Today we’d like to introduce you to Pancho
Hi Pancho, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Did I always want to be a designer?
No, not really, but I was always a creative child, I expressed my feelings by drawing cartoons such as Pokemon, transformers, dragons, and clowns; I would create my characters based on the emotion I felt at the time (I still have some of these by the way). The first time I began to use fashion to express myself was in middle school, because we were forced to wear uniforms, and the only way I would not feel like a clone was to wear unique shoes no one else had, I was known for wearing cool shoes (still am!). That’s when I began to learn how to express my personality without speaking so much since I was a very shy teen. In high school, we were allowed to wear anything, so I began experimenting with my style, and trust me, I went through MANY phases: Emo, Grunge, Rocker, Skater, Preppy, Jock, Theater Kid lol. That is when I started to take a higher interest in fashion but it was not until I discovered the work of Alexander McQueen that I saw that clothing can be art as well, and I was sold!
Did I study fashion?
Yes, unfortunately, I was one of the creatives who thought school was the only path to success, keep in mind this was when social media was barely taking off. I say “unfortunately” because of the student loan debt I accrued, that being said, I did learn a lot in school, I attended FIDM in Los Angeles & did the Debut program in 2016 (a program where 11 graduates are chosen to do a 12-look collection to debut in front of an audience ranging from industry professionals to family), so I made it pretty far in my education, however, I do not think it is necessary especially now with the online resources/ tutorials on YouTube, Instagram & TikTok.
Why denim?
When I was studying my first year at FIDM, GUESS, Inc. Jeans collaborated with FIDM for a denim design competition, where the top 5 students selected would get to design a full denim look for a chance to have it manufactured and sold by GUESS. Thanks to a substitute teacher (Mr. Vasquez) who encouraged me to apply, I made it to the top 5 and presented my design (that I patterned, cut & sewed) to the staff at GUESS, and ended up winning a scholarship and had my designs sold online & sold out before I could get my hands on them 🙁
Where have I worked?
My first job in the industry was as a preproduction coordinator in a Los Angeles factory, here I helped brands bring their ideas to life; brands include James Perse, Sol Angeles, OYSTER, RE/DONE, Saks 5th Ave & Flint and Tinder. Later I was hired at a company that starts clothing brands for social media influencers, where I worked with STEELE, SVNDZ, Samii Ryan, Eggie, Dead Dolls, Elle Reve & Round Two. Now I work for a company that owns the licenses to GAP, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Woolrich, and more. All my jobs consist of assisting multiple designers/ brands and I’ve learned so much from each one.
Why The Sixxx?
I always knew I wanted to launch my own brand since the day I decided to apply to design school, but it always felt impossible because I had no resources or finances. I did not want to launch a brand unless it was personal and integral to who I am as a person, and I struggled to always figure out what name to use and what aesthetic, so I knew I had to discover who I was first. After much trial and error, I stopped forcing ideas and focused on the ideas that would come out of my head that did not require much convincing to me: denim, horror, Sexy, day to night & affordable. The Sixxx comes from my lucky number 6 because of my birthday, July 6. I wanted to create a brand that was sexy, stylish, fun, comfortable, and affordable, clothing that you can throw on and feel sexy without too much thought. Thanks to the help from my sister & parents I can live out a dream, I owe it to them to grow THE SIXXX to its full potential.
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?
The biggest obstacle has been finances, starting a clothing brand can get pretty expensive. Finding factories that have small minimum order quantities (MOQ’s) isn’t easy and to get small batches of product made, you need to pay a higher price per product so it adds up. Then there are additional costs such as packaging, and photoshoots (photographer, model, location, props, food & drinks). I was lucky enough to have good relationships in the industry that have made the road to launching a brand smooth.
As you know, we’re big fans of THE SIXXX. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Sixxx is a clothing brand inspired by horror movies, with a focus on the “hot girl” trope who always ends up dying early in the movie or is the villain. I am a huge horror fan and combining my two passions has been very rewarding because I get to be creative with the photoshoots and storytelling. I never wanted to launch a brand until I had a clear vision/ aesthetic and a purpose, so when I had the idea to mix horror and fashion I knew it was gonna be a fun satisfying experience. The products are designed with comfort and style in mind, very day to night, and easy to wear. The main focus of the brand is denim because denim is such a durable, comfortable, and unique fabric, it’s one of the few fabrics that can be washed, distressed, waxed, painted, etc to change its appearance which is so cool! The next collection will always push new ideas of what denim can be, that’s The Sixxx guarantee and pride.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The main ways to support are to shop from the website & follow on social media.
Website: thehouseofsixxx.com
Instagram & TikTok: TheHouseofSixx
I love to collaborate with other designers and artists, and welcome any opportunities to collaborate! I want The Sixxx to be an aesthetic/ vibe and collaborations will open doors to get creative beyond fashion. Would love to do anything from sunglasses and shoes to a horror movie, even a custom dessert. I just love creativity and new ways to express it.
Pricing:
- Tops & Bodysuits: $56
- Denim Skirt: $66
- Denim Jacket & Dress: $76
- Denim Bag: $116
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehouseofsixxx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofsixx/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehouseofsixx
Image Credits
Photographer: Justin Truong www.instagram.com/justint.photos/
Model 1: Madison Jewelinski www.instagram.com/madisonjewelinski/
Model 2: Sim Bex www.instagram.com/sim_bex/
Designer: Pancho www.instagram.com/designerpancho/
