We just got back to LA from a whirlwind trip up the 5 to the birthplace of Estilo Clothing, and my heart is completely full. This trip wasn’t just a regular business stop; it was a major milestone for me. For the very first time, I had my 6-year-old daughter riding shotgun as we headed up north to reconnect with the deep cultural roots of this whole movement.
We set up camp in Alameda for the weekend, ending up walking distance from Park Street. Friday night was all about letting her get the road-trip wiggles out, so we hit up Subpar Miniature Golf and she had an absolute blast. Saturday morning started exactly the way a perfect Bay Area morning should—fueling up with breakfast at our absolute favorite spot, Ole’s Waffle Shop, before heading over to set up the gear.
The venue for the day was Preservation Park in Oakland. Funnily enough, in all my decades of living and working up there, I didn’t even know this hidden gem existed! It turned out to be the ultimate blessing. The space was completely enclosed and extra safe, featuring a massive fountain right in the center of the square. I packed her little scooter, and she spent the afternoon cruising the paths and playing by the water while the rhythm in the park started to build.
The Estilo booth looked beautiful as always. We brought a tightly curated, premium collection of our classic hand-screened Tees, custom Cut Tops, and raw-edge original Art Prints. The layout was clean, the art was front and center, and the energy in the air was pure magic from the moment we hung the first shirt.
The crew holding down the sound was none other than the legendary Añejo DJs and the beautiful hosts of Salsa by the Lake. The crowd was moving, the sun was shining, and people were dancing from the first track to the very last. Mid-afternoon, my chosen brother and my daughter’s godfather rolled through with his instruments to hang out with us all day. Seeing him jam while my daughter danced around the booth is a memory I won’t ever forget.
I got to catch up with old friends, collectors, and grassroots supporters who have held Estilo down for decades. Everyone was so full of love—and safe to say, they all loved seeing my mini-me holding down the booth with me! Sales went incredibly well, but the real reward was watching our community lift each other up through the music.
To every single person who stopped by, shared a story, caught a rhythm, or picked up some fresh gear to support the independent craft—thank you. Returning to the roots reminds me exactly why we do this. For the family who couldn’t make it out to the square this weekend, we brought the remaining curated drop back home with us and updated the online shop inventory so you don’t miss out.
Feel the rhythm… Wear the art.
Scenes from Oakland: Full Photo Gallery
