If you’re asking “Who made Market Studios?”, you’re essentially asking who created the brand and where it originally came from.
From my experience analyzing streetwear brand histories, this question often appears because people see the name “Market” today and want clarity on its origins. Below is a clear, no-confusion explanation.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Who Created Market Studios?
- The Original Vision Behind the Brand
- How the Brand Evolved Into Market Studios
- Who “Makes” Market Studios Today?
- Market Studios Compared to Other Streetwear Brands
- What This Means for Buyers
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Internal Reference
Quick Answer
Market Studios was made by Mike Cherman.
He created the brand originally known as Chinatown Market, which later evolved into Market Studios.
Who Created Market Studios?
This section explains the origin of the brand and its creator.
Founder Overview
Market Studios was created by Mike Cherman, a Los Angeles–based creative and entrepreneur.

The brand began as Chinatown Market, a streetwear label built around:
- graphic-heavy designs
- playful cultural references
- accessible streetwear silhouettes
Today, the brand operates under the name Market Studios.
You can see the brand’s current identity on its official website:
Market Studios
The Original Vision Behind the Brand
This section focuses on why the brand was made.
What Mike Cherman Set Out to Build
From my perspective, the original goal behind the brand was not exclusivity or luxury, but approachability and optimism.
The early vision centered on:
- positivity-driven graphics
- humor and irony in design
- streetwear that felt open, not intimidating
- strong community energy
This vision is still visible in Market Studios today.
How the Brand Evolved Into Market Studios
This section explains the name and structural change.
From Chinatown Market to Market Studios
The brand transitioned from Chinatown Market to Market Studios after facing cultural sensitivity concerns around the original name.
| Earlier Identity | Current Identity |
|---|---|
| Chinatown Market | Market Studios |
| Cultural reference | Neutral global name |
| High controversy risk | Broader acceptance |
Despite the name change, the creator and creative direction remained the same.
Who “Makes” Market Studios Today?
This section clarifies ongoing brand control.
Brand Operations Today
Market Studios is still:
- privately owned
- founder-led
- creatively driven from the U.S.
From my experience, this consistency explains why the brand has retained its tone and identity despite rebranding.
Market Studios Compared to Other Streetwear Brands
This comparison helps put the brand in context.
| Brand Type | Who Made It | Creative Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Market Studios | Founder-created | Playful, graphic-led |
| Corporate streetwear | Investor-built | Trend-driven |
| Luxury street labels | Group-backed | Polished, controlled |
| Fast fashion | Corporate | Speed-focused |
Market Studios clearly fits the founder-created streetwear category.
What This Means for Buyers
Understanding who made Market Studios helps buyers set expectations.
When Market Studios Makes Sense
- you like graphic-driven streetwear
- you value brand personality
- you prefer founder-led labels

When It Might Not
- you want luxury craftsmanship
- you prefer minimal or logo-free clothing
- you buy mainly for resale value
From my experience, alignment with the brand’s origin story leads to better satisfaction.
FAQ
Who made Market Studios?
Market Studios was made by Mike Cherman.
Is Market Studios the same as Chinatown Market?
Yes, it is the same brand under a new name.
Is Market Studios independently owned?
Yes, it remains founder-led and privately owned.
Did the brand change direction after rebranding?
The core creative vision stayed the same.
Conclusion
So, who made Market Studios?
Market Studios was created by Mike Cherman as an evolution of his original streetwear brand, Chinatown Market.
From my perspective, the brand’s strength comes from its clear founder vision rather than corporate-driven strategy.
Internal Reference
For insights into how founder-led streetwear brands are developed, produced, and positioned, visit fukiapparel.
