The London-based streetwear and lifestyle brand, Trapstar Collective Limited (‘Trapstar’), has entered into a strategic partnership with Footasylum Limited (‘Footasylum’), securing the brand’s future and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
Trapstar was founded in West London in 2006 by co-founders Mikey Aryee, Lee Langaine, and Will Thomas. Since then, the brand has evolved to become a well-established, globally recognised name in streetwear, receiving high-profile celebrity endorsements and strategic collaborations under its direct-to-consumer retail model. Its products are sold primarily in the UK through high-end retailers, together with sales through its online store.
Backed by the European private equity firm Aurelius, Footasylum is one of the UK’s leading fashion streetwear and sportswear retailers. The partnership represents a natural strategic alignment, bringing together Trapstar’s creative authority and cultural credibility with Footasylum’s retail scale and infrastructure.
The three co-founders, Mikey Aryee, Lee Langaine, and Will Thomas, will continue to lead the creative and strategic direction of Trapstar, maintaining full ownership of the brand’s identity, vision, and cultural voice.
The transaction comprised a sale of the Company’s business and assets and was overseen by Will Wright, Howard Smith and Rebecca Makaruk from Interpath who were appointed joint administrators to Trapstar Collective Limited on 29 May 2026.
Commenting on the partnership, Hannah Mercer, CEO of Footasylum, said: "Trapstar is one of the most iconic names to have come out of British streetwear. For more than two decades it has shaped culture, built a distinctive identity and earned a loyal following that extends far beyond the UK. It sits at the heart of fashion, music and culture, and its relevance to the consumers we serve made it a natural fit for Footasylum.
"Through labels such as Monterrain and Zavetti Canada, we have demonstrated our ability to build and scale brands that resonate with our audience, and we are confident that we can bring that same expertise, platform and investment to support Trapstar's next phase of growth. Mikey, Lee and Will have built something genuinely extraordinary, and we are proud to be the partners who help them take it to the next level."
Trapstar CEO and Co-Founder, Mikey Aryee, commented: “This is the right partnership at the right time. Hannah and the Footasylum team understand what we’re building. We’re focused on growing our product range, scaling our footwear collection which launched this year, and using Footasylum’s retail network to get it in front of the right people.”
Trapstar CMO and Co-Founder, Lee Langaigne, added: “From the back of car boots in London to partnering with Aurelius and Footasylum - this is a key turning point. Their retail and e-commerce expertise opens up real opportunities globally. We share the same vision. Our priority is simple: make better decisions, raise our standards and deliver the products our community deserves.”
Trapstar CBO and Co-Founder, Will Thomas, said: “Trapstar is the culture. Partnering with Footasylum to take it global - better reach, bigger platform. This one’s for everyone who’s been here from the start - and everyone who’s about to find out.”
Will Wright, UK CEO of Interpath and joint administrator of Trapstar Collective Limited, said: “This homegrown streetwear label has developed something of a cult following over the years, using A-list celebrity endorsements and strategic collaborations to grow the brand into a global name.”
Ravi Patel from Interpath, who led the transaction on behalf of the joint administrators, added: “We are delighted to have secured this transaction with Footasylum, which will provide a strong and stable platform for continued growth while preserving Trapstar’s unique heritage and creative identity.”
