Detroit, MI – Craig D. Washington, the self-taught designer, author, and founder of Top Notch NME, has formally articulated his identity as one of Detroit’s leading cultural architects. Known for blending luxury streetwear, philosophy, and narrative world-building, Washington now steps into the public sphere with a unified declaration of who he is and the legacy he is building.
Washington is the creator of the 2854 framework, a system of identity authorship, discipline, and generational legacy. His work expands far beyond fashion, fusing storytelling, automotive design, digital worlds, and symbolic aesthetics into a single cultural ecosystem.
“I don’t just design clothes I design identity infrastructure,” Washington states. “Detroit raised me, craft shaped me, and legacy defines me. 2854 is not branding it’s the discipline of becoming.”
Through Top Notch NME, Washington has built a luxury house rooted in Detroit’s resilience and creative power. His emblem the mirrored T/N gold buckle has become a symbol of sovereign identity, craftsmanship, and cultural ascension.
Washington is also the author of three major works on street luxury and brand philosophy, including Streetwear Beyond Fashion: Lifestyle & Influence. His writings form the theoretical backbone of the 2854 system and position him as a leading voice in modern identity architecture.
Beyond fashion and publishing, Washington continues to expand the Top Notch Universe, a cinematic narrative world featuring characters, hypercars, mythology, and symbolic artifacts all tied to the legacy code of 2854.
“I build from Detroit to the world,” Washington adds. “My work is for the people who refuse to be defined by circumstance. Identity is not a label it’s a responsibility.”
With this declaration, Washington enters what he calls The Echo Era, an evolution of his artistic and philosophical work. This era focuses on expanding the 2854 framework globally, creating legacy-grade artifacts, and cementing Detroit’s role in shaping the future of luxury culture.
About Craig D. Washington
Craig D. Washington is a Detroit-born designer, author, and cultural architect. He is the founder of Top Notch NME, the creator of the 2854 identity framework, and a leading voice in luxury streetwear evolution. His work spans apparel, philosophy, narrative world-building, and digital artifact creation.
About Top Notch NME
Founded in 2017, Top Notch NME is a luxury streetwear house that blends Detroit resilience, high craftsmanship, and cultural architecture. The brand’s work includes apparel, footwear, cinematic storytelling, conceptual vehicles, NFTs, and the 2854 philosophy.
For media inquiries or press contact, please reach out to:
topnotchnmestreetwear@gmail.com
craigwshngtn@gmail.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Top Notch NME
Contact Person: Craig D. Washington
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: http://www.topnotchnme.com