How does that saying go - one person’s trash is another person's fashion inspiration?
Getting its start in 2019, Trashmangrn, from the mind of Lennard Macaranas and the dumpsters of greater Los Angeles, fuses a life-long love of vintage gear and the hunt required to source it into a sustainable brand upcycling the perception of used clothes and what is possible with them. Marking TMG’s partnership with ProKeds, we sit down with Unkie Leroy himself to learn what Trashmangrn is all about, how this Keds thing came together, and more.
We heard you started your brand for ComplexCon2019 - is that right? How did that come about?
Yup. Completely random. My friend Peter mentioned to other friend Peter and was brought up to me about potentially doing something at ComplexCon. At first, I said no due to prior obligations. Fast forward to a month out…I was asked again and told I can do whatever I want. “Whatever I want? (Creepy voice and squinting eyes) I decided there and then I would make a brand based off my favorite color and not tell anyone till day of the event.
"You're going to be a trash collector if you don't stay in school". What's the context here and how did it inspire the direction of your brand? While some people might have run away, you embraced this idea of a 'trashman'.
Ma said it a lot when I was a kid and it pretty much became reality. I dropped out of college and now make garments from trash. Who would have thought?
You translate your love for vintage garments so nicely into your work, where did this interest begin and where has it taken you?
As a kid, I have always liked rummaging through old things, garage sales, and thrift stores. Now it is part of my everyday life.
Can you walk through some of your favorite garments you've produced over the years?
My favorite garment still would be the first piece I ever made. 08-09 Pendleton beach towels made into shorts. Those shorts alone started all this.
Throughout your time with the brand, who have you loved dressing/ making clothing for?
I started this brand to make stuff for myself. I got tired of searching and finding that perfect fit or look. Figured I would just make things I like based on my sizing.
How did the Keds project happen and what were your inspirations and design references while developing the sneaker? Also - why the Pro-Keds as opposed to another model?
It started back ComplexCon 2019 too. Pro Keds helped me do this and only makes sense to do it with them. The Skyhawk was a no-brainer for me and I knew I wanted to do an all-white shoe with Trashmangrn accents. I knew doing an all-recycled component would be challenging but Chris Bonenfant was able to pull through in making that happen.
What is with that unmistakable shade of greenish/blue you use? You've locked it down as a signature color for sure.
It is my favorite color. I found it a bit challenging finding other garments in this color or shade. I got it lab-dipped and now dye everything that color.
The shoot and video with Victor & Co. is so natural and unforced - what was your goal with it?
There actually wasn't any sort of goal behind it. It just seemed like a good fit in my eyes. Plus, Victor was down so figured run it.
What do you hope this Keds project conveys to people?
I hope it inspires people.
Bonus: How do you style them / how do you see them being styled well?
Baggy pants or cropped right at the ankle.
