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REBEL8's Graffiti & Tattoo-Inspired Streetwear Pops Up in DTLA

By Natalie Alcala

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  • Exclusive prints signed by Mike Giant, $50 a pop.
  • This rad neon sign illuminates the space.
  • Founder and CEO Joshy D. (He injured his left arm while riding the skateboard ramp he built inside the warehouse.)
  • Merchandise with the front row's "REBEL EIGHT Los Angeles" logo are exclusive to this pop-up.
  • More merch for men and women. (FYI, bucket hats are back.) To spark creativity, Joshy takes his team on inspiration trips before they start working on each season. Their last trip was to New Mexico.
  • Sharpies, patches, pins and more are also on deck.
  • The brand's showroom, offering a glimpse of fall. When asked if he feels any pressure to reinvent the graphic tee each season, Joshy explains that "we're so ahead of the game that we don't even think about it. We just make what we want to wear and
  • A stairwell leading to the REBEL8 offices is emblazoned with Mike Giant's original hand illustrations.
  • The spotless meeting room. Fun fact: Joshy is admittedly OCD when it comes to cleaning. "I can't concentrate if there's clutter around me."
  • Even the warehouse (formerly occupied by streetwear label The Hundreds) is pristine. All boxes are accurately labeled and perfectly stacked.
  • REBEL8's pop-up is open Saturdays from 12 to 5pm.


In 2003, Joshy D. started REBEL8 with just $500. The then 22-year-old San Franciscan was an early supporter of Mike Giant, a tattoo and graffiti artist he met in the late '90s that—little did he know—would one day become a legend. Joshy asked Giant to make a few exclusive T-shirt graphics for him, which he still does today. Eleven years later, REBEL8 is still a cult-favorite streetwear label known for its authentic artwork celebrating Cali's skateboard, graffiti and tattoo culture. They've just opened a pop-up in DTLA, and superfans are flocking.

Located at the entrance of REBEL8's massive warehouse on Wall Street, the temporary summer shop features a mix of seasonal and limited-edition apparel, art and accessories for both men and women, all hand-selected by Joshy and his team. Prices range from $3 for a pin to $150 for a denim jacket. See something you like in the brand's e-shop? Order it online and contact customer service to have it shipped to the pop-up for easy pick-up.

Check out the space below and stop by Saturdays from 12 to 5pm.

· REBEL8 [Official Site]