of Trapstar
Borsello Trapstar has already cemented itself as a global force in streetwear, but its journey is far from over. Its future could include:
- International Flagship Stores: Dedicated retail spaces in cities like London, New York, and Tokyo.
- More Collaborations: Partnerships with artists, luxury houses, or even sports brands.
- Expanded Categories: Footwear, bags, and lifestyle products could further solidify Trapstar’s position.
- Sustainable Fashion: As the industry shifts, Trapstar has an opportunity to incorporate eco-conscious practices while maintaining its gritty aesthetic.
What’s clear is that Trapstar’s foundation—authenticity, exclusivity, and cultural relevance—gives it the staying power to remain a dominant name in the fashion world.
FAQs About Trapstar
Q: What does “Trapstar” mean?
A: It combines “trap” (hustle, grind) with “star” (success, aspiration), symbolizing rising from struggle to shine.
Q: Who founded Trapstar?
A: Three friends from London—Mikey, Lee, and Will—in the mid-2000s.
Q: Why is the slogan “It’s A Secret”?
A: It reflects the brand’s origins of exclusivity and underground distribution.
Q: What is Trapstar’s most popular piece?
A: The iconic Trapstar hoodie and tracksuit, staples in the brand’s collections.
Q: Is Trapstar still connected to music?
A: Yes—Trapstar remains deeply linked to grime, hip-hop, and artists globally.
Conclusion
Trapstar is proof that authenticity can take you from underground clubs to global fashion weeks. Born from London’s streets, the brand has transformed into a cultural symbol that blends fashion, music, and hustle into one.
Its slogan—“It’s A Secret”—reminds fans that Trapstar is more than clothing. It’s identity, exclusivity, and resilience stitched into fabric. Whether worn on stage by world-famous musicians or in the neighborhoods where it all began, Trapstar carries the same message: rise from struggle, shine like a star.
