About the Founder
Craig D. Washington is the visionary founder, lead designer, and driving force behind Top Notch NME—Detroit’s breakthrough luxury streetwear brand.
Raised on the west side of Detroit, Craig’s journey began on the legendary block of 7 Mile and Ashton. With roots deep in the city’s creative hustle, he transformed adversity into artistry—customizing shoes and tees for friends at just 13, and later building an independent label that bridges underground energy and high-fashion quality.
A self-taught designer, published author, and cultural innovator, Craig’s approach to streetwear fuses Detroit grit with global vision. Every collection channels stories of resilience, ambition, and authentic identity—proving that true luxury comes from originality, community, and self-mastery.
From late-night brainstorms to sold-out launches, from Top Notch NME’s debut drop to global collaborations, Craig’s mission is clear: elevate the culture, honor the code, and leave a legacy for the next generation of creators.
Raised on the west side of Detroit, Craig’s journey began on the legendary block of 7 Mile and Ashton. With roots deep in the city’s creative hustle, he transformed adversity into artistry—customizing shoes and tees for friends at just 13, and later building an independent label that bridges underground energy and high-fashion quality.
A self-taught designer, published author, and cultural innovator, Craig’s approach to streetwear fuses Detroit grit with global vision. Every collection channels stories of resilience, ambition, and authentic identity—proving that true luxury comes from originality, community, and self-mastery.
From late-night brainstorms to sold-out launches, from Top Notch NME’s debut drop to global collaborations, Craig’s mission is clear: elevate the culture, honor the code, and leave a legacy for the next generation of creators.
“The code is not to be told... it’s to be deciphered.”
— Craig D. Washington
— Craig D. Washington
Key Milestones
- 1983: Born and raised on Detroit’s west side, 7 Mile & Ashton.
- 1996: Began customizing sneakers and tees at age 13 for local friends and family.
- 2012–2015: Studied Business Administration at Baker College, fueling the vision for his own brand.
- 2017: Founded Top Notch NME and launched the debut collection.
- 2022: Authored Streetwear: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Brand.
- 2024: Released Mastering Streetwear Expansion; awarded Editor’s Choice Award of Literary Excellence.
- 2025: Launched “Streetwear Beyond Fashion: Lifestyle and Influence,” expanded Top Notch NME to global status.
A Letter from the Founder
To everyone who’s walked with me—family, friends, dreamers, and believers—thank you.
Top Notch NME started as an idea in a small room on Detroit’s west side. Every design, every drop, every chapter is a tribute to the journey and the culture that raised me.
I built this brand for those who know the value of legacy, of authenticity, of never letting the code be broken or diluted. As you wear these pieces, you’re carrying more than style—you’re wearing a piece of the city, of resilience, of vision.
If my story proves anything, it’s that you don’t need a cosign to create your own lane. Keep building. Keep deciphering. The universe is yours to unlock.
Top Notch NME started as an idea in a small room on Detroit’s west side. Every design, every drop, every chapter is a tribute to the journey and the culture that raised me.
I built this brand for those who know the value of legacy, of authenticity, of never letting the code be broken or diluted. As you wear these pieces, you’re carrying more than style—you’re wearing a piece of the city, of resilience, of vision.
If my story proves anything, it’s that you don’t need a cosign to create your own lane. Keep building. Keep deciphering. The universe is yours to unlock.
Craig D. Washington, Founder