Bryan Espiritu's brand, The Legends League, has been a cultural cornerstone in Toronto for over a decade, celebrated for its unique blend of streetwear and community spirit. Known for pushing the boundaries of fashion and art, The Legends League has become a go-to destination for those seeking not just apparel but a sense of belonging and identity within the city.

In 2017, as The Legends League prepared to mark the anniversary of their shop’s opening, Bryan and his team approached me with an exciting challenge: to design a baseball-style side patch that would not only commemorate this significant milestone but also encapsulate the essence of the brand. Having collaborated with Bryan on several projects before, I understood the vision behind The Legends League and the importance of creating something that resonated deeply with both the shop and its community.

After the successful launch of the first-anniversary hats, we wanted this new patch to elevate the concept and reflect even more of what The Legends League stood for. We aimed to capture the unique atmosphere of the shop and its role as a gathering place for local creatives, artists, and fans. To do this, I sought inspiration from elements that have become synonymous with The Legends League’s identity, particularly the chain-link security gate that covers the door when the store is closed. This gate not only serves a practical purpose but also symbolizes the protection of the community and the creativity that thrives within.

The design process involved a careful consideration of the shop's aesthetics and the stories that resonate with its patrons. By incorporating the chain-link gate into the patch, we created a visual metaphor for the strength and resilience of the community that The Legends League has fostered over the years. The patch featured bold typography and striking imagery, ensuring it would stand out while paying homage to the shop's roots.

Additionally, the color palette was chosen to reflect the vibrant spirit of the brand and its connection to the streetwear culture that it embodies. We aimed for a look that was both nostalgic and modern, appealing to long-time fans of The Legends League while also drawing in a new generation of supporters.

The final design was a celebration of not just the anniversary but the ongoing journey of The Legends League—a testament to its enduring impact on the local culture and fashion scene. When the patch debuted on the anniversary hats, it was met with enthusiastic approval from the community, serving as a wearable reminder of the unique space that Bryan and his team have created over the years. It was more than just a design; it was a symbol of unity and pride for everyone connected to The Legends League, solidifying its place in the heart of Toronto’s creative landscape.