Fieg, a native New Yorker, started out as a buyer for a local retail chain. In that role, he made connections at brands like Asics, Clarks, New Balance, and Adidas, even collaborating with a few on limited-edition footwear projects. With several successful collaborations behind him, he left his job in 2011 to start Kith. Kith carries a mix of high-end and affordable labels in a minimal, open space that’s easy to navigate, but super unique. The flagship store, dreamed up with design firm Snarkitecture, features ample sitting room on the inside, as well as an outdoor pavilion that doubles as a hangout spot. Those details make Kith feel like a streetwear sanctuary—a place where anyone is welcome to shop or just scope out the latest brands.

After the original store was remodeled in 2014, Kith expanded to a second location in Brooklyn, and opened its first women’s store in December 2015. Alongside its own label, the retailer carries the best streetwear brands from around the world, from Los Angeles’ Stampd to Parisian heritage house Pierre Balmain. This mix helped land them a spot on Adidas’s shortlist.

if you ain't know about KITH,

welcome to the fam

WHERE TIGHT MEETS TIGHT-KNIT

what: a profile on kith — the new york city streetwear store — at the cusp of its world takeover.

when: the January 23rd edition of sweet.

New Yorkers use a lot of slang—“brick” means cold temperatures; “guap” somehow refers to money—but the most natural might be “fam.” You’ll often hear people in New York use “fam” to refer to their friends. The friends-as-family mentality is so pervasive that streetwear boutique Kith was named after that very concept (the name comes from “kith and kin”). Ronnie Feig, who founded Kith, hopes that everyone who enters the store, from employees to shoppers, feels like part of an extended family.

"Ronnie Feig, who founded Kith, hopes

that everyone who enters the store, from

employees to shoppers, feels like part of

an extended family."

The German sportswear brand created a club of premium sportswear boutiques—calling them “Consortium” retailers—of which there are only 12 worldwide. Kith has been a Consortium member since 2014, which means it’s the only place in New York City to get the most exclusive Adidas product. This month, Adidas Consortium kicks off a new project with Kith and 11 other stores; each location, from Starcow in Paris to Kasina in Seoul, will release a special collaborative sneaker with Adidas. Adidas is launching the program with Kith, and their special, super limited-edition sneaker drops today.