Paul Mittleman worked as VP of Design and Creative Director at Stussy. In this episode, he shares stories from decades shaping the DNA of modern street culture.
From working directly with Shawn Stussy to influencing brands like Supreme, Adidas, and Converse, Paul reflects on authenticity, creativity, and the evolution of streetwear. He explains why early Stussy and Supreme succeeded where others failed, and why the term “streetwear” misses the point entirely.
Paul also dives into collab culture, subcultures in New York and Tokyo, and how Instagram reshaped personal expression. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people and philosophies that built modern street style.
00:00 – Intro: Paul Mittleman on shaping modern street culture02:30 – Connecting Shawn Stussy to New York’s creative scene06:15 – The rise of Supreme and its Stussy influence08:40 – Why Stussy and Supreme stayed authentic11:00 – The power of saying “no” in creative work14:00 – When collabs lost their meaning17:00 – “Future landfill”: the dark side of drop culture20:30 – Streetwear vs. street culture23:00 – Can real subcultures still exist today?29:30 – From downtown discovery to the algorithm era39:00 – Instagram, identity, and authenticity46:30 – Choosing integrity over corporate success48:50 – Paul’s recommendation: Subculture by Dick Hebdige
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