If you have been to The Stockroom Show, you will know SPRMRKT as the unofficial home for Stüssy and Palace in Cape Town; among other cult-like streetwear brands. Founders and partners, Sheree Vida Tigre (AKA DJ Rishi Love) and Ryan Sexton are unequivocal tastemakers in the hype-beast, pop cultural realm – bound together in their pursuit of the fashion, sneakers and art – led by their love for the aestheticism (and humour) of KAWS to Braindead, with music being the thread that binds it altogether. While the term “hype-beast” has had a rap for conveying a style that is totally trend focused; it’s original meaning was an umbrella term for the influence of streetwear and street culture on fashion – in its purest form, hype-beast sentiments express that which is cool – and in the case of SPRMRKT, coolness is underpinned by community.
With a market as relatively young as ours in South Africa, we are yet to have the full-scale exposure that the global north has to limited drops, coveted releases and the generally colossal choice of brands – and while this can leave us wanting, in a way it has allowed for a certain reverence in South Africa for the discipline that is thrifting and curating one’s wardrobe with the vision possessed here. We see this with the homies at Broke, and the breakout of streetwear brands like Socioculture or the longtime success of SolSol. This local resourcefulness is the crucible of desire in which SPRMRKT was forged; led by Sheree and Ryan’s conversations with industry peers and friends on questions of accessibility and opportunity. Illustrated by their own process with their streetwear brands, RAION, the vision has always been to create a space in which local brands can live alongside international labels – and that the two function synergistically in quality and creativity, not as oppositions. In a dualistic fashion landscape in which we are tempted to pick solely local, or possibly pretend to deny the influence of the global north, instead Sheree and Ryan remain concerned with one question; why not have it all? SPRMRKT answers this question as a conduit for international brands for a local audience – one that is most likely setting out to grow our own local scene whether through music, producing, art, fashion or design.
SPRMRKT is growing their offering, with their newest store having opened on the 23rd April at We Are EGG Cavendish – a space that speaks to their values as a hub of local brands, beauty, accessories intermixed with notable labels from around the world. This kind of communal retail experience is fast becoming the norm; a nostalgic nod to the era of department stores, yet catered to the contemporary audience and next generation. “We have knowledge and genuine passion for this space. We want streetwear to bring the community together – to us, SPRMRKT stands out for authentication as well as dedication.” – Sheree and Ryan state, as they prepare to bring SPRMRKT to Joburg in the coming weeks. Hype never sleeps.
Shop SPRMRKT’S latest offering at We Are EGG, Cavendish Square, and look out for their online launch and JHB launch dates here.
Written by: Holly Bell Beaton
