| Paige Mycoskie | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | Paige Mycoskie |
| Born: | February 26, 1980 |
| Birth Hometown: | Arlington, Texas |
| Occupation: | Owner and Founder of Aviator Nation |
Paige Mycoskie (born February 26, 1980) is an American artist, fashion designer, and businesswoman, best known as the founder and owner of the 1970s-inspired clothing company, Aviator Nation. She is the sister of Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms Shoes. In 2013, Mycoskie was named GQ's Menswear Designer of the Year and in 2007 was named one of LA Business Journal's “Top Bosses Under 30”.
Early life and education[]
Mycoskie was born in Arlington, Texas to Pam Mycoskie, an author and Mike Mycoskie, an orthopedic surgeon. She has two siblings: younger brother Tyler Mycoskie and older brother Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms Shoes. She attended Arlington Martin High School where she was recognized as a state Volleyball champion. Excelling in sports, she was also on the Arizona State University Water Ski Team while attending ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. An avid athlete, she still enjoys surfing; scuba diving; water skiing; and snowboarding.
Mycoskie spent her teenage years in Arlington on the hunt for 70s vintage tees and hoodies and attending concerts at Starplex, the nearby amphitheatre. She particularly is inspired by the history and the phenomena created by music and art festivals. Mycoskie cites Woodstock as a major influence in both her work and her personal life as the festival best encapsulates music's power of connectivity, its ability to reveal our humanity, creativity, and personal expression.
The Amazing Race[]
Mycoskie and her brother Blake auditioned for CBS’ Survivor in 2001, independently sending in their applications. They both made it to final interviews. Realizing they were siblings, executives at CBS offered to cast both of them for season two of The Amazing Race. They agreed to that opportunity preferring to compete as a team. They finished in third place, missing the million dollar prize by four minutes.
Career[]
In 2001 Mycoskie moved to Southern California for her first internship at Shape Magazine. She soon shifted focus to freelance photography, video, graphic design, and branding. She steadily developed successful campaigns in branding and commercials, and created the TOMS logo for her brother's company TOMS Shoes. She became a buyer's assistant at ZJ Boarding House in Venice, CA.
Discovering that vintage clothing was harder to find, Mycoskie decided to create her own clothes, sewing, dying, and designing herself. Debuting with a white hoodie with rainbow stripes in the hood, known as the brand's “Signature Hoodie”, Aviator Nation was in business. The California surf culture is evident in all her pieces designing clothing, accessories, and surfboards.