Success Story of Urban Monkey, A Brand for Latest Hip Hop fashion

Are you ready to step into the vibrant world of Indian streetwear, where fashion meets self-expression, and individuality takes center stage? Meet Urban Monkey, the revolutionary brand that’s redefining the way India’s youth dress and express themselves. 

From bold graphics to edgy sneakers, Urban Monkey is the embodiment of street culture, and its journey is nothing short of inspiring. 

Lets move into the captivating success story of Urban Monkey, a brand that’s all about celebrating authenticity and empowering the youth to be unapologetically themselves.

The Youth and the Rise of Hip Hop Fashion

The siren call of hip hop fashion has resonated deeply with Indian youth, particularly the dynamic and trend-setting millennials and Generation Z.

The hip hop streetwear style has become a dominant force, characterized by its signature elements: hoodies, t-shirts, jackets, sneakers, and an array of vibrant, bold graphics and colors.

This trend mirrors the global fascination with hip hop culture and serves as a powerful expression of individuality.

Indian Streetwear’s Reckoning With Urban Monkey

The surge in the popularity of hip hop culture within India has paved the way for a burgeoning streetwear movement. With an increasing number of young people embracing this trend, a multitude of street-inspired fashion labels have emerged in the Indian market. 

These brands understand the evolving demands of their clientele and are catering to a generation of fashion enthusiasts who desire edgier, street-smart aesthetics.

Urban Monkey: A Leader in the Making

In this landscape of emerging streetwear brands, one name stands out: Urban Monkey. Founded by Yash Gangwal in 2014, this brand is on a mission to redefine streetwear fashion in India. 

Over the past six years, Urban Monkey has rapidly evolved, capturing the essence of the underground street culture and transforming it into bold and stylish fashion statements. The brand’s ability to adapt to the changing fashion scene while staying true to its roots is a testament to its success.

Collaborations that Made Waves

Urban Monkey’s journey has been marked by high-profile collaborations with celebrities who have left an indelible mark on the Indian hip hop and streetwear scene. 

Renowned figures such as Rannvijay Singh, Raftaar, Emiway Bantai, and more have joined forces with the brand, catapulting it into the spotlight and expanding its influence across the nation.

Urban Monkey founder’s journey:

Every business goes through a very interesting story and peaks at the height of tremendous business. Let us discuss here the journey of Urban Monkey’s founder, that fabulous brand for trendy streetwear and unique products within the lifestyle.

Yash Gangwal, the founder of Urban Monkey, grew up in Hong Kong and developed a passion for skateboarding and street culture from a young age. After graduating from Australia, he moved back to India in 2011, fearing he would have to join his father’s diamond business. Determined to pursue his love for art, hip-hop, and skateboarding, Yash saw a lack of representation of underground street culture in India. This inspired him to start Urban Monkey in 2014, aiming to blend streetwear with practical functionality and create a brand that resonates with youth culture. Today, Urban Monkey is known for its trendy accessories and strong community presence

Finding Inspiration

Before Urban Monkey, the founder was an experimentalist with lots of interests. He was actually very fond of fashion and art and all the creativity that comes from street culture. All this was being used to create a brand’s identity. He always believed that everyone should find himself through his style.

Making the Leap

A clear vision and purpose made the founder leap into entrepreneurship. Of course, there were challenges. There was a need for finding the right team to carry out the business plan. There was a need for sourcing materials for the venture. There was also the challenge of spreading the word about the brand. Through hard work and determination, however, Urban Monkey began taking shape.

Creating a Brand

As the brand grew, so did the community. Urban Monkey is more than a clothing line; it is how people connect. The founder has made sure to design products that appeal to the young mind, ensuring both comfort and style. Social media has played a huge role in sharing the Urban Monkey vibe, allowing fans to showcase their unique looks.

Entrepreneurial Success

Through all the ups and downs, the founder learned much from resilience and creativity. They welcomed feedback and adapted to trends without losing focus on the mission of the brand. Today, Urban Monkey is not only a brand but a lifestyle that celebrates individuality and urban culture.

A Glimpse into the Founder’s Vision

In an exclusive interview with SMBStory, Yash Gangwal, the mastermind behind Urban Monkey, sheds light on the brand’s inception and journey. Yash, an Indian-born individual who spent his formative years in Hong Kong, brings a unique perspective to the Indian streetwear scene. 

He explains that his passion for street culture was ignited during his time skateboarding on the gritty streets of Hong Kong. This early connection to urban life would later become the driving force behind Urban Monkey’s creation.

Success story of Urban Monkey: A Response to a Cultural Void

Yash Gangwal’s return to India at the age of 24 marked the beginning of Urban Monkey. His love for skateboarding prompted him to seek out skateboards, but he was dismayed by the limited availability of quality options in India. 

The existing products were tailored for professionals, leaving a void for enthusiasts like him. Moreover, the absence of streetwear accessories like headwear and sunglasses that resonated with the hip-hop persona left Yash inspired to make a change.

The Birth of Urban Monkey

Yash’s realization that India lacked a genuine representation of street culture, let alone street fashion brands, served as the catalyst for Urban Monkey. He envisioned a brand that would bridge the gap between skateboarding, streetwear, and music. 

Yash, an avid skateboarder himself, had joined a small skateboarding academy in Mumbai, but the experience didn’t align with his expectations. It was then that he found himself being approached by friends who desired skateboards, caps, and t-shirts from Hong Kong, where he had grown up. 

This was the spark that ignited the idea of creating a brand that encapsulated the essence of street culture.

Urban Monkey’s Early Focus: Skateboarding

Urban Monkey took its first steps by introducing skateboards to the Indian market. Yash and his team believed that promoting street culture in India was fundamental to the growth of streetwear brands in the country. 

The launch of skateboards marked their entry into this exciting space. However, the brand soon realized that relying solely on skateboards was limiting its potential growth. The demand for skateboards remained niche, prompting a strategic shift.

Diversification and Refinement

In the quest for growth and to cater to a broader audience, Urban Monkey embarked on a journey of diversification. 

They ventured into categories such as shoes, power banks, and Bluetooth earphones. However, these explorations didn’t yield the expected results, as the market wasn’t ripe for these offerings.

The Trials and Errors

Urban Monkey’s journey was marked by trials, errors, and financial setbacks. Navigating a burgeoning market and carving a niche in a culturally diverse country like India presented its challenges. 

The brand’s ability to adapt and learn from these experiences became instrumental in its eventual success.

The Turning Point: Finding the Winning Formula

Amidst these trials and errors, Urban Monkey persevered. The brand, guided by a relentless spirit, eventually found its winning formula. It identified a range of fast-selling products that resonated with the Indian youth. 

These included sunglasses, headwear, wallets, and portable storage bags. Urban Monkey had discovered its niche in the market, and there was no turning back.

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Wrap Up Story:

Urban Monkey’s journey from its humble beginnings in Yash Gangwal’s vision to becoming a force to be reckoned with in Indian streetwear is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and perseverance. The brand not only represents a fashion trend but an entire cultural movement. It celebrates self-expression and individuality in a world that often emphasizes conformity.

Urban Monkey has gone beyond being just a clothing brand; it is a reflection of the evolving youth culture in India. It symbolizes the unapologetic spirit of a generation that refuses to conform to conventional norms. Yash Gangwal’s vision and Urban Monkey’s success are not just a business victory; they embody the celebration of the Indian underground street culture and the indomitable spirit of the youth.

As Urban Monkey continues to evolve and inspire, it remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of fashion. The brand’s journey is a captivating saga of passion, innovation, and the unyielding belief that anything is possible when you dare to dream. In the world of fashion, Urban Monkey is not just a brand; it’s a movement, a symbol, and a promise of authenticity and self-expression.

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