In the world of streetwear, few names evoke as much intrigue, admiration, and criticism as Vlone. Born from the heart of Harlem and propelled into the limelight by A$AP Bari and the A$AP Mob, Vlone represents more than fashion—it embodies culture, rebellion, and raw street energy. But behind the hype lies a complex web of controversies, comebacks, and lessons learned. Today, we peel back the layers and take a closer look at Vlone’s rise, fall, and the path forward.
The Origins of Vlone: More Than a Streetwear Brand
Founded in 2011 by Jabari Shelton (A$AP Bari) and heavily promoted by A$AP Rocky, Vlone quickly carved out a unique identity in the fashion world. Its slogan, “Live Vlone, Die Vlone,” captured the essence of youthful isolation, street authenticity, and anti-mainstream sentiment.
Vlone’s early drops—characterized by bold orange lettering, minimalist yet aggressive designs, and deep cultural roots—became instant hits. Collaborations with Nike, Fragment Design, and Palm Angels pushed the brand to international acclaim. What set Vlone apart was its ability to blur the line between fashion and lifestyle, with every collection reflecting the raw pulse of street culture.
The Nike Collaboration: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the biggest accelerants of Vlone’s global popularity was its collaboration with Nike in 2017. The Vlone x Nike Air Force 1 was a coveted release, with prices soaring on the resale market. The sneaker featured Vlone’s signature orange-on-black motif and cemented the brand’s presence in the sneakerhead universe.
However, just as Vlone was climbing toward its zenith, the Nike partnership came to a sudden halt. In 2017, videos surfaced of A$AP Bari involved in an alleged sexual assault scandal. The backlash was swift—Nike terminated their collaboration and distanced themselves from the brand. This moment marked a turning point in Vlone’s trajectory.
Controversies That Shook the Core of the Brand
The scandal involving A$AP Bari wasn’t just a PR crisis; it threatened the very soul of Vlone. The footage sparked global outrage, damaging both Bari’s personal reputation and Vlone’s image. While Bari denied the allegations initially, he eventually pleaded guilty to sexual assault in the UK in 2019. This led to an exodus of fans, collaborators, and fashion insiders from the Vlone circle.
Lack of Leadership and Creative Division
With Bari’s legal troubles mounting and A$AP Rocky gradually distancing himself, Vlone lost its visionary guidance. The creative direction became inconsistent. Limited drops and dwindling hype raised serious concerns about the brand’s future. What once felt like an underground movement began fading into obscurity, further tarnished by unreliable drop schedules and underwhelming quality control.
Falling Out With the A$AP Mob
One of the most dramatic blows to Vlone came when A$AP Mob officially disassociated from A$AP Bari in 2022. In a viral post, A$AP Illz declared that “Vlone is dead” within the Mob’s ecosystem. Bari fired back, asserting that he founded the brand and that no one could take it from him. This public feud fractured the collective’s brand unity, with Vlone stuck in the crossfire.
This separation meant Vlone could no longer count on A$AP Rocky’s star power, nor on the group’s cultural influence. Vlone was forced into an identity crisis, navigating a new era without the cosign of its most powerful voices.
The Redemption Attempts: Reinvention Through Collabs
Despite the controversies, Vlone has made several attempts at a comeback, mainly through strategic partnerships and exclusive drops. In 2021 and beyond, the brand partnered with artists like Pop Smoke (posthumously), The Weeknd, and Juice WRLD. These capsule collections aimed to recapture the magic of Vlone’s early days and tap into the fan bases of beloved musicians.
While these efforts revived short-term interest, they failed to fully repair the damage done by earlier scandals. Many saw these moves as opportunistic, rather than rooted in genuine creative rebirth. Still, a loyal base of fans kept the flame alive—hoping for a more grounded and accountable Vlone to emerge.
Is Vlone Still Relevant in 2025?
This is the million-dollar question. In the fast-evolving world of streetwear, brands rise and fall at lightning speed. Yet Vlone’s cultural imprint remains undeniable. It was one of the few labels that genuinely understood the intersection of music, art, and fashion in the 2010s.
While newer brands like Gallery Dept, Corteiz, and Sp5der are taking center stage, there remains a space for a rebranded Vlone—one that can tell its story honestly and rebuild trust with its audience. In order to regain its throne, Vlone must pivot towards authentic storytelling, sustainable collaborations, and transparent leadership.
Lessons from the Vlone Saga
The Vlone journey is a case study in how cultural power can implode when accountability is missing. Here are the key lessons:
- Talent isn’t enough: Without integrity, even the most successful brands crumble.
- Leadership matters: A brand is only as strong as its creators and their public perception.
- Cultural relevance must evolve: Yesterday’s formula won’t guarantee tomorrow’s success.
- Community trust is everything: Once broken, it takes more than hype drops to fix it.
Conclusion: Can the Phoenix Rise Again?
Vlone stands as a paradox—a brand born from rebellion, marred by scandal, and struggling for redemption. Its story is far from over. The fashion world loves a good comeback, especially when it’s authentic. If Vlone can truly confront its past, elevate new voices, and return to its core values, it still holds the potential to inspire the next generation of streetwear lovers.
