The Return of Willie Esco: A Leading Puerto Rican Streetwear Designer
By Daniela Uribe
After a hiatus of 30 years, Willie Esco is making a triumphant return this spring with a much-anticipated capsule collection that pays homage to his roots and celebrates 50 years of hip-hop, music, and culture. From 1996 to 2004, Willie Esco's streetwear collection burst onto the fashion scene, captivating enthusiasts worldwide with its bold designs. His creations resonated with a diverse audience, generating millions of dollars in sales from national retailers. The brand received extensive coverage from both national and international media outlets, cementing Esco's reputation as a major fashion figure. What set him apart from the rest was his unique position as the only streetwear designer of Latino descent.
During those golden years, Esco formed partnerships with Grammy award-winning artist Nas and other notable figures. However, in 2004, he made the decision to step away from his namesake brand, only to come back stronger with “Nickname Esco” collection debuting the first week of June 2023.
The first week of June marked the highly anticipated unveiling of Willie Esco's long-awaited capsule collection. The launch began with an exclusive preview and reception, graciously sponsored by Yave Tequila and Barrio BX, where industry insiders, celebrities, and fashion aficionados gathered to witness the triumphant return of this iconic designer. The event also featured a captivating conversation between Esco and Elena Romero, a celebrated journalist and professor at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology.
Central to the collection are the specially designed t-shirts, incorporating original acetate from 1996, paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip hop. These limited edition pieces serve as a time capsule, capturing the essence and evolution of the genre throughout the years. Additionally, the collection showcases an array of men's resort looks, including Guayabera-inspired shirts crafted from luxurious silk, crochet, and linen fabrics. Each piece boasts a delightful color palette, ranging from off-white and blanco to cafe and bodega gold, exuding both elegance and urban flair.
Beyond revitalizing his eponymous brand, Willie Esco has been busy building a successful empire through his ownership and operation of Escobar & Sons (E&S), a design and licensing firm. Working alongside his long-time collaborator, Paul Estevez, President & Co-Founder of Culture Creative, Esco serves as the Founder and Creative Director, spearheading the identification, cultivation, development, and pairing of brands within retail, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer channels. Their impressive list of partnerships and collaborations includes industry giants such as MLB, PUMA, NIKE, REEBOK, and ADIDAS, showcasing Esco's talent for aligning with the best and brightest in the industry.
Esco & Sons' collaborations extend to esteemed celebrities and brands that are household names. From working with Sean John and FUBU to connecting with the estates of legendary artists like Tupac Shakur, Esco has consistently proven his ability to bridge the worlds of fashion and music. His collaborations also extend to influential figures such as Daymond John of Shark Tank, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation within
Photos courtesy of Drew Dennis (@listenofabc) and @ucda.Galeria