Pelle Pelle
Pelle Pelle emerged during the golden age of 90s hip-hop, capturing the rebellious spirit of the era with its leather jackets adorned with bold colors, intricate embroidery, and metal embellishments. Founded in 1978, the brand became a visual emblem of urban culture, worn by some of the most influential figures in hip-hop and sports throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Its distinctive designs made Pelle Pelle jackets status symbols in the communities that defined the era's fashion. The brand's cultural peak coincided with hip-hop's mainstream breakthrough, when artists and athletes alike used clothing as a form of self-expression and identity. Pelle Pelle jackets appeared in music videos, on album covers, and on the backs of NBA players during an era when the league's dress code had not yet been formalized. Though the brand faded from mainstream prominence in the mid-2000s, it has experienced renewed interest among collectors and nostalgia-driven streetwear consumers who view its archive pieces as artifacts of a specific and irreplaceable moment in fashion history. A 2024 collaboration with Playboi Carti also reintroduced the brand to a youthful audience.
Latest Stories
French Montana and Max B Enlisted for Pelle Pelle's Knicks and FISLL Campaign: How to Shop
The jacket is available now on Complex.
Pelle Pelle x Rolling Loud Tour Collectors Series Leather Jacket: How to Buy
Rolling Loud has teamed up with fashion brand Pelle Pelle for a limited edition leather jacket.
Pelle Pelle Detroit Quilted Jacket: How to Buy
The iconic hip-hop heritage brand returns with a Detroit-inspired quilted jacket available now on Complex.
Cash Cobain Pays Homage to Famous Notorious B.I.G. 'King of New York' Photo in Pelle Pelle Campaign
The rapper was crowned by his mother, Priscilla Small, for Pelle Pelle's 47th anniversary campaign.
Bape, Pelle Pelle, Hellstar & More: 8 Streetwear Brands You Can Buy Now On Complex Shop
From old school to new wave, these are the streetwear brands keeping the culture alive and evolving.
Playboi Carti's Opium and Pelle Pelle Launch Official Collaboration
As 'MUSIC' continues to dominate the charts, Carti's Opium is rolling out a Pelle Pelle collaboration, which will be available on Complex Shop.
The 10 Most Hyped Items That Defined 2024
Did you buy any of these this year?
The Best of ComplexCon 2024: Brand Booths, Exclusive Drops, New Discoveries, and More
A recap of the best apparel, booth design, hidden gem, food, and more from ComplexCon 2024.
All the Best Collaborations from September SS25 Fashion Month
We sifted through all the shows from the Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Weeks to elect the most noteworthy apparel and accessories collaborations you should know.
The Best Moments of Spring/Summer 2025 New York Fashion Week
A slew of heavy-hitting European brands made their US runway debut, but it was the Americans that trumped everything this season.
Who Decides War Ascended to New Heights During New York Fashion Week
A two-day activation with Complex, and a packed runway show debuting projects with Jordan Brand and Pelle Pelle prove that Ev Bravado and Tela D’Amore show no signs of slowing down.
Complex’s First-Ever NYFW Takeover With WHO DECIDES WAR: What You Missed
WHO DECIDES WAR was the star of the proceedings, while Cash Cobain came through for a surprise performance.
Playboi Carti Spotted in $1,400 Pelle Pelle Heritage Jackets
Carti wore one colorway for his appearance during Ye's 'Vultures 1' event in New York.
Supreme Spring/Summer 2024: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
From collaborations with 'The Muppets' to Ducati motorcycles, here's what caught our eyes from Supreme's latest season.
How to Style Leather Jackets Like Your Favorite Celebs
Trying to decide how to pull off your new leather jacket? Take some styling advice from ASAP Rocky, Drake, Cardi B, and more.
Pelle Pelle and Avirex Are Back: Here’s How Hip-Hop Popularized Leather Jackets
Leather jackets have always been popular within hip-hop culture. Here's how leather jacket brands like Pelle Pelle and Avirex developed a cult following .