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In celebration of Diamonds In The Rough Originals' FW14 Official Launch, #GVEAFUKPOPUP is a four-day revolving shop showcasing of some of Vancouver’s best up-and-coming and well loved designers and artists. They’ve got a full lineup and a new themed storefront each day including home decor, clothing, accessories, an art gallery, and jewelry . The details for each day including full vendor lists are on thisopenspace's Upcoming calendar. You should take a peek and save the dates.
We caught up with founder of Diamonds in the Rough Originals (D.I.T.R.O) and #GVEAFUKPOPUP curator Sam Mendoza to learn more:
thisopenspace: Hey Sam, tell us about what you're doing with D.I.T.R.O?
Sam Mendoza: I design t-shirts and research charities that tie into what the t-shirt is about. I try to coincide the t-shirt to the organization. Every season (quarterly), there are four new limited edition tee designs and charity partners. Three dollars from each limited edition t-shirt sold goes to a partnered charity. I love researching and learning about local charitable organizations. So many deserve attention, it doesn’t matter how big they are or how small they are.
How long have you been working on this project?
SM: The concept – it started when I was 15 or 16. I had this insane love for t-shirts. I loved how people could express their individuality through t-shirts. In stores, I would gravitate toward the guys’ designs. They were so much better. It’s all about strong graphics with a clear message.
What kickstarted the idea?
SM: The idea of helping people came from working as a psychiatric aid back in Alberta. How much love, compassion goes into helping the community. Every town needs that.
Why the name Diamonds in the Rough Originals?
SM: Years ago, I was working at the Gap and met a wide array of people, that I’m still really close with. They’re all so different. Although so different, we all had one thing in common - we all had our own projects on the side. That was the connecting point. We were all diamonds in the rough. To this day we’re still the best of friends, it’s crazy to see where we came from and where we are now. We support each other.
You have a background in business and design, could you talk about this foundation and how it lends itself to D.I.T.R.O?
SM: Growing up as a small town kid, you needed to hustle and have that drive to succeed. To begin with, I went to school for marketing. From there I moved to Vancouver to design handbags with a girlfriend. The movement for local was only just starting. It was all DIY; we marketed ourselves through guerilla marketing, word of mouth and mailing out look-books. I had the line for 3 years then decided to change things up and left for Australia. I wanted to be closer to Asia, to get inspired and source materials from that side of the world. I lived in Perth and saved money. I had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines and Dubai, where my uncle does charitable work. I was so inspired by the way he was helping others and that drive was very much instilled in me. You have to make the time to give a fuck about other people. Everything became clear, and I returned to Vancouver with all this fire. I went back to school for graphic design.
For this event, you’re working with a ton of different local brands. What was it like getting everyone together and organizing the pop-up?
SM: I asked around and got referrals through friends. I did background research on all of them. Plus, I pulled from my network of people and my own friends – well shit if I know these people already, I needed to get them all together. Create interconnections and expand everyone’s network.
I really want to see at the end of it - what goes down – is the support and future collaborations between people that would never have met. That’s the money right there. Vancouver can be very cliquey. Joining the two worlds of Vancouver, the local businesses and the glitz and the glam together. It can be a very cold city but when you meet the right people, it’s amazing.
When meeting all the new crews, it was crazy to see. Everyone gets along so well. How eager they all are to kill it and work long hours. This pop up shop – we’re doing what we love.
We’re all collectively donating to a Better Life Foundation. We have the organization’s backing and their blessing, they’re totally on board. I want to create that new way of entrepreneurs giving back. Even the music, local artists that will be putting themselves out there and their time, also for the Better Life Foundation. Karma donations.
What are you looking to get out of this pop-up?
SM: Making giving back look cool and in the most authentic way possible.
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#GVEAFUKPOPUP opens Thursday, September 4 and runs through Sunday, September 7. Check out thisopenspace's Upcoming calendar for full details.
