THREAD San Diego is growin' up, now setting the picturesque Sheraton Hotel Harbor Island into cultural upheaval in the name of fashion and urban lifestyle. And, it all goes down on Sunday, August 17 from 11am to 6pm, unleashing upon San Diego a fresh index of designers, avant garde entertainment, lifestyle luxuries, and VIP lounges.
In anticipation, DiscoverSD.com spotlights top THREAD designer: NACU Clothing. From trends to inspirations and the last outfit on earth: let’s check out the rhythm behind Nacu.
Q. Can you describe the NACU style and your typical shopper?
A. While I was earning my BFA in Graphic Design at The California Institute of the Arts, I fell in love with Japan's style and the revolutionary design of Russia's Constructivism era. So my style is a fusion of both influences. I've been selling NACU Clothing at various high schools, colleges, THREAD, and various community events throughout the U.S. for almost 10 years. NACU Clothing has made its appearances in local skate shops, DJ stores, and small boutiques in San Diego, L.A, and San Francisco.
NACU Clothing has also done AGENDA, advertised in Beautiful Decay magazine, and is one of original supporters of THREAD. I find it very interesting to see how all types of people enjoy sporting my gear. When I started I really wanted to come up with a style that could cater to a wide range of people. With 3 different lines, there's something for everyone:
Classic Line: Sticking to the original logo and design, this line caters more to the skate and DJ stores.
Love Line: Caters more to the ladies who love NACU Clothing.
Royal Line: The higher end of NACU Clothing. This line was made for the small boutiques.
Q. What are your design influences?
A. My logo pays tribute to the influences in my life. The star represents the 5 groups that influence my work, and the elements that have helped me get to where I am today: Family, Friends, Education, Culture, and of course God. I believe it applies to all of us - we all have people that influence our work and life. So my logo serves as a reminder to recognize those people and know that without them there would be no way we'd be where we are today.
Q. Your clothing seems to be influenced by the music industry. Please explain.
A. The Classic & Love lines focus on the basic logo and idea of NACU Clothing. The Royal line has a little more personal touch to it. I designed the Boom Box design because I love making mix tapes! So I had to make a design based on and dedicated to the art of making a mix tape. I love music. I love dancing - not eight counts. A member from my hip hop dance team, Team Nacu Rythmz, can tell you more about that.
Q. I'm a big ABDC fan and I noticed the Boogie Bots on your website. What is your connection with them?
A. I've traveled out to the east coast a couple times for Culture Shock D.C.'s East Coast Dance Competition. While I was out there I established a good relationship with members from Culture Shock D.C. So Bryan, one of the Boogie Bots, hit me up one day letting me know the exciting news that they had made it onto ABDC's audition special and they wanted to sport my gear. I was more than happy to hook them up with gear and also agreed to design and sell their Boogie Bots T-shirts - sold exclusively on my website: teamnacu.com. I'm really proud of them.
Q. If tomorrow was your last day on earth, what would you wear?
A. I'd wear my favorite pair of jeans, shoes, and of course NACU Clothing - because that's what I wear everyday!
Get all the must-know details about THREAD San Diego here.

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