This project was an amazing experience to work on. Most times I visit the company I’m working with to begin conversations on our project together and to lay the foundation for design. I usually get the bulk of the work done from my office. This one was a bit different.

I flew out to Toronto to design this vest but the difference was actually walking the manufacturing floor of Canada Goose. Being able to see the raw material, the process and finished product was a great perspective to gain before delving into the design process on these vests. Learning the history of the company and understanding the purpose of their product was important to me. Canada Goose jackets, when used for their original intent, will save a life. The product they develop help professionals who work in extreme climates survive.

What is more important than that?

Granted my interpretation of this Alberta Vest was through the lens of fashion but it was built on function. Function to me is an important place to start— design that serves a purpose– and Canada Goose has mastered that.

I want to thank Dani, Kevin and Spencer at CG for their patience and support. I hope you dig the final product.

Also would like to thank Harris, Paul Mighty and Nick Cangello for the support on the project. It’s always a team effort.

This is the video piece I directed for the vest release— Paul Mighty is the model in the video and also produced the music used with Dj Manipulator under their production group name Boxcutters. TBB Music will be releasing Dj Manipulator’s “Live From The Badlands” in the next few weeks.

The goal is to make it look easy. The magic is in the mystery.

Being able to work with a company with so much of a heritage is truly a blessing. I’m confident in saying that Clarks is probably the industries most copied. Wallabees, Desert Boots, Weavers, Desert Treks— their design influence is in everything from high end dress shoes to skate shoes- and everything else in between.

I can go on about how the Wallabee means so to much to me. From Slick Rick to Ghostface– Especially Ghost!!!

The Weaver is Mr. Wally’s sexy cousin and shes a beauty.

Long story short– from the design to the marketing plan, I had a blast… and the cycle continues… and by that I mean I’m already working on our Spring / Summer project.

Ahh. The ever present fitted cap.

Something so classic and simple can mean the world to someone. If something means the world to me, it’s important that it’s representative of my personality and style.

I’m going to be 33 years old and that means I have been conscious of my fitted measurement for at least 20 years. My first was a San Diego Padres cap I bought in a sidewalk sale at a store called Maurice The Pants Man around my way.

My friends at Mitchell and Ness blessed me with an opportunity to put together a cap that represents me and my brand. I have had the pleasure of building a relationship with M&N while developing special projects for Concepts. The heritage and quality of the brand is something most people trust but I’m not sure people give their fitted cut and feel enough credit.

I wear New Era caps (like the rest of the world). In the passed couple of years, the New Era fit has not been my favorite. What changed? I’m not sure. Sporadic sizing and crown shapes makes it difficult to count on. Like most, I continue to hope for the best when I design caps for the shop or buy personnel caps elsewhere.

The M&N cap has surprised me and has become my favorite. Why? Well first and foremost – it fits. It fits good.

Jump on the M&N site and cop something to hide your crooked shape up. You will thank me later.

Shouts to Vic and John for the continued support and love.

Now on to my cap—

Features my “The Butcher’s Block” logo embroidery on the front

My motto on the right side panel in tonal embroidery and satin linings (not pictured)

The back embroidery lets you know that I keep it FRANKMATIC™

Will it be available? You will have to wait and see!

My brother Chace is one of the most interesting people I have met working in this industry. We share a passion for music and fashion – which all stem off of roots in hip-hop culture. His resume reads like someone that is lying to impress people, but its all truth. From his early days in the business side of the music industry, to his current membership in the world famous Soul Assassins crew, his hip-hop group Self Scientific with Dj Khalil to his creative consulting gigs with fashion labels– Chace is a self described “Purveyor of Street Aesthetic”.

A force to be reckoned with a no bullshit attitude.

Had a chance to catch up with Mr. Infinite at Prohibit in NYC.

Great gear, dope shop with out the cool guy atmosphere.

Prohibit
152 Allen Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 673-6773
www.ProhibitNYC.com

It’s my pleasure to debut my collaboration with Quintin Co. I first worked with Quintin on the cap I did for the Save Haiti event I put together with Brek.One here in Boston. Quintin has been on the four front of what they do and have worked with an impressive list of collaborators.

It was a great experience developing these caps which I feel represent my brand and character well. Fitted dog ear 5-panel with rugged materials, dope colors and The Butcher’s Block embroidery are street ready! On the back you will find my motto which is also featured on the splash page of my website.

Big shouts to Brett, Carlos and Chris on the opportunity.

Navy Blue Waxed cotton and black Melton wool lining on ear flaps. Red embroidery and strings.

Military olive canvas and black Melton wool lining on ear flaps. Red embroidery and strings.

Oh yeah— It ain’t over….

While up in Toronto with Canada Goose, I had the opportunity to walk their production floor. There is something about seeing the process of something being made that gives you a greater appreciation for the product.

I had the opportunity to travel to Toronto to visit Canada Goose to work on our upcoming collaborative capsule for Concepts. It was my first time in Canada and it was what everyone says it is– beautiful.

It’s easy to forget that your actually in another country because the city of Toronto looks pretty “American” with the major differences being polite people, clean streets, no car horns being abused and the occasional French signage.  Ok so its the total opposite of the States.

Canada Goose has been in business since 1957 as a manufacturer of outerwear for the most extreme climates.  Their legendary coats and jackets could be seen from the ice of the Arctic to the streets of Cambridge (especially Brattle St.). I had the chance to visit the company and manufacturing plant and in the process gaining a greater understanding and appreciation for their process and product.

Had a chance to check out what CG has cooked up for fall / winter 2010.

Here is a preview of the Lance Mackey Constable. Lance Mackey is a world champion dog musher and is considered “The World’s Toughest Athlete”. You ever have to walk from the corner store in the freezing cold holding a gallon of milk? Not even close to what he has to endure!! Oh yeah, he is a Goose Person!

Here is an exclusive peek at the new Yuki Matsuda Collection which has focused on using wools and tweeds which features the Canada Goose disk patch in Yuki’s black and red embroidery. There are 3 pieces in this collection in multiple colorways and will only be sold at best shops globally—- like ours. Amazing.

A few upcoming accessories

The Canada Goose team were amazing hosts and even took the kid to see a Toronto Maple Leafs game. I know for a FACT that I was the only Hispanic in the arena and possibly the city—that’s ok though. My mom would tell me that it made me special… then laugh as she walked away.

Pictures on the way!