Highsnobiety Podcasts

Chris Gibbs is the current owner and operator of UNION Los Angeles, purveyor of streetwear, sub rosa Japanese labels, and all around dope shit — like its in-house line that doesn't shy away from referencing his and his wife Bephie's black heritage. UNION isn't just a small business, it's a family business — and it's black-owned. Given the current state of America and social unrest over the unjust killings of people like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, Gibbs gets real about how he feels as the father of two black teenage boys (1:50). In the wake of protests and uprisings across the country, he also empathizes with the righteous indignation of many protesters. In some ways, bringing streetwear back to its roots of community and culture might be the salve it needs. Hear his thoughts on how it's become commodified (11:08), and ways current events have reinforced his desire to give back to his community (22:19), even if it's something as simple as donating proceeds from a sneaker drop. Learn more