Born in the surf culture of Orange County, California, in the late 1970s, Stüssy began with Shawn Stussy's handcrafted surfboards, signed with his now-iconic scrawled signature inspired by his uncle, Jan Stussy. By the early 1980s, Shawn expanded into apparel, selling T-shirts and caps with a raw creative edge that resonated beyond the surf community. In 1984, Shawn teamed up with Frank Sinatra Jr. (no relation to the singer) to elevate the brand, which quickly became a global phenomenon. Stüssy’s effortless blend of surf, skate, hip-hop, and punk aesthetics redefined streetwear before the term even existed, earning a devoted following across subcultures worldwide. By the 1990s, Stüssy had gone international, opening boutiques in fashion capitals like SoHo and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with luxury brands. Its trailblazing designs, such as varsity jackets and fashion-forward caps, set trends that remain influential today. After Shawn’s departure in 1996, the Sinatra family carried the brand forward. Today, Stüssy thrives as a global icon, a testament to its authentic roots and enduring cultural impact.