Polymathix x Nike Air Max Griffey 1 x Lily. Producto de Florida.
Interview & Photography by Clint Servantes
In an age when describing the Streetwear Industry as ‘oversaturated’ is an understatement, Florida based Polymathix takes its inspiration from the founder’s Latin American roots and his Florida habitat to set the brand apart. With graphic tees depicting images of harvesting cocaine and M-16s, the message is not meant to glorify violence or the drug trade, but to show how, for many, drug trafficing is the only way for many families to survive in South America and put food on the table. Polymathix, a product of South America, y un Producto de Florida.
So Ricky, tell us about your background in the industry…
Well, since I was about the age of 12 I knew I wanted to design. Back then, it was like 1997 or ‘98 and I was really influenced by Willie Esco. I always sketched t-shirt designs and shit like that. It really got serious in 2003 when I got out of high school and started brewing up Polymathix, where it became legit in 2005. I went to college for a couple of years, but found that they really didn’t teach you how to start a brand. So, I left school; worked at a screen printing company and started researching, traveling and making contacts. Along the way I met two really influential people that mentored me, Krabby Rangoon from St.Alfreds in Chi-town and Jon Phenom.
“Polymathix” is an interesting name, tell us how you came up with it…
Polymathix stems from the root word “Polymath” which means to be great at several fields. So, I just kind of remixed it and added the “IX” at the end to make it plural, giving it my own definition. “Polymathix- A state of mind in which an individual becomes knowledgeable in several fields in order to take advantage of any opportunity to achieve an end; often with no regard for principles or consequences.”
With Streetwear and Apparel Lines popping up everywhere, why now? What sets Polymathix apart?
I honestly think there couldn’t be a better time for us to come out. There are so many lines coming out and very few are out of Florida. Then again, everyone is doing the same shit. It’s kinda like the whole auto tune shit going down with Hip Hop. Just stay tuned, some really interesting shit coming in the next couple of months, I’m sure it will definitely set us apart.
Polymathix’s “Harvester” tee. Coca-Cola? No. Cocaina. Yes.
And the line, what’s your inspiration for the designs?
The line is a jambalaya of ideas and thoughts that live in my head. My main inspiration is my habitat, Florida, and my Latin American culture. I also do it for the people, I like to think of the brand as a militia, that is why we did the marlin with the m-16 barrel, he fights for the people.
What are you trying to accomplish with that?
We’re more than just a clothing/t-shirt line, our goal is to be a brand that just conveys art and passion. A brand that represents our habitat and unique culture.
