About Us
Eight Sixty was born out of a desire to make a difference, rooted in both pride and purpose. In 2019, as major fashion houses like Gucci and Prada came under scrutiny for racially insensitive designs, I found myself reflecting on the industry I had long admired. These were brands I had once aspired to own, the same ones glorified by the 80s and 90s Hip Hop I grew up with as a proud Puerto Rican born in New York but raised in Connecticut. But in those moments, I saw how far removed these brands were from the communities they claimed to value.
As someone deeply aware of the cultural impact and influence of Black and Brown communities on fashion, I asked myself, Why are we supporting these brands when they’ve shown us how they truly feel? Their attempts to patch things up by hiring influential Black creatives felt hollow, a reminder that while our influence on style is undeniable, true respect was lacking.
So, in 2019, I set out on a new path. I didn’t have a blueprint—just a passion and a vision to create something meaningful for us, by us. I chose a name inspired by my roots: Eight Sixty, a nod to the 860 area code, a part of my identity and the community I call home. With nothing but YouTube tutorials and sheer determination, I launched my brand. I was a beginner, fumbling my way through designs, marketing, and more. When Covid hit, I found myself in a sea of overnight brands, each competing for a piece of the streetwear movement that had gone mainstream. My early attempts fell short, but I refused to quit.
In the spirit of icons like Nipsey Hussle, I learned from my setbacks and realized I couldn’t do it all alone. Persistent on another attempt, but this time is different because now, I’m building a team who shares my vision. I’m driven by the belief that style should be more than just luxury; it should respect and represent the communities it draws from.
Eight Sixty isn’t just a clothing brand—it’s a movement. It’s a tribute to where we come from, a shout-out to the impact we’ve made, and a vision for where we’re going.
As someone deeply aware of the cultural impact and influence of Black and Brown communities on fashion, I asked myself, Why are we supporting these brands when they’ve shown us how they truly feel? Their attempts to patch things up by hiring influential Black creatives felt hollow, a reminder that while our influence on style is undeniable, true respect was lacking.
So, in 2019, I set out on a new path. I didn’t have a blueprint—just a passion and a vision to create something meaningful for us, by us. I chose a name inspired by my roots: Eight Sixty, a nod to the 860 area code, a part of my identity and the community I call home. With nothing but YouTube tutorials and sheer determination, I launched my brand. I was a beginner, fumbling my way through designs, marketing, and more. When Covid hit, I found myself in a sea of overnight brands, each competing for a piece of the streetwear movement that had gone mainstream. My early attempts fell short, but I refused to quit.
In the spirit of icons like Nipsey Hussle, I learned from my setbacks and realized I couldn’t do it all alone. Persistent on another attempt, but this time is different because now, I’m building a team who shares my vision. I’m driven by the belief that style should be more than just luxury; it should respect and represent the communities it draws from.
Eight Sixty isn’t just a clothing brand—it’s a movement. It’s a tribute to where we come from, a shout-out to the impact we’ve made, and a vision for where we’re going.