What Is JJJJound?

If you dabble in the world of sneakers or streetwear, it’s incredibly likely that by now you might have stumbled across the name JJJJound. A frequent footwear collaborator and also a highly-respected label in its own right, the Montreal-based brand remains a mystery to many with its minimalistic stylings and extremely-limited releases. If you’re eager to learn more about JJJJound then you’re absolutely in the right place, as here at The Sole Supplier we’re about to dive in at the deep end and educate you on everything regarding the label.

After collaborations with the scene's biggest names including Bape, New Balance and Reebok, we answer the question on everyone's lips: what is jjjjound? From its humble-beginnings right through to collaborations with globally-renowned streetwear labels, here’s the comprehensive history of JJJJound as well as answers to a few frequently asked questions!

JJJJound started off life as a “digital mood board”. Founded by Justin R. Saunders, JJJJound was essentially an online blog which Saunders established in order to "examine the recurring patterns in timeless design". Although similar to other blogs of the time, JJJJound was set apart due to the consistency and mood of the imagery. Over time, the website became incredibly popular with designers, fashion aficionados and creatives alike.

Despite Justin R. Saunders residing in Montreal, he quickly developed plenty of online connections that allowed to to dive headfirst into the industry, moving in the same circles as Virgil Abloh, Matthew M. Williams and Heron Preston, all of whom have gone on to create their very own successful labels. Of course, all these newfound connections helped propel JJJJound to the next level, whilst still retaining the original low-key and tasteful aesthetic.

JJJJound was created in 2006. While lifestyle blogs were common in this era, JJJJound was set apart from the crowd because of the fact it decided to focus solely on images - a concept that was mirrored when Instagram was founded several years later. In 2008, JJJJound as we know it started, as the label started to produce some very early examples of apparel and merchandise.

The early 2010s saw JJJJound transcend into the production of physical goods for the very first time, with refined heritage-inspired staples being some of the first products produced. Early items included shopper-style tote bags, pin badges, socks and beanies. The same subtle stylings featured throughout the designs, with Saunders staying true to his original vision. By now, the brand was growing exponentially, with Virgil Abloh now regularly name-dropping the site as his own popularity continued to skyrocket.

At the time of writing, JJJJound still offers a wide-range of apparel via its very own webstore, with most items following a simple yet effective look, often lacking any sort of obvious branding in favour of letting the designs do all the talking. Although remaining very simplistic in its styling, almost every release consistently sell out in an instant. If a refined take on modern style is what you’re after, it’s likely that JJJJound can offer up a suitable choice.

While the clothing range may be favoured by plenty of industry-insiders and tastemakers, it’s important to remember that JJJJound isn’t exclusively a fashion-brand, it’s a lifestyle label. From homeware accessories right through to branded coffee bean collaborations, if you’re wanting to feel fly while going about your daily business then you won’t be disappointed. Notable highlights across the JJJJound store include branded notepads for jotting down ideas or sketching out concepts, a branded city bike in collaboration with MTN and also a dual-branded Sharpie pen.

Once again, these are all perfect examples of Saunders and his brand branching out beyond the usual realms of what a fashion label is capable of. JJJJound is yet to be pushed into a certain category and will continue to innovate as it grows further.

In recent years, it’s JJJJound’s ability to create memorable collaborations that has really helped keep the brand in the limelight. If we’re talking footwear, it’s impressive just to look at the sheer selection of different companies that JJJJound has joined forces with in just a small space of time. From Vans to New Balance and right through to Dr. Martens, the label has proved itself a force to be reckoned with. 2020’s extremely-hyped New Balance 992 is a standout release, and it’s also hard not to mention the JJJJound x A Bathing Ape BAPESTA, offering up the familiar silhouette in a subtle white colour palette.

On the apparel front, Saunders and his team have joined forces with the likes of Eddie Bauer, Porter Yoshida, and A.P.C. While JJJJound never usually changes much from the original product, it will always inject a slice of the instantly-recognisable contemporary flair it’s known for into the project.

Here at The Sole Supplier we’re often asked where exactly JJJJound can be purchased, as the brand can have a rather elusive feel. In short, products can only be bought from the label’s official webstore, with the exception of collaborations - those are stocked at the collaborating parties’ websites as well as at approved retailers. If you’re searching for hyped collaborations you may well have to resort to the resale market, as they will have sold out instantly upon release.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our comprehensive guide to JJJJound, so make sure to keep it locked in right here at The Sole Supplier for all the latest sneaker news and updates as they happen!