Ronnie Fieg has always been a name that pulses at the very heart of contemporary fashion. As the founder and creative force behind Kith, he has transformed his passion for sneakers and streetwear into a cultural phenomenon by blending luxury, lifestyle, and everyday influences. His journey—from growing up in Queens and working at his uncle’s footwear shop to running one of the most talked-about brands in the industry—is a testament to his passion and influence.
Kith, founded in 2011, is more than a brand; it’s a lifestyle, an experience. With seasonal collections for men, women, and kids, Kith tells stories through thoughtful collaborations, effortless design, and a commitment to quality. It’s Fieg’s ability to pull diverse influences together—linking street culture, luxury fashion, and nostalgia—that sets Kith apart. With 13 boutiques worldwide and partnerships with Bergdorf Goodman, Hirshleifers, and Selfridges, Kith is as much about a retail experience as it is about clothes.
Fieg’s early years at David Z in SoHo immersed him in sneaker culture before streetwear hit the mainstream, where he learned the importance of exclusivity—a concept that would become a foundation of Kith. From the beginning, Fieg viewed collaborations as opportunities to tell meaningful stories.
One of his major breakthrough came with his collaboration with Asics—specifically the Gel Lyte III, which captivated sneaker enthusiasts worldwide. These collaborations were more than product releases; they were cultural milestones celebrated for their attention to detail and connection with the sneaker community. Fieg brought this same ethos to partnerships with Nike, Adidas, and BMW—where he reimagined a 1981 BMW M1, merging automotive and streetwear culture in an innovative way.
Storytelling remains at the core of Fieg’s approach to fashion, and it’s most evident in his recent projects. A notable example is the partnership with Batman, celebrating the character’s 85th anniversary, which captured Kith’s blend of nostalgia and modern style. Similarly, the collaboration with Bose, where classic products were reimagined with Mark Jupiter’s craftsmanship, highlighted a commitment to innovation and the merging of fashion with other cultural elements. Fieg has elevated sneaker culture to a place where it can comfortably sit alongside high fashion—where exclusivity, craftsmanship, and cultural moments come together seamlessly.
Fieg also knows how to bring nostalgia into the present. Kith Treats, which was conceived from his childhood love for cereal, now operates in nine locations, including a standalone spot, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for customers. In 2022, Kith expanded its food and beverage arm, partnering with Major Food Group to open Sadelle’s at Kith Paris, later expanding to Kith Miami Design District and Kith Toronto. This emphasis on creating immersive experiences extends to Kith Women, with the first flagship dedicated to women’s apparel opening in New York City in 2023 under the creative direction of Daniëlle Cathari.
Kith’s expansion into Europe, with flagship stores in Paris and London, reflects Ronnie’s goal to establish Kith as a global brand while maintaining its connection to New York roots. Community has always been at the heart of his vision—creating inclusive spaces where people can connect over a shared love for design, quality, and nostalgia. As Fieg once shared in an interview, “The sense of individuality was super key back then, and that’s where I really developed my taste.” This emphasis on individuality and community is evident in Kith’s unique retail experiences, which often include features like ice cream bars and unique experiential elements, providing an environment that is both memorable and distinctive.
Fieg’s commitment to his community and his ability to create a sense of nostalgia have been key drivers of Kith’s success. His collections often pull from his personal experiences, from growing up in New York City to his passion for vintage cars. The Kith for BMW collection is a perfect example of this, blending Fieg’s love for classic automobiles with his signature design aesthetic, creating pieces that resonate deeply with fans who share his appreciation for both style and substance.
Ronnie Fieg is not just a designer; he’s a curator of culture. Whether it’s through his collaborations, his carefully designed flagship stores, or his personal passion projects, Fieg continues to push boundaries and redefine what streetwear can be. For him, it’s not just about the clothes or the sneakers—it’s about the stories they tell, the connections they create, and the lifestyle they inspire. And that’s what makes Ronnie Fieg a true visionary in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
