Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do.
My name is 1 Mill and I run Guns & Crayons. Guns & Crayons is code for Stick Up Kids. Guns = The Stick Up and Crayons = Kids. Everything we do has a code in it. Its up to the customers who really live this lifestyle to decode it.
What motivated you to start Guns & Crayons?
I really disliked how the media portrays drug dealers and stick up kids. They make us look like we are some heartless cold blooded animals. When in all reality this is not the case for most of us. Many of us don’t do the things we do out of spite. We do it because our backs are against the wall and its either we do this or we don’t eat. That’s what it comes down to either you run with the wolves or they eat you. Some of the biggest drug dealers have given more back to the communities we live in than politicians in office. We feel like society has forgotten about us. That is why the first season is titled Rise of the Lost. I want to be the voice that merges the back alleys to cooperate America. Many of my friends are in jail or in the struggle and I really just want to give them hope that we can do something else or provide them a job when they get out. We are modern day Robin Hoods.
Who are some of your biggest influences? What are some of your inspirations when designing something?
I really love the high end couture such as YSL, Chanel, Gucci. I didn’t want to make a corny clothing brand like a lot that are out right now. I want to be the Chanel of street wear. I want to be able to take something like Bart Simpson and think to myself what would Louis Vuittion do with this? All while building a following like Polo. I love what Ralph Lauren does that American boy look. I would say Ralph Lauren is my biggest influence you will probably see the inspiration shine through in future seasons.
Who have been your biggest supporters thus far?
I would have to say all the stick up kids I know have been. Our first day our stuff flew off the racks. We released in a boutique called King & Duck which is in Scottsdale’s Fashion Square. Scottsdale is in the North side of town which is the nicest part of town out here. It’s the best mall out here they have a Barneys, Gucci, Louis Vuittion and the King & Duck boutique is one floor above all that. We had kids coming from West and South Phoenix which are the worse parts of town out here. Not only are they the worse parts of town but they have the best dressed kids out there.
How have you built your brand?
It all started in the streets. You can spend as much money as you want and invest into a brand as much as you want, buy the best advertising you can get but something you will never be able to buy is the streets. Unless you come from the streets where they can see you and feel your movement you will never win the streets over. Thats one big advantage I have had when building our movement. I come from a notorious nieghberhood were so much stuff has happend. I actually live the lifestyle. So when they see me its like seeing Ralph Lauren driving that convertible with the pretty girl next to him wearing Polo.
Where can we find Guns & Crayons?
We are currently being sold at King & Duck in Fashion Square we have had many botiques hit us up for accounts since we dropped and we only dropped a few weeks ago. I’m just looking at our options and seeing what our next move is going to be. I def don’t want to give just anyone an account. I think thats where many well established brands have hurt themselves because when everyone is wearing their stuff its no longer special as it once was. You can shop at our online shop at GunsAndCrayons.Org/Shop as well.
Besides Guns & Crayons are you involved in any other projects / ventures?
As of right now my main focus is exceuting the vision I have for the brand. Once people see the brand the way I see the brand and it is seen as the Chanel of street wear then I will begin other ventures.
What upcoming releases, projects, or events are you working on?
Right now I am working on the summer line. We have some events that are being discussed as well as some collabs with some big brands in talks right now. I don’t want to speak on it since were in premature talks but once we get something in stone we will def update you.
What are your plans for the future?
To be like Willy Wonka you will understand this more in the future it might not make sense right now. lol
The fashion and music worlds are often tied together…What music artists are grabbing your attention right now?
Yes I would have to say Boo-Bonic which is from Phillys Most Wanted. He Just came out with a mixtape and he collabs heavy with Rich Hil. His stuff is amazing as well. As a matter of fact that whole camp over there is making great music they have this kid named Spot. That kid is amazing his three mixtapes are classics. He ghost writes for Diddy which many people might not know. That kids music is amazing. Theres a kid named Brimz out here his music amazing as well. Jay Electronica as well that Exhibit C is fucking amazing! All the people I just named are fucking amazing! haha
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Do you have any last words or shout-outs?
Big shouts to The Goodie Bag! I check this mothafucka daily! Check out WWW.GUNSANDCRAYONS.ORG! Shouts to Huff for always riding by my side! Brandon for always beliveing, JC his brand District Of Columbia is dropping in Summer! Dj Nikz for taking such dope pics! Anyone I forgot I’m sorry Stick Up Kids!
