Ask any streetwear lover about Carhartt WIP, and chances are they own at least one item from the brand. In just three decades, the American fashion brand has become one of the most celebrated names in the world of streetwear, dominating the scene with its uncomplicated yet stylish designs and high-profile collaborations with brands like SACAI, Palace, A.P.C., Junya Watanabe and Nike.
The exceptional versatility and wearability of its pieces have made Carhartt WIP a perennial favourite among celebrities, both on- and off-screen. Take the Detroit Jacket, for example. The timeless icon garnered widespread attention after being worn by Matthew McConaughey in Interstellar, sparking a wave of demand from movie buffs all over the world. On the streets, the zipper jacket has been spotted on celebrities like Austin Butler, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and Stray Kids’ I.N.
This widespread popularity has fueled the brand’s global expansion, with over 100 brick-and-mortar stores now open worldwide. In Malaysia, Carhartt WIP currently operates two stores in Kuala Lumpur — at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and The Exchange TRX.
This year, the cult streetwear brand shows no signs of easing up. It continues its expansion with a third Malaysian outlet, located on the ground floor of The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey Johor Bahru. Spanning an impressive 1,819 square feet, the store is designed by co-founder Salomée Faeh in collaboration with an architecture studio of Andrea Caputo. The design draws inspiration from the brand’s rugged workwear heritage while incorporating a sleek, modern industrial aesthetic — complete with distinct industrial detailing that reflects the vibrant energy of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Featuring an open layout accented in grey, white and muted concrete hues, the store includes unique touches such as a distinct branded carpet by AC Studio and a handmade “Carhartt” logo designed exclusively by studio of German artist Pietro Sanguinetti — making it a must-visit for streetwear enthusiasts.
To commemorate the store opening, Carhartt WIP has launched an exclusive capsule collection that gives its iconic designs a local twist. The Detroit Jacket now features “Carhartt WIP Johor Bahru” detailing in neon colour, while the S/S T-shirts are adorned with “Wau Merak” imagery, paying tribute to Johor’s rich cultural heritage. The new store also marks the debut of the S/S25 Store Exclusives Capsule.
Adding to the launch, renowned light artist Jun Ong has presented a special installation titled Merak-07, which draws inspiration from the cultural symbolism of the traditional Johorean Wau through innovative materialisation and an interplay of light and texture.
The Carhartt WIP store Johor Bahru is located at G-006, The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia. Discover more about Carhartt WIP here.