Growing up immersed in New York's dynamic youth culture of the '80s/'90s was an education on how to make it, by any means necessary. Movements in art, fashion, and music grew out of a genuine passion and, in most cases, without any budget. I created my playbook early on, by identifying what draws people in and keeps them engaged. Skateboarding attracts seekers and that transcends just finding spots, but finding experiences. What you wear communicates who you are, and knowing how to curate that is directly what Mate’ was formed by the amalgamation of ideas, translated into a brand that personifies them
