Hi! I'm Pancho, 30 on July 6, 2024 (hint: the sixth is my birthday aka the SIXXX).
Did I always want to be a designer?
No, not really, but I was always a creative child, I expressed my feelings through drawing cartoons such as pokemon, transformers, dragons and clowns; I would created my own characters based on the emotion I felt at the time (I still have some of these by the way). The first time I began to use fashion to express myself was in middle school, because we were forced to wear uniform, I the only way I would not feel like a clone was to wear unique shoes no one else had, I was known for wearing cool shoes (still am!). That's when I began to learn how to express personality without speaking so much since I was a very shy teen. In high school we were allowed to wear anything, so I began experimenting with my style and trust me, I went through MANY phases: Emo, Grunge, Rocker, Skater, Preppy, Jock, Theater Kid lol. That is when I started to take a higher interest in fashion but it was not until I discovered the work of Alexander McQueen and I saw that clothing can be art as well, and I was sold!
Did I study fashion?
Yes, unfortunately I was one of the creatives who thought school was the only path to success, keep in mind this was when social media was barely taking off, I remember most high fashion brands did not even have accounts yet. I say unfortunately because of the student loan debt I accrued, and I work with a lot of designers who didn't go to design school. That being said, I did learn a lot in school, I attended FIDM in Los Angeles & did the Debut program in 2016 (a program where 11 graduates are chosen to do a 12 look collection to debut in front of an audience ranging from industry professionals to family), so I made it pretty far in my education, however, I do not think it is necessary especially now with the online resources/ tutorials on YouTube, instagram & TikTok.
Why denim?
When I was studying my first year at FIDM, GUESS,inc Jeans collaborated with FIDM for a denim design competition, where the top 5 students selected would get to design a full denim look for a chance to have it manufactured and sold by GUESS. Thanks to a substitute teacher (Mr. Vasquez) who encouraged me to apply, I was made it to the top 5 and presented my design (that I patterned, cut & sewed) to the staff at GUESS, and ended winning a scholarship and had my designs sold online & sold out before I could get my hands on them :(
Where have I worked?
My first job in the industry was as a preproduction coordinator in a Los Angeles factory, here I helped brands bring their ideas to life; brands include: James Perse, Sol Angeles, OYSTER, RE/DONE, Saks 5th Ave & Flint and Tinder. Later I was hired at a company that starts clothing brands for social media influencers, where I worked with: STEELE, SVNDZ, Samii Ryan, Eggie, Dead Dolls, Elle Reve & Round Two. Now I work for a company that owns the licenses to GAP, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Woolrich and more. All my jobs consist of me assisting multiple designers/ brands and I've learned so much from each one.
Why The Sixxx?
I always knew I wanted to launch my own brand since the day I decided to apply to designs school, but it always felt impossible because I had no resources or finances. I did not want to launch a brand unless it was personal and integral to who I am as a person, and I struggled to always figure out what name to use and what aesthetic, so I knew I had to discover who I am first. After many trial and errors, I stopped forcing ideas and focused on the ideas that would come out of my head that did not required much convincing to myself and that was: denim, horror, Sexy, day to night & affordable. The Sixxx comes from my lucky number 6 because of my birthday, July 6. I wanted to create a brand that was sexy, stylish, fun, comfortable and affordable, clothing that you can throw on and feel sexy without too much thought. Thanks to the help from my sister & parents I am able to live out a dream, I owe it to them to grow THE SIXXX to it's full potential.
What's my favorite scary movie?
Well, that's not that easy, mainly depends on the mood I'm in but if I had to name my favorite from each era, I'd say:
- 80's: Childs Play (1988)
- 90's: Scream (1996)
- 2000's: House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
- 2010's: A Cabin in the Woods (2011)
- 2020's: Talk to Me
But my favorite franchise is hands down SAW!
Honorable mentions: Final Destination franchise, Cabin Fever, House on Haunted Hill, Thanksgiving, Halloween (Rob Zombie, sorry not sorry), IT (2017), The Loved Ones, Tick’r Treat, Paranormal Activity, Thirteen Ghosts, Creep, Jaws, The Strangers (2008) ok ok I'll stop.
What's next?
I want to eventually make a major horror film featuring collections of clothing you can shop right after watching the movie, a unique horror meets fashion experience beyond the screen. Until then, I want to create short films inspired by the collections mood board (each collection is inspired by a classic horror movie). Hopefully I will be sold in your favorite stores and expand to grow the brand and create competitions like the one GUESS & FIDM did that helped gain confidence as an artist, which is the best tool and artist can have. Fun fact, I actually have created a competition with EZZE x ROUND TWO called: The Final Cut, in which Madison (model in my campaign) won!
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