BroCal Style: The Rise of Metal Mulisha and the rest of the gang
Southern California-centric style and clothing have changed dramatically. From surfing to skateboarding and now to motocross and off road; the culture associated with southern California has changed dramatically. The changes not only in the youth but also in the mindset of contemporary culture in Southern California. All of this has shaped and developed what is the “Bro” culture. From driving lift trucks and partying every night, to getting tattoos and piercings; all of this has shaped the “Bro” culture. Helping to build and develop a clothing niche as well as a lifestyle.
Southern California itself has always been seen as the place to be and the place to spot emerging fashion trends. However, the multiple regions of Southern California have spawned different trends and styles. The style that has emerged most effectively in recent times has been what is known as the “Bro” style. With an emphasis on the flashy lifestyle of Hollywood celebrities, keeping the roots of extreme sports enthusiasts strong. The further rise of this movement was fueled by the revival and popularity of punk and rock music. With budding mainstream acceptance and a driving force behind it, such as Blink 182’s Travis Barker, who is the creator of the “Bro” brand Famous Stars and Straps, as well as the infamous So Cal artists Kotton Mouth Kings of SRH; culture has grown by leaps and bounds.
With the widespread acceptance of the youth of Southern California, the style quickly began to evolve and grow. Further perpetuating this evolution was the growing popularity of the X Games and its focus on motocross and freestyle motocross. With new brands emerging like SRH, Famous Stars and Straps, Hart & Huntington and Metal Mulisha, as well as Hustler. The common denominator between all these brands is their roots in extreme sports, particularly motorcross and freestyle motorcross. Many of these brands flaunt the extreme lifestyle, but also exude flashy, almost flashy excess. The driving mindset behind this move was and continues to be work hard play hard. Many of the pioneers of this clothing movement have come from nothing and built themselves up through hard work. People like Brian Deegan, head of Metal Mulisha, or Carey Hart, owner and designer of Hart & Huntington, are the driving force behind some of these brands. Both men have come from difficult childhoods to build not only careers in extreme sports, but also build and develop careers in the garment industry.
The driving brands that have built this “Bro” style hail from different corners of California. From the south, near San Diego, to Orange County, even to the Inland Empire; there are brands that have shaped this genre. From San Diego, brands like SRH Productions and Silver Star have shaped the lifestyle of this culture. Brands coming out of the Inland Empire like Fatal, Hostility and more have perpetuated and fueled this culture and its niche. Even looking inland to Orange County, which is home to brands like Metal Mulisha, Outlaw Threadz, and even Tapout, shows how much this culture has conquered Southern California. Even other brands like So Cal, No Fear, Fearless, Skin and Sullen have made a name for themselves in these industries.
With all of this, the culture and lifestyle of what is popular in Southern California has grown and evolved beyond what anyone could have imagined. This is what this culture and lifestyle consists of. Tough riding apparel designed by hardworking people. These brands represent and show the mentality of those who are part of this culture. Generally characterized by skulls, surreal art, and much edgier graphics; the clothing of this niche often shows the coarser nature of the culture. Fighting and horseback riding, all the way to jail – the niche encompasses this and the clothes reflect it. With more and more represented by other different brands that arise between other more established brands.
