Vlone’s roots trace directly back to A$AP Mob, the Harlem hip-hop collective that reshaped New York street culture in the 2010s. Understanding how the brand started explains why it still carries so much weight in streetwear today.
From A$AP Mob to a Clothing Label
AAPMobwasformedinHarlemaround2006byagroupthatincludedAAP Mob was formed in Harlem around 2006 by a group that included A AP Yams, AAPIllz,andJabariShelton—betterknownasAAP Illz, and Jabari Shelton — better known as A AP Bari. The collective grew quickly beyond music, expanding into fashion, art direction, and a broader creative lifestyle. Bari, who handled much of the group’s creative direction, went on to launch Vlone around 2011 alongside fellow AAPMobmemberAAP Mob member A AP K, with A$AP Rocky and designer Edison Chen also closely involved as the brand took shape and grew in visibility.
The name itself came from the word “alone” — a deliberate nod to individuality and standing apart from the crowd, which became the philosophy behind the entire brand.
Early Growth and the Iconic “V” Logo
Vlone’s earliest pieces were simple hoodies and t-shirts that circulated within the AAPMob′sinnercirclebeforereachingawideraudiencethroughthegroup′srisingmusicprofile,particularlyAAP Mob’s inner circle before reaching a wider audience through the group’s rising music profile, particularly A AP Rocky’s growing fame. The brand’s bright orange “V” logo became instantly recognizable, turning into one of the most identifiable symbols in streetwear.
By 2017, Vlone had reached a major milestone, staging a fashion show during Paris Fashion Week alongside a high-profile Nike partnership — a signal of how far the brand had come from its Harlem roots.
A Change in Leadership
In October 2022, Vlone announced it was cutting ties with co-founder A$AP Bari, citing behavior the label described as contrary to its values, following his 2017 conviction on a sexual battery charge in Sweden. The brand has since relaunched under new leadership, working to rebuild its identity while continuing the collaborations and cultural relevance that made it a major streetwear name in the first place.
Vlone’s Legacy Today
Despite the leadership changes, Vlone’s cultural footprint has remained significant. The brand’s collaborations with artists like Juice WRLD, Pop Smoke, and Playboi Carti have kept it firmly embedded in both streetwear and music culture, while the “V” logo continues to represent the same core message of individuality that defined the brand from day one.
Explore the Collection
See how that legacy continues across our Vlone Hoodie and Vlone T-Shirt collections, or explore the brand’s most iconic partnerships in our Rapper Collaborations collection, including the Juice WRLD x Vlone series.