Introducing "CUEVAS UNIFORM"

November 12, 2021

Creative energy runs deep for Jess Cuevas, the artist turned his COVID-19 passion project into a unique workwear collection inspired by long days in the garage with his dad. The stylist, creative director, visual artist, and now designer has created CUEVAS UNIFORM, a line of workwear that includes hand-painted pants, t-shirts, candles, and towels embellished with the slogan "For Tough Jobs." In Collaboration with designer Manuel Paul Cota of Santee Alley Trade, the Back Alley Shirt is a closet must have.

Located in Los Angeles, Cuevas connects his inspiration of childhood memories of working alongside his dad to designing and executing garments inside his garage. The multi-talent is most known for his styling work for WILLY CHAVARRIA and Nike, yet that barely encapsulates his career. Stretching years, Cuevas continues to create projects that draw on deep emotion while having something to say.

Text by Michael Hall
Creative Direction and Styling by Jess Cuevas
Photography by Carlos Jaramillo
Hair and Makeup by Carla Perez
Style assistance by Quinn Tolosa
Photo assistance by Ryan Molnar

2008 marked a dark time in Cuevas's life, maneuvering through a national recession presented struggle after struggle with the closure of his apparel store and gallery space where he connected with the community of San Francisco. After years of doubt and uncertainty, Cuevas was plagued with a familiar sense of dread when the pandemic hit, causing the most significant economic depression the U.S has ever undergone. With extensive experience under his belt and the need to create, Cuevas set out to honor a time in his life.

A standout piece in the newest collection is the hand-painted workwear pants that are embellished with polka dots and deconstructed lines. Each piece is different, adding a personalized extension to each garment. With a world inundated with excess and acceleration, CUEVAS UNIFORM is slowing down the consumption process and creating staples that will last years. The Los Angeles-based artist is deeply connected with the city and community, adding authenticity to a fashion landscape that often seems rigid and exclusive. Deepening his roots with the city of angels, on Saturday, November 13, Cuevas is partnering with the Echo park concept store Género Neutral for a pop-up of his newest collection, including pieces exclusive to the event.

Jess Cuevas states, "The idea of CUEVAS UNIFORM is birthed from the memories I have of my father working in the garage all day. He was a self-taught mechanic who migrated here from Nicaragua in the 70s. He mostly restored old Cadillacs, Porsches, and the occasional forklift in our garage, and I was his helper. The pants I paint on are inspired by the splatter of oil, the traffic lines in the street, and the uniform you throw on daily to fix things, create things, and work in. They take time to make as I hand paint all of them, but I love that they take time. Everyone is so used to immediate satisfaction, and the world moves so fast, it's nice to wait and look forward to that package and an item of clothing that is unique to you."

Check out exclusive photos below and shop the collection at cuevasuniform.com.

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