As sole designer of Aviator Nation, Paige Mycoskie has been captivated by the spectacle of light and its fantastic effects since her days as a youngster. Most of the images you see in her designs are inspired by light and the sky. You will find something whimsical and fun as Mycoskie magically brings this mysticism to life. We caught up with Paige to see what drives her to create these lustworthy pieces.
What is your background and how was Aviator Nation born? What inspired the name?
One day I was sifting through my brother's closet and I found an old tennis shirt of his with a really cool design on it and I thought it would look great as a t-shirt. So I bought a sewing machine and a manual on sewing and I cut up that shirt and made it a t-shirt. One thing led to another and I was soon cutting up all of my brothers old t-shirts to make new ones for myself. I loved sewing so much I would often spend all day and into the night making patterns and sewing shirts. This is how Aviator Nation was born I guess.
What inspired the name Aviator Nation?
I named the company Aviator Nation because I've always had a love for Aviator sunglasses. To me when someone puts on a pair of Aviators they instantly become a little bit more rad. I really think the Aviator Sunglass is a classic that looks great on everyone and this directly corresponds to what I want my clothing line to be.
You design for both men & women. Do you prefer one over the other?
I love designing for both men and women. All the designs are pretty much the same for both actually. I'm a bit of a tomboy so I'd say the line represents that. I like a looser fit for my t-shirts and sweats so for a girl the line fits more like throwing on a small guy's shirt. I do throw in a lot of color and rainbows so even though it's a tomboy fit the girls dig it too.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I am definitely inspired by my love for the color and the outdoors. I have had color running thru my veins since birth and a lot of the design ideas come to me when I'm surfing and spending time at the beach. I'm a sunset/sunrise person and I've always been obsessed with the colors in the sky during an amazing sunset. I would say a lot of my design comes from the colors that are in the sky.
What does tyou "Africa" collection represent?
I visited townships in Cape Town on a trip I took to Africa in 2001. When I saw the poverty there a seed was planted in my heart and I knew one day when I had the opportunity I wanted to do something to help this dire need I saw. I decided each year I would create a special part of the line that would benefit a cause. The first would be AIDS/HIV in Africa. So for each piece of my Africa line I sell I donate $10 to a hospital in Kenya called Kijabe Hospital which is one of the largest treatment centers in Africa.
How would you best describe the fall 2008 collection?
Well of course the stuff feels amazing. Like authentic vintage. And the designs are fresh and classic...lots of color even though it's fall. In my mind it's summer all year long... I do live in California.
Who do you imagine is wearing Aviator Nation?
I think a huge variety of people are wearing Aviator Nation. People that love comfortable clothes and people that love color are probably the most obsessed but the designs are easy to wear so I think it attracts a variety.
What are some of your future goals for Aviator Nation?
I want to keep the people out there buying the clothes happy! I want them to always have new stuff to choose from so I'm going to focus mainly on the design and the quality of the clothes. My business plan has always been simple. Make a product so kick ass that people everywhere will want it. So my plan is to keep the clothes looking kick ass.
If you weren't designing clothes what would you be doing?
Well I don't think I'll ever not be designing clothes... I truly have fallen in love. However I do believe in down time and I spend my down time mountain biking, surfing and snowboarding. I love the water more than anything so if I had more time I'd probably be on a boat somewhere. An ideal world would be a morning water ski session at sun rise and an afternoon of designing clothes.
For more check out www.aviatornation.com.
