TAILOR PROFILE SERIES VOL. 17 WITH BRIAN CHAVEZ
Style /
October 2022
This series follows Tailors from around the world–highlighting their craft, passions, love for the brand and the impact they have on bettering the planet through extending the life of your garments. For Vol. 17, we interviewed Brian Chavez from Los Angeles, CA in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This volume gives us a peek into how Brian balances his native culture and American identity, while paying homage to his heritage.
MEET BRIAN CHAVEZ
The beauty of the Hispanic community is in its diversity of legacy, culture, and traditions. How is this infused into your craft as a Tailor?
Because our community comes in every form - I am blessed to have a set of skills that can help, and can literally encompass any dream design, and body type. Levi’s® gave me the opportunity and platform to create a safe space where anyone's dream outfit can be imagined and brought to life. I am inspired by many outlets but the Mexican street art around my city is a big one. I created a piece inspired by me as a young Catholic boy growing up and always being amazed by the beautiful art - specifically the corn husk white calla lily flower.
Tell us about your Levi’s® journey?
I was hired as a Tailor to open the first Tailor Shop in Southern California. It was fun to be part of something so new, but still rooted in deep denim heritage. I knew I was hooked when I was able to fill a huge service void with the entire denim industry… waist adjustments. It soon became the life blood of the Southern California market, as people came from neighboring cities to get their perfect fit. Total reconstruction of garments, and one of a kind customized designed pieces through multimedia implementation is what we do at Century City. Some of the services we offer are Sharpie graffiti, fringe out of recycled fabric, Frankensteined patchwork, repairs to keep your garments circular, and chain stitch embroidery to bring artwork to life.
Can you share your family's immigration story? Where are your roots?
My family roots are about as LA as you can get. My Grandma was born in “Chavez Ravine.” Her family and many other thriving Mexican American families were forced to relocate for the Dodger stadium build. My Grandpa was born in a suburb of LA called “Frog Town” where him and his family of 10 lived in a small apartment.
I grew up around Boyle Heights and I took a lot of public transit - this is how I was inspired to construct my take on the Mariachi identity. One metro stop in particular is called Mariachi Plaza/Square where I grew up. This mariachi outfit is inspired by all the out of work, and working Mariachis that all hung around that stop in Boyle Heights hustling. Music is the center of culture for the Latin community and a huge part of my identity. It brings families together in times of celebration and grieving.
In my work, there’s never a clear intention when I start...A force of energy finds me, and with that energy comes all my past experiences from my culture and personal experiences.
How do you balance your native culture and American Identity? Is there a way you pay tribute to this in the work you do?
In my work, there’s never a clear intention when I start... A force of energy finds me, and with that energy comes all my past experiences from my culture and personal experiences.
For example, the “Whittier Blvd'' chainstitch piece showcases where my roots were laid in LA (The City of Angels) and this is why you see angel wings throughout my work. It also illustrates how the Latin community continues to celebrate through culture, food, community, and the American dream. I see that dream in the fruit stand on the corner or the “Elotes Lady” on Whittier Blvd selling corn the Mexican way. It reminds me of the hustle of our community to provide for their family - all while standing behind the culture that defines the LA Latin community.
Food is such an important part of defining a culture. What is your favorite memory of sitting by the table with your family?
Being just as American as I am Mexican, my Grandma would make these Americanized versions of tacos. Totally not authentic: American Cheese, ground beef… the salsa was authentic though. I can still remember every tasty bite.
That which seems most feeble and bewildered in you is the strongest and most determined. Is it not your breath that has erected and hardened the structure of your bones?
– Kahil Gibran
What artist in the Hispanic community has influenced your craft?
Frida is and always will be my most influential Latin artist. Not solely because of her art, but because of why she started and remained relentless in her craft. She did it for self therapy. She found purpose and peace in her tortured tragic life through her expression.
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by? And why is that important to you?
”That which seems most feeble and bewildered in you is the strongest and most determined. Is it not your breath that has erected and hardened the structure of your bones?” - Kahil Gibran
Because of past insecurities I dealt with, this passage spoke to me. It shows that true power comes from our vulnerabilities.