The name of this Japanese clothing company derives from the Prohibition poor Americans saw between 1920 and 1933, when alcohol was, somewhat fruitlessly, banned. Prohibit first came to the streets of New York from the streets of Tokyo in 2001, opening a store on Elizabeth Street; since then, they've launched a music label, a café, styled artists and musicians, featured art exhibitions, hosted parties, and, in their most eclectic move, opened a barber shop. They also opened three stores in Tokyo called Elizabeth 269 (their NYC address) in a move that can either be regarded as circular, genius, literal cross-marketing, or a form of NYC-love.

Now Prohibit have opened a new (clothing) shop on Allen Street, a little further south and to the east of the Bowery of the original store. (They've also got a new logo, designed by Tokyo-based artists Zaisu.)

The clothing tries to reflect the street-style, vaguely rebellious roots of the name. A series of collaborations between Prohibit and other companies (Nine Rulaz, G-Shock, Evisu Jeans, among others) seem to produce their most interesting stuff.

Celebrity clients include Naomi Campbell, Jay-Z, Q-Tip, and Lil' Wayne (who is not so Lil' anymore.)

Prohibit, 152 Allen Street, New York, NY
212-673-6773