Screen Shot: Magnus Is Greater

City Based: Denver, Colorado

What inspired the brand name?

Magnus is Latin for Great as well as a signifier for royalty. Our name reflects those qualities. We want our consumer base to feel they are treated like royalty and given the best of the best. So that means when they purchase our items it’s produced with high quality materials, the best production and attention to all the details. The name almost serves as a reminder that only the greatest effort births greatness.

At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?

I realized I wanted to start a brand when I got tired of my mother dressing me. In fifth grade, I got tired of my mother dressing me as a Miami Papi, in silk shirts and linens, so I switched outfits with a classmate. After getting in trouble I realized that if I wanted to where the outfits I thought was cool, I’d have to make them myself. So even at 12 and 13 I was designing the outfits and pieces I wanted to see not even realizing what I was setting myself up for.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

To be honest, I seldom hit creative blocks. I draw my ideas from anywhere and everywhere. I do like to use movie and music in the creative process though. I love to watch my favorite films and pull elements from it for my piece ideas. As I design I turn on my music and just vibe and create through my playlists.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

Too much too soon. I’ve always been extremely ambitious and enthusiastic about my designs. That resulted in huge orders and leftover product. As a result, I realized I had to create a business model that would work best for my brand and let the consumers adapt to it.

What is the biggest success you have had?

I don’t measure success in the traditional sense of sales or even our celebrity placements, although I’m grateful. It’s even hard to say I’ve reached my biggest success because I have a very clear goal in mind that I haven’t achieved. That being said, I’m proud that I’ve been able to pursue my creative endeavors with Magnus Is Greater as my full-time job. It’s a dream job to be able to design and create for my brand each day.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

A dark room. Some times I like to just be in total darkness and ask myself how can I fill it with light and color.

Favorite color to use?

That's a great question. Our brand colors are black, white and gold. We try to incorporate one of those in every design.

ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?

There are no major retailers I would want to see my clothes in. Magnus is greater thrives off the direct to consumer experience. To keep that experience we work with independent and local shops, to carry items and coordinate pop-up shops. Ultimately, we intend to open a flagship store.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

Ralph Lauren, is a brand I admire, not for their style or their approach to fashion but their brand identity. They have been able to create a cohesive image, which in turn has led to their longevity.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE BRAND IN 1 YEAR AND 5 YEARS?

In one year we will continue to become some of people's favorite pieces in their wordrobe. In 5 years. We will have 2 flagship stores and one manufacturing facility that serves the community not just our brand.

IN 5 WORDS OR LESS DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND?

Disruptive & passionate People over profit