When brainstorming ideas for the upcoming Mercado Goods spring collection. I had the idea to create a piece that could be layered or worn by individually. Inspired by the movie 'He got game.' I knew immediately the look I was after.
This movie is perhaps one of my favorite movies of all time and I always wanted to bring this style back to today's fashion. Not only because of the incredible story or because of Denzels stellar performance. But because it takes me to a place where all my nostalgia lives. When retro Jordans were still cool, MJ was the man, and hip hop was experiencing its golden era. These things bring me comfort and I had been wanting to create my own spin off of this sleeveless sweatshirt I had seen Denzel washington sport in the movie.
He Got Game (Spike Lee, 1998)
Even without having watched the movie in years I knew exactly what the silhouette looked like. The image of above was permanently burned into my memory. When one day at work I randomly got struck with inspiration and I grabbed the closest thing to me. Just to get this idea out. I imagined a piece that featured a distressed appliqué look. Similar to the preppy Hollister tees we used to buy when we were kids. Morphing both the preppy and hip hop aesthetic it created something totally unique.
Mercado Goods Design Sketch & the physical product (2026)
This without realizing was what created a snowball effect for the rest of the collection. Inspiring multiple looks and resulted in playing with the appliqué look. Though I will say amongst the design process I did encounter some minor set backs in the form of negative reception to the idea. I now realize it was because the design was incomplete.
See I started by altering the crewneck sweatshirt. Cutting the sleeves off, Cutting the hem, and even splitting the collar with a raw unfinished look. I handed it to some models to try on and it didn't look good. Everyone's face in the room winced. I too was unpleased by the way the idea was looking. Scared to continue I thought "ehh screw it, I've already made it this far might as well see it through." So against everyone's better judgement I persevered. and Im glad I did because once the appliqué and the tags were finished it took on a whole new look. Finally my idea came to life! After doing a couple more of fittings I fell in love with this piece and I'm glad I saw it through!
I write this because I feel like sometimes we don't see the idea all the way to its end. But it's a reminder that ya gotta because otherwise you're never going to get to see your ideas full potential flourish.
Thank you for reading and remember "Stay sexy America" ;)
-Gerardo Mercado