Every image, every word & every shape used has meaning.” Focusing on material quality, the scene of exclusivity takes a back seat as MEGA concedes “although die hard customers that love the limited lifestyle disagree with new consumers having accessibility to the brands that were once hard to find, I see more people getting into this lifestyle even in these tough times for stores and brands”.
While the scene has steadily slowed down due to over-saturation, cookie-cutter labels, and mainly economic downfalls, it still remains the brainchild of a generation that’s seen tremendous success by a multitude of youthful entrepreneurs whether it be clothiers, artists or media outlets. “It’s great to see the industry grow and I am confident it will grow even larger in the years to come. It’s also great to see the brands grow and become power houses that can compete with the larger brands that have already put a stamp on the marketplace. It’s not the greatest times economically right now but if we ride the wave for a couple years I think the marketplace will boom harder than ever. I feel it’s great to see more customers support what we love and seeing more people on the streets get into what was once a super tight knit circle in every city that represented “in the know” limited lifestyle. “I get inspired by many designers from high end to contemporary to street. It’s amazing to see the big fashion houses look to street artists and vice versa. Our new generation of artists and designers get it, I think everyone is trying to figure out what separates them from others and still keeping it relevant. It’s so many people to name and so many brands to consider I think I will say in the end I like many but I will only wear a few.”
With the day coming to a close we arrive at a location nestled away in a Hollywood community shared with some well known personalities, the pad plays host to stacks of HUF fitted’s well into the triple digits and a welcoming environment, reflective of the fellas character. Developed organically with time, Black Scale may owe a portion of its success to the contributers involved in the brands manifestation, but mainly the two head honchos in charge of every aspect of the brand. “All of the designs stem from the original inspirations of the brand. We decide on how each particular design relates to our ideals & how that design is meant to represent our way of thinking. We’re always pushing each other to create new ways to express our collected knowledge to the public. It’s amazing.”
Entering their seventh season, 2009 seems like the appropriate time to engage into further aspects of the brand. The focus remains steadily on Black Scale’s vision for a new approach to the unknown.
Text: Luis Ruano
Photography: Luis Ruano
