Garie Adamson’s Journey of 100 Miles to Hip Hop Fame

June 2024

Month 20xx

Words by Rachel Wong & Ainsley Lister

Charmaine Gooden

Jacob Marion

Garfield Paul Adamson, aka Garie Miles Adamson, is the founder and creative force behind 100 Miles, a clothing brand proudly based in Toronto, Canada. Positioned as one of the original streetwear brands, 100 Miles gained early recognition when iconic figures like Tupac, Drake and Biggie Smalls sported the brand’s designs in the 1990s and 2000s. Established in 1992 when Adamson was just 20 years old, 100 Miles seamlessly blends an instantly recognizable 1990s urban aesthetic with a contemporary twist, ensuring its relevance in today’s fashion market.

Early Life and Career

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Adamson moved to Toronto with his family at the age of five. Growing up in an immigrant household, he witnessed firsthand the hustler mentality and drive required to succeed in a new country. It was because of his upbringing that Adamson learned the importance of hard work and self-preservation in ever-changing environments.

His father, an entrepreneurial DJ, often took Adamson and his brother to Toronto’s major nightclubs, immersing them in the city’s vibrant nightlife culture. This exposure deeply influenced Adamson’s creative process, with his father’s roots in Reggae and R&B music continuing to inspire him and his work. “[My father’s] music always – and even still today – has a major role in my whole design process,” Adamson says.

Despite never envisioning himself as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, Adamson heeded the advice of a high school teacher and pursued business studies at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). Armed with the knowledge and skills the program instilled in him, he laid the foundation for the launch of 100 Miles.

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Positioned as one of the original urban clothing brands, 100 Miles gained early recognition when iconic figures like Tupac, Drake, and Biggie Smalls sported its designs in the 90s and 2000s.

Role of Race

Adamson recognized a void in the fashion landscape – an absence of Black designers. Determined to fill this void, he set out to use his knack for business and become a voice and a face for his community within the fashion industry. Despite facing skepticism and negativity, Adamson’s resolve only strengthened as 100 Miles achieved significant milestones.

A big challenge he faced was the negative energy that lurked around other designers, at a time when the fashion industry, in front of the cameras and behind the scenes, was overwhelmingly white. Despite this energy, he was fuelled by the doubters, considering them a blessing in disguise. 100 Miles hit milestones. One of the brand’s biggest breaks happened in 1994 when Tupac wore their signature hoodie in the film Above the Rim. The look became instantly recognizable and is still referenced in hip-hop fashion to this day.

For Adamson, one of the biggest changes between the 1990s and now, is the ‘boosting’ mentality between Black designers. Long gone are the days of competition, now it is all about uplifting each other and taking up space in the fashion industry.

With this newfound support, Adamson wishes he could tell his younger self, “Take the time to learn, study and most importantly, be observant. Stick to your dreams, stay on your course because there will always be distractions.”

Influence and Legacy

As one of Toronto’s pioneering streetwear brands, 100 Miles leaves an indelible legacy, inspiring future generations of designers and entrepreneurs. Adamson hints at exciting collaborations on the horizon, fuelled by the brand’s unwavering local support.

Adamson’s journey, rooted in the musical influences of his childhood, exemplifies the transformative power of fashion in urban landscapes. His legacy as a pioneer in Black fashion continues to reverberate through the success of his apparel in television and film appearances, as well as courtside on celebrities like Drake.

In Adamson’s own words, “We’ve come 100 miles, but we still have 100 miles to go.” His relentless pursuit of excellence mirrors the enduring spirit of Toronto’s urban fashion scene.