Just in time for our Mishka sale on Monday (set your alarms – this is going to be a good one), we talked to Greg Rivera of Mishka on New Year’s Resolutions, his favorite Mishka pieces ever, and high school nostalgia.
Heather: Where are you from? How long have you been in New York?
Greg: I was born in Bridgeport, CT. My Dad worked for the city of Bridgeport and retired to Florida in the late 80s. That brought me down to Central Florida (Deltona, FL to be exact) as 9 year old. I stayed there til I was 22 and then I moved up to NYC. 2012 will be my 10 year in NYC.
H: What are you wearing right now?
G: Mishka Beanie, Kulture t-shirt, Mishka Scout Pants, Mishka Socks, American Apparel Underwear, and Vans.
H: Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?
G: I always say I am going to eat better and exercise more often. I have sort of stuck to it.
H: What was the inspiration behind the Fall collection? How did that change and evolve with Holiday and the Spring collections?
G: Fall 12? There are a lot of all over patterns. Some brighter colors, a little more back to our roots. It’s very playful and fun. Everyone has been trying to be on this serious grown up shit for the past few seasons. We wanted to keep it fun.
H: What are your three favorite Mishka pieces ever?
G: Mishka Death Adders Coaches Jacekt (The first one we did in Black and White with the Megadeth, DEATH, and Death in June inspired Imagery), The Pyschic TV M65, and probably the collab we did with Bounty Hunter when our store opened in Tokyo.
H: How’d the pink tag originate?
G: I think it was a branding element to be honest. It’s actually Magenta, not pink. That’s our color.
H: What were the last 5 songs played on your iPod?
G: My Ipod? Well I just downloaded the premimum version of Spotify, so I have been listening to that on my iPhone. I have been listening to Screeching Weasel, Pictureplane, and Heems’ new mixtape.
H: We just ran a Brand Battle where our Members submitted designs to gain more recognition for their brands. What advice do you have for young brands just starting out?
G: I always tell kids to treat it like a business, but I would also say to have fun, be original. Do something different!
H: What were you like in High School?
G: After 9th grade I became a little punk rocker. I used to draw on my backpack. I always had different color hair. I was def a punk. But I was good student too. I also was a total drama nerd. I was in every play.
H: The plane’s going down. What’s your first thought?
G: My girlfriend, my dog, my brother, and my mom. And how much I love them all.
H: Okay, fill in the blank. If I wasn’t at Mishka, I’d be probably______________________.
G: Be working on reality shows.