Ronnie Fieg’s journey from the backroom of David Z to the forefront of global streetwear is a testament to his relentless vision. The founder and creative mind behind Kith, Fieg has transformed sneaker culture from a niche obsession into an undeniable fashion force. He opened his first Kith stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn back in 2011, and from that point on, it’s been a steady stream of global influence. Stocking the best from brands like New Balance, Adidas, and Nike, Kith became the quintessential destination for sneakerheads, blending a retail experience with a sense of community.
Kith isn’t just a retailer; it’s Fieg’s canvas for storytelling. His collaborations with over 50 brands, including Nike, Asics, and even luxury players like Versace, reveal a depth that’s made him one of the most prolific names in streetwear. The 2012 launch of Kith’s in-house apparel line added yet another layer to the brand’s evolution—a natural progression that was crowned by the brand’s first runway show at New York Fashion Week in 2016. That same year, Kith took up residence at Bergdorf Goodman, a move that redefined the space streetwear occupied within the luxury landscape.
But perhaps what’s most remarkable about Fieg is the consistency of his vision. Starting his career at age 13 as a stock assistant in his second cousin’s shoe store, he worked his way up, taking risks that brought sneaker culture mainstream. His first Asics redesign, released in 2007, caught the Wall Street Journal’s attention, marking a pivotal moment—one that propelled Fieg beyond the sneakerheads and into the broader cultural conversation. Now, Fieg and Kith are making moves internationally, with spaces in Paris and Tokyo, and an ever-expanding retail footprint that’s gone far beyond its New York roots.
For Fieg, the evolution is personal as much as it is professional. “As I get older, the product is changing a bit, my tastes are changing,” he said back in 2015. Today, Kith reflects those shifts—the brand’s collaboration with Porsche, its ongoing partnership with Coca-Cola, and even its dip into the culinary scene with Kith Treats show how Fieg’s ethos continues to push boundaries while staying true to his roots. His approach is about growth—not just for the brand, but for the community that has been with him from day one.
