MEGA: I’m at the studio. What it do?
We just wanted to catch up with you and have you let us into a day in the life of MEGA. What are you working on?
I’m working on designs and emailing everyone that came out for the Can Goods event.
How was Can Goods? Who showed up?
Can Goods was one of the best parties we have ever organized. L.A. came deep with the support and we couldn't have done it without them. Diamond Supply Co., Crooks & Castles, The Hundreds, Rogue Status and of course the Yay Area. It was also the first event we ever organized that included HUF, True, Stussy SF, FTC, Red Clay and other brands and stores that represent the Bay Area. So many people showed up - it was crazy. Kafani, J-Billion, El Rock, P.W. Esquire and Bun B all performed and made the day crack from when the doors opened. I can go for days to who came out and supported.
Sounds like a good time. When did you start promoting parties? And what were some of your defining moments?
DJ DE actually got me started with promoting about 3 years ago in SF. I used to support all the events he spun at and we just wanted to try doing our own and that’s how it started. I think giving SF a different outlet for events was the focus, and that lead to some great memories and events.
Did promoting help you transition into being an entrepreneur and owning your own brand? Tell me about the line you just dropped, and the inspiration behind it.
I feel the HUF movement helped me. Keith and everyone in HUF SET definitely helped me out with developing the business, branding, public relations, marketing and promotions. HUF is an environment where you can shop and also meet talented people with different gifts that maybe can help you with future ventures.
Are you originally from SF? Where did you grow up?
I am originally from Angeles City P.I. I came to the states in 1987 where my family chose the Bay Area to reside in. Specifically Oakland/Alameda.
What are some of the shoes that got you into collecting? What shoe spots were your favorites in the Bay Area even before you worked at HUF?
Jordan 1 for sure, I used to head to Copeland’s, Foot Locker, Athlete’s Foot and of course Brown Brothers in Alameda. Oh, and First Step when it was on Powell Street, when T (Stussy SF) USED TO RUN IT. I remember Copeland’s had tables that had 2 for 39.99 and it was all Dunk Hi's. OG colorways!
Would you say that collecting sneakers was your introduction into street fashion?
I think what got me into street wear was when I first went to NY and hit UNION up. I remember seeing independent smaller brands that had dope graphics and they were hard to find. That was way back too.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t think I have style anymore. I just wear black on black now.
How has your taste changed since your early days of street fashion? How do you see street fashion now? What’s missing?
I think being older it's gotten more simple for me. Street brands are the new leaders of fashion. I don’t think anything is missing, I see the smaller brands maturing and getting bigger and I also see the bigger brands being much larger.
We have all premises covered. From street wear to high fashion, we all mix it up.
Do you think its positive to see rappers in music videos or high profile athletes wearing the same brands that were independent and hard to find a few years back? What will happen if the exclusive brands become more popular?
I think its dope to see anyone wearing the brands we love, but I also know certain people in the media can kill those same brands. I think the peeps are more aware of the smaller brands and know that’s what we are into. It's our time and all the multi million dollar companies that exist all experienced what we are experiencing now.
How does it feel to be on the come up?
I will tell you that when I come up. It’s not easy but it’s worth every second because I don’t even consider it as work. Its something I love and I am fortunate to be here.
Tell us about some of your upcoming projects…
Kings Assembly is my new project. It's a collective of Alex Aquino, Brand 1 and myself. We are building a more structured base for events, promotions and marketing for clients worldwide. Both of those guys have inspired me from day one and I am fortunate to be working with them now. They are my partners for Can Goods.
Any FINAL THOUGHTS…
Thanks Ace, and thanks to Frank151 for the inspiration. HUF SET!
