Fashion Founders: Paige Mycoskie of Aviator Nation

Fashion Founders: Paige Mycoskie of Aviator Nation

By: Claire Watkiss

You are probably quite familiar with the iconic rainbow-stitched striping that can be found on a pair of Aviator Nation sweatpants, but what many do not know is how this brand came to be. Paige Mycoskie, founder, creative director, and owner of the brand is a fundamental example of how hard work and big dreams can pay off in the fashion world. 

Mycoskie attended Arizona State University where she studied journalism, landing her an internship during the summer of 2001 with Shape Magazine. On the side, she worked at a surf shop in Venice, California and quickly realized there was a gap in the marketplace. She was constantly looking for “super soft t-shirts, hoodies, and sweats, but all the brands selling in the surf shop didn’t feel right.” So, with just $200 in her pocket, she bought the nicest sewing machine she could find and got to work. She quickly learned the single needle technique, sewing stripes and designs on top of her clothing, which is still used in the brand design today. 

Once Mycoskie had an entire collection of clothes, she began walking into her favorite boutiques and selling them. She started at Fred Segal in Santa Monica and was extremely fortunate to have sold the entire collection– an $8,000 order. She used the same approach for the next couple of boutiques and was very successful, racking up more orders. With a small business credit line from Wells Fargo, Paige stocked up on supplies and spent the next three months sewing. 

Her first brick-and-mortar boutique was opened in Venice, California and included a stage where her friends would jam out, colorful hand-painted designs covering the walls, and a friendly staff that aligned with the brand’s image. 

Today, Mycoskie has successfully started over fifteen boutiques throughout the United States. While the brand started out doing women’s clothing, she has now branched out into menswear, unisex items, children’s clothing, swimwear, and outerwear. 

While there have been hardships to overcome throughout her journey, Paige relies on putting positive energy into the universe in order to reach her goals. She believes that you can make any dream a reality if it is really what is meant to happen. 

Mycoskie is a true inspiration to all entrepreneurs and an example of how hard work, dedication, and attention to detail can pay off to achieve even the biggest of goals. 

Learn more about Paige and Aviator Nation here. 

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