Everything You Can Imagine Is Real
A Look at PALIS
Written by Yvette N. Coleman
From an admitted recovering sneaker addict President and Designer Danny Mota is living his dream and defines his success on his own terms. Partnering with Vice-President, Karim Singleton, and Director of Marketing, Omar Bennett, in 2005 has proved to be the right choice to create a solid team that would bring the commitment to handle the obstacles of launching a lifestyle brand. Mota has an impressive background that has influenced every footstep that has led him to his successes: from Phat Farm, Ecko, Reebok, Sean John, Rocawear, Scion, and Marvel Comics, to working his way up to a Design Director position at age 24. Even with all of the opportunities of working with these brand, which could easily become one’s dream job, Mota wanted more and had visions of a bigger plan.
With that in mind enter the mantra that keeps the vision a reality: "Everything you can imagine is real." Mota explains, “Palis is more than a state of mind, more than a meaning, but we intended to build something lasting, something that we could be proud of. Something that came from us and that could represent the best of us. That’s why out brand slogan is 'Everything you can imagine is real'. Metaphorically speaking, we wanted to build a palace for ourselves and our families (and Palis is spelled alot cooler than palace).” |
The new collection comes from
early 90's vintage Polo, Japanese streetwear trends,
Tarantino and Scorsese films, and classic hip-hop
quotables. The collection has a range that will
fit the downtown sneaker head, to the west coast
tastemaker, or the Tokyo fashion addict. Mota
adds, “We cater to clientele that knows
where to go to get the latest styles, who [are]
into some of the more authentic streetwear brands,
and who appreciate quality, originality and exclusivity.”
We asked Danny what he thinks of the trend patterns
that are currently on the market and what does
he foresee in the future:
Right now: Some trends that I see right now are
raw denims, slimmer fitting tees, and an emphasis
on embellishments like thick yarn embroideries,
metal pin heads, and placement prints. We always
try to incorporate cool different techniques to
go along with our graphics.
Completely over: The all over print. I think its
been done and said all that it needs to say. Not
that it’s totally hideous, as long as its
done tastefully it can still look cool. It’s
just that when you get the bootleg companies biting
the trends for the quick buck, that’s when
you know it’s time to go on to the next
thing. Also, the denim back pockets filled up
with embroidery is kind of played too. The trend
that I'm tired of most of all is everyone trying
to look the same.
|
|
Nowadays the average consumer
is media savvy and informed with the ability to
tap into Internet blogs, magazines and videos,
which all serve as fashion guides. It wasn’t
always like this: “Back in the day, you
just had to know where to go to get some underground
shit. It was kind of a scavenger hunt for premium
kicks and gear,” says Mota. Nonetheless,
Mota and crew are not getting complacent because
of the shift in consumer habits/savvy. With the
blueprint in his hand, Mota and his strong-arm
team promise to deliver standout contributions
to the exclusive streatwear game.
Lookout for Palis to release a line of limited
edition skateboards, premium leather outerwear
from Italy, accessories, backpacks, ladies handbags
along with a limited edition sneaker collaboration
with Run Athletics. Mota promises even the most
discriminating sneaker connoisseur will not be
disappointed. Keep your eyes peeled, they're taking
it to the next level this year!
Words of wisdom from Danny Mota: Well, first I would have to ask them how bad they really want this. There is a world of difference between an employee and a business owner. There is a lot to learn and a lot of experiences that you have to learn from that aren't going to be so nice all the time.
I would suggest working at a company first, getting your design skills
up to par, and then having a concrete vision for
your brand. Know who your customer is, and know
what stores you're brand is for. Build a network
of friends and associates that have similar goals,
but also you should get a mentor.
|
|
Someone that can guide you through the process of building a brand, drawing upon years of hard earned knowledge. Also, have partners in place that will support and complement you, and do what you can't do and vice versa. The most important thing is to start, and if you are serious about it, never give up. This is a huge learning curve, and you are going to make mistakes. Keep going. Once your design skills are on point, focus on the other elements that piece together the puzzle of a clothing company. Too many designers focus solely on design and marketing. What about sales, manufacturing, and shipping? Without those in place, it's not gonna happen. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Nobody can do that for you. Let me tell you a story. The worst day of my life was when my second partnership fell apart, after alot of time and money was invested. I went home and noticed an eviction notice in my mailbox. I went upstairs to my apartment, turned on the lights, and the electricity was shut off. I went to call somebody on my cell, and my service was cut off. At this time I had an offer on the table for a big design position that would have solved all of my financial problems instantly. Instead of taking it, I kept building the brand because I believed in it so much. I kept going and never looked back. Right now, we're right at the million dollar mark in sales, and it would have never happened if I took the easy way out. Always believe in yourself.”
WIN A MENS & WOMENS T-SHIRT EXCLUSIVELY FROM PALIS |
|
|
