How The We$t Was Won

http://prmtvemag.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/prmtve_passe

I first became aware of Passe in January thanks to the good folks at Lateboots. I was immediately drawn to the images and logic behind the brand that the collective responsible was building. After reaching out to Mark I found that the two people at the forront of the brand were aroud my same age....I then became intrenched in further seeking the origns of where these two souls came from and what they had in store for us all.

Almost an entire year has gone by and as most things do, Passe has changed. But for the better. I recntly had a chance (amid school, sickness, and busy schedules) to speak with both Mark and Rhoxy of Inspitions, Growth, and the Future.

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First off, what made you decide to get into fashion? At what age?

Mark: Hello, well I'm Mark (Rhuigi Mark Villasenor) referred to as "Thee Mark", "Rhu", Rhuigi, Mark, etc. I'm the creator and one half of the Rhu & Rho duo P:Passe. Well first of all my sister and I were always dressed well by our parents as a kid barely walking. That being said, I think it sort of took a hold on us in the later years; it's a whole psychological perception I have that if your exposed to it young you develop a love. Then again as time passes the nature of yourself and liking towards that particular subject, which in this case is STYLE + Fashion (two seperate things), truly shows if it is made for you. And I think at about age 6 when I wanted to pick my own polo shirt or wear a batman slippers instead of power rangers. Maybe that's the time I got into that...yeah? i think so.


Who are your influences in the fashion industry and further more in the world around us?

Mark: I think sociology really influences me. One being the idea of breaking norms and social constructs set by ourselves, is fascinating. It's crazy when I started understanding that there is no true individual. *kinda drove me crazy*---It conflicted with my vision for the company and telling everyone to be an "individual". I don't think individual is the word I wanted to say but more of a pioneer perhaps, begin what you believe is going to change and improve someone. But, the journey to be a well spoken man, educated (streetwise as well), and a well dressed man is the biggest influence on me. Karl Marx, Ghandi, Siddhartha, My father for his amazing clothes---how I learned about YSL by the way. Theres a lot of influences that part take in my life; these are the things that stand out but I get inspired by the beauty of ugly. The broke. The unwanted. Reality. Afterall im just a particle in the sands of time.


How does living in LA influence your style and what does LA living bring to the fashion industry?
Mark: I think LA does really play it's role as a melting pot. I mean I understand people have not been paying much attention, but as to anything there is a subculture that is emerging waiting to be seen. And once that is seen there is another forming , it's a cycle.*Sorry if im getting side tracked, I just love that concept* but, I think the diversity and how you can travel a few miles and feel as if your in another country. That influences my style the most! Frankly I don't know what LA living is.....THE HILLS? THE OC? I don't know, theres plenty of things you can section onto that. But my kind of LA living is waking up seeing hispanics on the side of the streets jobless, 80 degree winters, and a lot of broken dreams . So I think if you add all that it can possibly bring something "unwanted" perhaps? or "new" so to speak.


How has fashion evolved recently in LA?

Mark: I try not to pay attention to much about people and their outfits. I mean my sister and I should be like the Lakers for the city --"Los Angeles Rhu and Rho" haha kidding. But as an industry itself---I mean our fashion week speaks for itself hahaha. Okay maybe not. But, people are finally growing out of the jeans, graphic tee, and dunks sort of style. It's becoming more of a creative, artistry, and vintage monumental piece battle field now. I like it. Well from what I have exposed myself to. It's good to see a lot of young people like myself taking matters into their own hands and breaking through as a young talent. It's so good. People are trusting the youth to stimulate the industry and the economy even.


Besides you two at P:Passe, who should we look out for on the young fashion scene in LA?

Mark: NONE (joke). I think musically please look out for Jay.K, family of the company and also a fashionisto in his own right. I think every artist, creative person is associated by a group of others that share the same vision. So I guess anyone we talk about is good to keep an eye on. Jay.K, Taz, there's soo much but I THINK US for the most part. lol


How did P:Passe come about?

Mark: Well I don't speak about it much now. But we once began as a Fashion team with about 10 or more people in it I started the whole company as PRIMITIVE. We were racking views, fans, etc. But I was young we all were. We were just kids hanging out and showing art,clothes, and our vision. Woke up one day and heard that P.Rod had began a company called primitive and the rest you can figure out. With that being said there was a lot of us. Having that much creative people is like having the dream team it may sound good but success isn't promised and the difference of opinions and vision, along with my lack of being a grown man being a good leader by equally providing information and jobs killed us. We decreased to about 4 people then little did I know I was alone. There I squeezed out the best in my mind and my friend had adviced me to go along with Passe as the name and after weeks of thinking. There it was. Also my sister had a prominent blog on her own that was getting a lot of love actually. I thought it was only right to have a sibling duo sort of thing and who doesnt want a family member to be a business partner led alone be style killers. From individuals to siblings. Makes hell of a difference.

Can you explain the name changes?

Mark: I think satisfation kills creativity. I mean that only applies to a certain extent. Rhu and Rho is the mother of what's made so to speak, we are the creators With all that's happened to the company I think the true reason to why the name changes is to show clearance, growth, difference. My indecisive-ness takes a big control on me which is bad, but the company has become a portion of my life so why shouldnt I show change in my opinions which right now is the name. I haven't truly settled my mind on something but when I do I will give everyone the chance to soak it in. Everytime I give advice or speak of all this---I stress everyone about the brainwashing ability companies have developed to be able to open a dictionary and pick a word, make meaning out of it, and feed it to everyone's mind. I hate that. the whole marketing and advertisement kill me. I mean I respect the money and what's made out of it, I will probably be a hypocrite with this, but all I'm saying is to let people make the meaning of something or share your vision in the clothes and just give a little description. A rose is a rose and a name is just a name. I don't want "fans".... I need believers".


What roles do each of play in the development of the brand?

Mark: Well you know the Olsen twins? Well we're not like that them. We are a duo. In a sentence there is a subject and a noun. Well as to Passe there is a Rhu (me, short for rhuigi) and Rho. Theres always a business person and more of the creative side in the duo but my sister and I seem to be both. So it's a whole mutual thing but as to the site and the art, it's me. The company itself is the family so it's both of our growth and vision compilled together.


What can we expect from your line in 2010 and beyond?

Nothing. I think expectations limit creativity and imagination. Expect nothing from us (well of course we will bring out something), but think of anything possible and who knows we may meet that thought. A few words though...Rhu and Rho. That's what everyone should know.


If you could give a piece of advice to a reader about starting a brand, or being successful period, what would it be?

First of all keep a tight circle. Be aware of the people you expose your personal life to; keep work and life seperate. Begin with an imagination, continue with excecution, and end with believers. If you feel that you are different from others and you can catch peoples hearts, do as you feel. Success is yet to come, I have yet to discover my aesthetics; we all have time. So, be aware of change and welcome it and take your time to achieve the purest form of your art. Whether it's working at a Wendy's or being a fashion connoisuer; always think of excelling and improving yourself. Now a days the fad thing to do is be a stylist or designer, it's become the root of the popular culture now, so with that being said search within for something undiscovered (sounded corny but true). Be open to anything, I was watching a video and Lagerfeld said arrogance kills creativity or something in that context, so look at your surroundings and think of your sole purpose to why you are doing what you do. And if all falls into place I think everyone will be fine if faith and work is input. Play the part, look the part, and be the part.


When are Rhu & Rho and By:Andre (my line) gonna collab????

OF COURSE! I think it's yet to happen!

Passe: Rhu&Rho from PRMTVE:PASSE on Vimeo.

Coming from where I come from, Fashion & Art is the last thing on most peoples minds. After reading the material for this post, one can smile knowing that someone out there "Gets It". I believe in the growth, progression, and achievment that P:Passe speaks of. I appreciate tbe love and support tbat Mark and Rhoxy have shown me and I look forward to the growth that is awaiting them along thier journey.


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