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Some stories start with a design. Others start with a mission. Jeremy and Angelo’s story starts with people. The ones who wear the work they create, the ones they hope to reach, and the communities they’re determined to represent.
From touring with rock bands to building culture-forward merch collections in Colorado, the duo behind AMB3R and Mexicolo are proving that apparel can be more than product. It can be connection, heritage, identity, and community. All expressed through what we choose to wear.
We asked Jeremy and Angelo to tell us their story.
How did AMB3R first come to life?
Jeremy: In my 20s, I used to tour with rock bands selling merch on the road. I reached out to a buddy who said, I’m building a company that’s more fashion forward. Our tagline is fashion to the people. So I quit my job, took $5,000 of savings, and we started AMB3R to bring retail-level design and decoration to mom-and-pop shops, nonprofits, restaurants, bars, and breweries. We focused on apparel and wearables only—decoration techniques, finishes, washes, trims—and that focus turned into full merch collections over time.
When did you realize merch could build community?
Jeremy: I saw that in the band world first. Even though it was the same merch every night, every crowd was different. That raving fan energy showed me there was something powerful there. Merchandise builds community if it’s done right. You’re taking a tight-knit community and giving them a way to carry it out into the world. Merchandise is meant to be worn. People forget that. No pay-per-click ad or flyer will ever go further than what merchandise can.
What is Mexicolo, and why did you create it?
Angelo: There are plenty of Colorado brands, but not one that ties in Hispanic and Mexican culture. We said, “we can do this, we have the knowledge.” I’m Mexican, so I can bring that perspective, that art style, that quality… the same as AMB3R’s. We made it into a culture-driven brand that focuses on cultura, people, pop culture, and good fashion.
Jeremy: It’s more than a clothing brand. Clothing is our outlet. Colorado has a 23% Hispanic population—a market that’s not being reached. We wanted to bring people together in the nostalgia of Mexican culture. We’re not trying to be the cool guys. We want to make people laugh. We want to entertain people.
What do you want people to feel when they experience Mexicolo?
Angelo: I want people to feel a little touch from home. Remembering their home, their culture, their family. A lot of second or third generations don’t remember Mexico anymore, so Mexicolo is that missing puzzle piece. We want people to feel proud of who they are and where they come from, and also where they are, which is Colorado. We’re not only for Mexicans. There are plenty of gringos who love the Mexican culture. We want to bring people together and have fun.
Why did you choose Lane Seven for your collections?
Jeremy: We’ve been using Lane Seven since way back in the day. That scalloped vintage wash was one of the first items, and we’ve used you ever since. When you came out with the Urban and the washes, we really leaned in because it went from basic silhouettes to fashion-forward, streetwear-inspired pieces.
Angelo: I love Lane Seven because you offer bigger sizes, and I’m a bigger guy. The boxy Urban tee fits great on me. Good colors, good silhouettes, bigger sizes. That’s what I like.
Jeremy: We’re picky. We love premium decoration techniques, but we also want our brand to be accessible. The Urban Collection has that high-end look while still being something our audience can afford. And collaborations like this help build community in the industry. You’re not trying to sell, sell, sell. You’re showing what other brands are doing and how you partner with them.
Tell us about your Día de los Muertos merch drop.
Jeremy: Our last collaboration was for Cinco de Mayo, and we wanted to start earlier for Día de los Muertos. We love the sugar skulls and the catrinas. We wanted to bring that design aesthetic beyond apparel and build a full collection. We did tote bags, candles, custom chocolate, woven tapestries, showing how you can use industry partners to build a collection. Día de los Muertos is a special day for the Mexican culture, and we wanted to bring that to Colorado. We even built an ofrenda to honor our loved ones—my dog, my dad, his grandparents, John Denver, Selena. We take it anywhere we go. It’s a reminder you can celebrate that connection all year long.
Watch the full interview to hear their entire story of building two brands at once and how they’re using apparel to make people feel seen, connected, and proud of where they come from.
You can find AMB3R at www.amb3r.com and @amb3rcreative on Instagram, and Mexicolo at www.mexicolo.co and @mexicolo97 on Instagram.
