Crooks & Castles come from a long line of LA street hustlers. Growing up in Los Angeles during the 80’s and 90’s they became a part of the street lifestyle that included drug dealers, pimps, and stick up kids. In that era (as is true today) gangs were everywhere – the inner city and even the suburbs. Those that wanted to survive had no choice but to adapt to the tough environment. Some lucky few were able to escape and even channel what they’d learned on the street into making something legally lucrative. Fortunately, the founders of Crooks and Castles took notice of the fashion business because of the independent brands that were making noise in the mid 90’s (anyone remember Con Art, Third Rail, PNB, 555 Soul?). Like other savvy hustlers they embedded themselves in the fashion game and learned while on their work grind. Years later they took the plunge and decided to take their knowledge and skills and apply it to their own brand just like any other crook would do – steal the knowledge, put your money up, and start making your own product. The Crooks and Castles founders have a “get rich or die trying” attitude that up until today has yielded much success. We were fortunate to get some words from the busy crew on their 2014 successes.
Who is the creative director/s for your brand?
The co-founders are Dennis Calvero and Rob Panlilio. Our creative director is Emil Soriano.
What was your brand’s most successful release in 2014?
Crooks x Futura Collaboration was our biggest release for 2014, it was an opportunity to honor Lewds, our brother, and work with a close friend: Futura. Futura, the newly-crowned U.S. National Team art director applied his signature handstyle to a range of T-shirts, bucket hats, and sweatshirts, paying homage to Lewds Natalio while preserving the Crooks & Castles aesthetic.
What were your brand’s top/best collaborative release in 2014?
The Mosley Tribes Castellano Sunglasses, Crooks x Futura, Monopoly Game, Crooks x Vans Shoes, and The Crooks x Naturel Art Basel Collection.
What was your brand’s top/best limited edition release in 2014?
Crooks x Futura
What was your best/favorite collaboration with an artist in 2014?
Crooks x Futura
