In 1994, Supreme released one of its most iconic items: the “Taxi Driver” t-shirt, featuring Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle. This design, with its discreet Supreme box logo, marked the brand’s emergence as a streetwear powerhouse and became a sought-after item in various colors.
The “Taxi Driver” tee saw a significant revival in 2014 during Supreme’s 20th-anniversary celebrations. This special collection reintroduced the tee alongside other memorabilia such as box logo shirts, skate decks, and stickers, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.
Fast forward to today, one particular “Taxi Driver” tee from the original 1994 release holds a unique place in Supreme’s history. This specific tee was kept in the back room of Supreme’s original store at 274 Lafayette Street in New York City. Signed by over 100 personalities, it became a canvas capturing the vibrant street culture and camaraderie of the era. Chappy, one of Supreme’s original employees, initiated this tradition. As pro skaters and notable artists visited the store, he would have them sign the tee, turning it into a collector’s piece filled with the signatures of the skateboarding and art community.
In 2006, Chappy passed this tee along with other items to Clarence Nathan. When Supreme began planning a comprehensive compilation of its history, Clarence reached out to James Jebbia. Initially interested in photographs rather than clothing pieces, Jebbia was thrilled upon discovering the signed “Taxi Driver” tee. Clarence recalls Jebbia’s response, “He literally called me in 15 minutes. He was so psyched that I had it.” (@suprememuseum) The shirt was promptly delivered to Supreme’s offices, ensuring its place in the brand’s storied legacy.
Now, in 2024, as Supreme celebrates its 30th anniversary, this tee is being reintroduced as a “shirt printed on a shirt” in the latest collection, capturing the essence and history of the original. Additionally, Supreme has compiled an exhaustive three-volume book set detailing every tee released from 1994 until 2024. The books, titled “Supreme Tees: 1994-2024“, will be sold alongside the commemorative tee. Volume 1-3 of the books will be available for $168, and the iconic “Taxi Driver” reprint tee will retail for $44. This release is a celebration of Supreme’s legacy, intertwining street culture, cinema, and authentic artistic expression, offering fans a chance to own a piece of history.