I first saw StayAv8ted when I saw Maxo Kream’s “YMG” video. Something about the idea of showcasing a bunch of vices, or rather accessories to vices, that many could relate to piqued my interest. Lo and behold, I discovered StayAv8ted. From the detailing on their Trillest jersey to the overall theme, I could tell that they were trying to put on for their city while appealing to the every man. As with most brands featured on New Threads, they put out their product in small quantity so buy it if you like it. Don’t sit on it.
They have a collaboration with a Dallas store dropping today (Juvenile & Master P t-shirts) and they will be restocking their Drug Abuse L/S on Monday. Look out for their full Spring/Summer collection to drop late this month and early March. You can buy their pieces HERE and the two tees at the Blkmkt store in Dallas or online HERE. Hit the jump for a slideshow of their pieces including the special collaboration.
For those unfamiliar, New Threads is a fresh column we’ll be executing to celebrate independent fashion companies and the minds behind them. A teenager in an American suburb with a dope idea and a few bucks should be given mad props, if they’re due, just like your favorite luxury brand. We’ll pick a creator that deserves your attention and ask him/her a few questions, including our Final Four questions we ask all of our creators for that month. What’s the requirements to be featured on New Threads? Originality and quality. And please, make something you’d wear proudly. Hit us up on Twitter if you know someone who has or you yourself have a dope brand on the rise.
I’m guessing your brand name has to do with “staying fly.” Explain why you named your brand StayAv8ted and spelled it that way?
Yes, you can say that somewhat. It’s crazy because the meaning of the term StayAv8ted can be interpreted in so many different ways & that’s one of the main reasons why we chose the name. StayAv8ted to us means elevating your mind & lifestyle to a higher standard. We want to motivate people out there to want to be better then everybody else & achieving what some may think is impossible. No matter what their passion is whether it’s sports, music, etc etc..stay ABOVE & AHEAD of the competition by any means. The reason we spell Av8ted with an 8 is because the brand originated from me and a group of 8 friends who used to call ourselves the Av8ters. We threw some sick parties and concerts…around this time is where the term, brand & lifestyle originated.
I get the feeling that pilots in the Air Force during WWI and WWII would’ve rocked your stuff. Is there any influence from our armed forces or war? If so, why did you choose that as an influence?
Yeah I actually draw a lot of inspiration from the Air Force, Army & pilots when it comes to design. We actually did an entire collection 2 years ago inspired by military imagery. Just think of what the Wright brothers accomplished by creating the first successful airplane. Back then that seemed impossible but they made their dream come true & thats what our brand is about-staying true to your dreams & beliefs no matter what.
Explain how StayAv8ted is more than just a brand and is a lifestyle. How do you stay av8ted?
StayAv8ted is more than just brand and is a lifestyle because it’s about having a certain mental mindset & attitude towards life and the way you view it when you wake up every morning. StayAv8ted over obstacles, above all controversy, above any adversity that is thrown your way. StayAv8ted over Everything!
I saw that you’re working on a hockey jersey as well. What draws you to athletic wear and turning it into street wear?
Yeah that jersey is actually dropping as a part of our first Spring/Summer collection, but growing up I loved all sports. Loved team logos, those vintage starter jackets & collecting jerseys. We all know that music, fashion & sports all coexist and you see a lot of that inspiration through the stuff that we put out.
