Meet Alli : Streetwear Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alli, why did you pursue a creative career?
I don’t ever want to get bored with my life or my life decisions. The fashion industry is intriguing. I like a consistently evolving work environment. Fashion is always changing. Today something’s hot, tomorrow it’s dead, on to the next style. And you’re always thinking about what’s next. Like it might be Winter right now but I already have my Spring collection drops rolling out, getting ready to start on summer swim, and putting ideas on the calendar for fall/winter. I also really like that I can handmake something for someone and make them feel special and extra fresh. It’s the best feeling when you make something for someone and you get to witness them enjoying it. I love that shit. Plus all my immediate family members have some form of creative side hustle, so I think it’s just in my blood.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
GRINDHOUSE WOMEN is a women’s streetwear brand inspired by grindhouse films and beautiful women. I started the brand about two years ago now. Part of the reason I started this brand is because I was sick of my favorite men’s streetwear brands always being sold out of their cool designs in my size. Now I have a women’s streetwear brand with an inbox full of women telling me they love my shit and men asking when I’m going to drop something in their size. I think that’s just one thing that sets GRINDHOUSE WOMEN apart from others. I’m lucky to have made it as far as I’ve come. Some small power moves, some good luck, a bomb support system that is my friends and family is all part of it. It’s not that easy, it’s always risky. There’s always something. You never know if something you come up with is going to be dope or a complete flop. It sucks when it’s a flop because if things don’t sell then I have to sell a bag of weed or three to put that money back to fund my next drop. If there’s anything I’ve learned from doing what I do it’s be specific, know what you want, and know what areas of your ideas are open to adjustment. Be specific with your printers/ manufacturers, tell them you want a sample done for your approval first before completing the whole batch. Know what you want/need from your photoshoots and video shoots before you show up on set. If your ideas are specific and untweakable you need to find the right people to work with so your work turns out right.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start our day by grabbing donuts from Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts. Go for a nice little hike at Griffith park. After the hike we’d probably make our way over to Mt. Lowe Brewery in Arcadia. It’s perfect because it’s a low-key brewery that’s a 5 minute walk from the train station. After brews we’d grab early dinner at Raising Cane’s, their chicken strips are so fucking good. Then dessert at Afters Ice Cream, [get the dark matter with fruity pebbles, *chef’s kiss*]. The next day we’d get breakfast at Antigua Bread, start me off with a little raspberry vanilla iced latte and guava croissant. After breakfast we’d do some thrifting, check out Silverlake Flee Market, shop around. Since whoever I’m with is probably smoking weed with me the whole time we like to go eat so right after shopping we’re getting Teddy’s Tacos. Teddy’s Red Tacos are the best tacos ever, I highly recommend, don’t sleep. The next day we’d get breakfast at Trubowl Superfood, some healthy stuff. If it’s open we’ll hit Six Flags after because why not? Then a nice dinner, like Ruth’s Chris, or Perch for a rooftop dinner. The following day we’ll start with Oh My Pan in San Gabriel for breakfast pastries, make our way over to Santa Monica for a nice beach day. We’ll rent bikes and ride over to Venice skatepark to peep the talent for a minute. After that we’ll get dinner at 405 Teppanyaki food truck, they have the best fried rice! And then finish the day with dessert at Beignet Box. The last day we’d hit some dispensaries like Cookies, the High Note, or Calma, then make our way over to Mission Tiki Drive-in Theater. They have a bomb snack bar/ mexican restaurant, so we’ll hotbox the car during the movie. Then end the night with Boba Tea Lounge for the best fruity pebble milkshakes ever. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
FUCKING EVERYONE. There are so many people that have helped me get to where I am today, holy shit. Starting with Southern California, my friends down here help keep me on my feet! Taking me to the best spots, not only to eat/ kick it but for photoshoot and video shoot locations. Monster shoutout to Erika. She’s literally teaching my directionally challenged ass my way around the fashion district one section at a time. Pretty much every single person I have ever met working in the SoCal cannabis industry. Shoutout to everyone who worked at OG Cannabis Café; working there introduced me to so many creatives and dope people, that job was such a blessing to me. I’m still in contact with a lot of them ever since the pandemic separated us all. I’m hoping to plan some collaborations with a few of them this year! My Northern California support system aka my family. The most supportive gang of people! My parents don’t even understand half the shit I come up with for my brand but still wear my T-shirts and sticker tag their stuff with my stickers. My sister, Hayli, is the one who deserves the most credit. Having my back since day one and always picking me up when I fall the fuck down. I really can’t thank these people enough. I also want to give a shoutout to my college teachers Lyra, Robyn, and Hilary from the fashion building at SRJC. I definitely wouldn’t be here without them helping me tame my seamstress skills and teaching me industry standard. And Northern California is home to my biggest customer base. Shoutout to ALL my friends I grew up with making purchases. I could cry the support is insane. Thank you to everyone who supports me!

Website: grindhousewomen.com

Instagram: grindhousewomen, grandtheftalli

Image Credits
Ellis Allen