Corteiz stands as a bold force in streetwear, born from London's underground scene with a message of defiance. Founded by Clint 419, the brand embodies rebellion through its Alcatraz logo and limited drops.​

Brand Origins and Clint 419

Corteiz was launched in 2017 by British-Nigerian entrepreneur Clint Ogbenna, known as Clint 419, starting with screen-printed T-shirts and crewnecks featuring the Alcatraz silhouette. This logo symbolizes breaking free from convention, reflecting Clint's gritty North West London roots and anti-establishment vibe. From bedroom prints, it exploded during the pandemic via social media hype and exclusivity, building a cult following over 860,000 on private Instagram.​

Clint's vision prioritizes community over mass retail, fostering loyalty through scarcity rather than influencers. Nominated for the 2023 British Fashion Awards in New Establishment Menswear, Corteiz earned acclaim for innovative rebellion against fashion giants. Today, it expands globally while staying true to urban authenticity.​

Signature Products and Style

Corteiz offers tracksuits, hoodies, T-shirts, cargos, denim, outerwear, bags, and footwear in bold, versatile designs made from quality cotton. Staples like the Bolo jacket and cargo trousers mix hip-hop edge with everyday wear, often tagged "Rules The World" for that defiant flair. Pieces feature clean prints, durable fabrics, and modern silhouettes perfect for street styling.​

Collections evolve with seasonal drops like summer mainlines, blending gritty elegance and youth culture vibes. Accessible pricing keeps it real for fans, unlike hype-only labels, emphasizing wearability over resale.​

Guerrilla Drops and Marketing Genius

Corteiz thrives on password-protected sites and surprise drops announced via socials, creating frenzy with limited stock. Iconic stunts include 2021's Soho Tube ticket T-shirt swaps, 2022's Da Great Bolo Exchange donating traded jackets to homeless, and 99p cargo market drawing 2,000 fans. In 2024, New York's Da Great Denim Exchange traded any jeans for 250 Corteiz pairs.​

This gamified scarcity builds exclusivity, discouraging resellers and prioritizing true fans. Private Instagram and no traditional ads amplify IYKYK culture, outpacing brands like Supreme in community buzz.​

Major Collaborations and Milestones

From foes to partners, Corteiz sued Nike in 2021 over "Cortez" similarity but dropped Nike Air Max 95 collabs in 2023 (Gutta Green, Pink Beam, Aegean Storm) in London, NYC, Paris—plus 2025's Honey Black. A 2023 Supreme link-up brought T-shirts and hoodies, cementing cred.​

Further ties with Central Cee, Meekz, Soho Yacht Club, and Motherlan highlight hip-hop roots. Apparel capsules with Nike continue, fusing sportswear classics with street flair. These moves mark Corteiz's rise from indie to global player. thecorteizoffical.com​

Cultural Impact in Streetwear

Corteiz revives streetwear's anti-fashion roots, praised for authenticity amid "cash grab" critiques of others. Worn by Drake, Jorja Smith, Slowthai, Central Cee, it influences UK urban scenes, rivaling Stone Island or Trapstar. Some debate if hype outpaces design evolution, but fans defend its community focus.​

As a premium yet smart-priced option, it sets trends in rebellion-driven fashion.​

Buying Guide and Authenticity Tips

Shop only official crtz.xyz during drops—avoid fakes on sites like corteizofficial.com. Spot real vs. fake: sharp Alcatraz logo, bold yellow tags, thick stitching, consistent fonts on wash/neck labels. Authentic packaging is branded; bargains signal counterfeits.​

Customer reviews mix praise for quality and style with scam warnings on resellers; official support responds variably. For hypebeast collectors like streetwear marketers, patience pays in copping legit pieces.​

FAQs

What is Corteiz?
Corteiz is a London streetwear brand founded in 2017, known for Alcatraz logo apparel symbolizing rebellion.​

Who founded Corteiz?
Clint 419 (Clint Ogbenna), a British-Nigerian from North West London, built it via scarcity and community.​

How do Corteiz drops work?
Limited releases via password site crtz.xyz, announced on socials; sell out fast with guerrilla events.​

Is Corteiz legit or full of fakes?
Official is crtz.xyz only; check logos, tags, stitching for authenticity—avoid low-price sites.​

What are popular Corteiz products?
Tracksuits, hoodies, cargos, Bolo jackets, Nike Air Max 95 collabs.​

Did Corteiz collaborate with Nike?
Yes, after a 2021 lawsuit, they dropped Air Max 95 colorways in 2023-2025.