Conversations with Trevor Rahn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor Rahn.

Hi Trevor, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
PowderLA began with a clear vision: to create elevated essentials that merge laid-back California ease with high-end, thoughtful design. I’ve always believed that clothing should do more than cover you — it should carry you. It should give you that extra sense of confidence, that quiet edge, that unspoken self-assurance.

It started with premium hoodies and sweats — pieces you could wear from a morning in Malibu to a walk through West Hollywood, or après-ski in Park City and Aspen. I obsessed over every detail: fabric, fit, stitching, color palettes, even tag placement — because I wanted each piece to feel like a second skin that says, without needing to say anything, “I am who I am — and that’s the way it is.”

Powder isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about helping people feel grounded in their own comfort and elevated by their own individuality. A great hoodie or crewneck doesn’t just make life easier — it makes it better. It gives you that instant street cred, that subtle power. Not in a loud or arrogant way — but in a way that says you’re present, independent, and unapologetically yourself.

From curated orders for boutique resorts like Caldera House in Jackson Hole to growing organically through loyal clients in places like Aspen, Malibu, and West Hollywood, New York, Miami, and many other places, PowderLA has become more than a brand. It’s a way of showing up in the world — with ease, intention, and just the right amount

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not even close — and honestly, I wouldn’t want it to be. PowderLA was never built on shortcuts. From the beginning, it’s been a process of learning, adapting, and staying rooted in what matters.

There were real challenges — from sourcing and purchasing the right cotton, to facing delays from manufacturers, to finding the right people who not only do good work but work well together. In a fast-moving and often demanding industry, patience has become one of the most valuable skills I’ve had to develop. Whether it’s helping out with fulfillment, packing and shipping orders myself when needed, or making introductions and connecting people I’ve met along the way — it’s always been about building something real, not just transactional.

I’ve learned that equanimity — staying level-headed and centered during both highs and lows — is just as important as any creative or business skill. That means focusing on the process, not forcing the results. Respecting the people you work with. Showing up with presence and gratitude.

Relationships have been at the heart of everything — from local clients in Malibu to resort partners in Jackson Hole, Park City, and Aspen. And like everyone in the industry, I’ve had to navigate the current macroeconomic slowdown. But even in this climate, I’ve found that staying true to the mission — helping people feel more confident and comfortable in what they wear — cuts through.

The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been real. And that’s where all the value is.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At PowderLA, we create elevated essentials — hoodies, crewnecks, and sweats — that blend premium design with comfort, confidence, and a raw, grounded spirit. Think high-end fabrics and refined fit, but with an edge that’s organic, natural, and real. It’s not just about how you look — it’s about how you feel when you wear it.

We specialize in that perfect intersection between rugged and refined — pieces that carry a kind of quiet street cred, a Zen-like confidence, and an unspoken honesty. Our clothes are made to live in, move with, and grow through — whether you’re in West Hollywood, Malibu, Aspen, or Park City.

What I do is as much about energy as it is about apparel. I’m involved in everything: sourcing the right cotton, working through production, fulfilling orders with care, building genuine relationships with partners, and staying hands-on with customers. Every piece reflects intention, empathy, and a kind of quiet creativity — because this isn’t just fashion, it’s expression.

What I’m most proud of? The moment someone puts on a Powder hoodie and instantly feels more themselves — like they’ve found something that reflects who they are without needing to say a word. That feeling of comfort with edge. Confidence without effort. Good vibes without needing attention.

What sets PowderLA apart is that we lead with heart — compassion, empathy, and a sense of presence. Our approach is intuitive, creative, and full of zest. Life is already hard enough — your clothes shouldn’t add to that. They should lift you.

We’re not chasing trends. We’re creating pieces that help people feel grounded, independent, artistic, and alive. PowderLA is a lifestyle — raw, real, rugged, and radiant. It’s about showing up as you are.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is helping people feel more confident — in who they are, in how they move through the world, and in what they wear. There’s something powerful about watching someone shift their energy because they feel seen, understood, and comfortable in their own skin.

I find happiness in empathy — in listening, feeling, and being there truly — not just physically present, but emotionally available. Whether it’s showing up for someone in a quiet moment or sharing a laugh mid-chaos, those little human connections are everything.

Balance brings me happiness. I try to live with equanimity, even in the ups and downs — through meditation, yoga, movement, and breath. I don’t always get it right, but I return to it daily. That grounding helps me show up with more clarity and compassion.

Living itself brings joy. As Alan Watts once said, the meaning of life is simple: “to live.” I carry that with me — in how I build my brand, connect with people, and experience the day-to-day. Being alive, being aware, being grateful — it’s a gift.

I believe in love, peace, and forgiveness. In communicating genuinely — appreciation, questions, even conflict — with heart. I believe in holding space for people, not fixing them. And I remind myself often: “This too shall pass.” That Shakespearean essence — that nothing is permanent — keeps me humble, present, and appreciative.

Happiness, to me, isn’t a destination. It’s in the moments we show up. It’s how we treat people. And it’s in the quiet strength of simply being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.powder-la.com
• Instagram: powder_la
• Facebook: PowderLA

Image Credits
Fabrice Henssens
Ryan Hensley
Florence McCall
Reagan Herman