Street Beat: Markisa

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October 21, 2010

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Photo: Markisa
Markisa Co-Founders Paul Rodriguez, Nigel Alexander
and Jason WakuzawaMarkisa is an up-and-coming lifestyle brand that is all about marrying style with function. Founded in 2008 by 3 like-minded individuals (one being pro skateboarder Paul Rodriguez), Markisa began producing only wallets. "Why wallets?" you might ask. Well they wanted to create something that is a part of our everyday life.

Fast forward to 2010 and Markisa is now also creating belts, bags t's and more. They have a dedicated team and a knack for creating only the finest products. Nigel Alexander, one of Markisa's co-founders, was pumped to get plugged into Street Beat. Here are his answers...enjoy!

- Danny Spyra

Photo: Markisa
Markisa - Achieving excellence 24/7, 365 days a
year!

BNQT - MARKISA WAS STARTED BY YOURSELF, PAUL RODRIGUEZ AND JASON WAKUZAWA. WHEN / HOW DID YOU GUYS DECIDE TO CREATE A PREMIUM ACCESSORIES BRAND?

Nigel - Jason Wakuzawa came up to Paul & I back in 2008 with the idea of creating a wallet/accessory brand. We all noticed that there weren't any brands out there doing this so we decided it was a good idea. From there, we all did some resourcing & it took about 2 years to get everything in place.

Photo: Markisa
Clean, simple, sick Markisa beanies

BNQT - HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME MARKISA ?

Nigel - We brainstormed names for months but one day we decided that maybe incorporating all of our names somehow would be cool & original. We ended up using all of our middle names put together. Starting with Paul's middle name "MAR"tin, Nigel's "KI"dar & Jason's "SA"kae. Put all those together and you get MAR-KI-SA.

Photo: Markisa
Inside of the Milli 2 wallet

BNQT - MARKISA IS COMING ON STRONG WITH ITS FALL / HOLIDAY COLLECTION. CAN YOU BREAK DOWN THIS LINE OF PRODUCTS FOR US?

Nigel - Yeah the new line consists of an all black perforated Milli line. We added some new style zip wallets with coin pouches for the international peeps, our classic Milli bi-fold, a velcro style wallet for the kids, a few new belts, backpacks & bags for your traveling needs, 3 fresh color beanies to keep your dome warm & a simple carabineer key chain.

Photo: Markisa
The Milli 2 wallet bleeds style

BNQT - THE MILLI 2 WALLET LOOKS INSANE; IT SEEMS LIKE A WALLET EVERY MAN COULD USE. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH IT?

Nigel - Jason designed a wallet that would be custom for Markisa. We wanted to keep the wallet slim & stylish with hints of materials we like. For sure the best classic wallet we've made.

Photo: Markisa
The Milli Travel bag on the left and the Milli
School bag on the right

BNQT - AESTHETICALLY, THE MILLI PACKS LOOK REALLY SICK ALSO. WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE TRAVEL PACK FROM THE SCHOOL PACK?

Nigel - The Milli Travel & School packs are almost the same. The Travel has more pockets & slots. Also comes with a Macbook laptop holder. The School Pack is basically your simple book bag with one main compartment for your books & a smaller one for your pens & pencils.

Photo: Markisa
The Milli Duffel bag...don't leave for a trip
without it.

BNQT - IS THE MILLI DUFFEL BAG THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL PARTNER FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY? CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT IT?

Nigel - The new Milli Duffel is perfect for that weekend getaway. The bag isn't too big or too small & also has a separate compartment for your shoes so you don't get your clothes dirty.

Photo: Markisa
OG Markisa script tee