Before MENACE landed co-signs from Bad Bunny, Migos, and Canelo Alvarez, it was just the founder Steven Mena driving around Los Angeles trying to sell shirts wherever he could as a teenager. 12 years later, the brand is helping define the streetwear scene of the city that raised it. The rise came from Mena’s discipline, staying true to his identity, and a deep love for the city that raised him. MENACE is one of the brands that will be part of the Complex Holiday Pop-Up in Los Angeles from December 4 to 7. Ahead of the three-day event Mena reflects on the moments that defined the brand, the communities it represents, and the lessons he learned while building something for the kids who never saw themselves in fashion.
What’s the origin story behind MENACE?
I had $500 to my name from working two jobs, Subway and PacSun, and just had this idea. I wanted to start a brand, make T-shirts, and see where it could go. At the time, I linked up with my best friend and we started the brand together. Within a month, he phased out and I just kept going on my own. I took those $500, printed about 12 shirts, and sold them to whoever would buy them out of the trunk of my mom’s car. To this day, designing T-shirts is my favorite thing.
Was there a specific moment when you realized MENACE was starting to take off?
Probably 2018. Our Beverly Hills Gun Range design changed everything. We released it with minimal promotion. Within 30 minutes, everything was gone. That moment was an inflection point for the brand.
Your designs pull a lot from LA life. What inspires you about the city and how do you translate that into your designs?
Los Angeles is a resilient, diverse city. I’ve been here my whole life. MENACE is an extension of my love for it. I capture the beauty of LA, but also the ugly. There’s the rich, uppity side, and then the hood. I think no matter where you come from, if you respect this city, it gives back.
MENACE is my love letter to Los Angeles. We make wearable products that still convey the vibe and rough-around-the-edges spirit of the city. You can tell someone from the inner city made our clothes.
Where does the name MENACE come from?
It’s a variation of my last name. I’m from Southeast LA, a blue-collar neighborhood. I think MENACE, as a brand and as an extension of me, carries a chip on its shoulder because we’re in an industry that doesn’t always prioritize representation or champion the people doing the real work behind the scenes. A lot of it can feel transactional. So with MENACE, I lean into that “bad boy” energy, but with brotherly love.
Streetwear moves fast. How do you keep MENACE true to its identity without chasing trends?
Success is a game of discipline and knowing when to say no. There are things we’ve done that I wish we hadn’t because they didn’t align. Creativity vs. business is always at conflict for me.
But we set systems: if it doesn’t check certain boxes, we don’t do it. One of my favorite quotes is from [Martin] Scorsese: “That which is most personal is most creative.” We design from within. If you start with, “What does the customer want,” you end up chasing what already exists.
MENACE has had big collaborations, from LA Galaxy to Adidas. What do you look for in a collab?
Simple question: Does this make sense? Is anyone in the world asking for this collaboration? If the answer is no, we shouldn’t do it. Although there have been times we’ve taken something on because the money made sense. Balance is key. I believe creatives have more power than they realize. These corporations need us more than we need them.
As a Latino founder, what role does representation play in your work and storytelling?
Everything. Representation is at the forefront of almost everything I do.
Growing up Latino, humility and being quiet are often drilled into you. “Don’t speak up, don’t rock the boat, accept what’s given.” I fundamentally reject that. Our parents endured things so we wouldn’t have to. I want MENACE to champion my culture, but still be inviting for everyone.
Is there a specific MENACE moment that felt the most meaningful in terms of representation?
The Adidas collaboration. I wrote and directed the video campaign for it. That project came from such a deep personal place. I said things I’d wanted to say for years, and I got to do it on one of the biggest stages possible in our industry.
MENACE has been cosigned by a lot of celebrities. Is there a moment that meant the most to you?
Kehlani was the first celeb to ever wear the brand. Migos supported us early, before “Bad and Boujee” came out. Bad Bunny was also a huge one as I’m a massive fan.
Is there someone you’re dying to dress someday?
Kendrick or Drake. I’ll take either of them. Another Bad Bunny moment would be cool. Honestly, seeing someone on the street wearing MENACE hits just as hard. It never gets old.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned building MENACE over the past decade?
It’s okay if something doesn’t work out, if you don’t sell out, if another brand is doing better. Comparison is the thief of joy. We live in a world where “you’re not enough” is pushed on us constantly. One foot in front of the other. Pressure is an opportunity to rise. And even if one day you decide to give up, that’s okay too. You tried. There’s no timeline to success.
What can fans expect from MENACE at the Complex Holiday Pop-Up?
We’re releasing the paisley denim trucker jacket in three colors—tan, “Evergreen”, and pink. It’s a reissue of a jacket from 2020 that we had Sheck Wes model.
We also have paisley leather jackets, which is one of our most sought-after pieces, coming in navy, burgundy, and gold. Then the “Not a Fan” tee and the MENACE logo tee, plus corduroy button-ups and rivet hoodies, one of our all-time bestsellers.
Overall, we’re bringing pieces that are wearable, well-made, and balanced. Clothes that you’ll actually reach for in your closet.
RSVP to the Complex Holiday Pop-up in LA and NY now.
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