HYPEBEAST FLEA
See Where Artists Loso, COVL and Kevin Leonel Fostered their Creativity and Community with Modelo Especial
MAPPING OUT SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS AND DESCRIBING HOW THE COMMUNITY ENRICHES THEIR ARTISTIC PERSPECTIVES.
Reflecting the Modelo ‘Mark of a Fighter’ mentality, artists COVL, Loso, and Kevin Leonel turn obstacles into opportunities and weave their colorful personal narratives into their creations. For this project, the artists were tasked with creating pieces imbued with the essence of Modelo, along with their own heritage, using found materials or the tools on hand within their studio spaces. Bringing the ‘Humbly Me’ Design Challenge to life, each artist also identified some of their favorite local spots, most of which shaped their artistic outlooks and identities today. These locations all come together through an immersive Modelo Map, creating an archive of how every spot has shaped each creative and their surrounding community.
The Story
32 Orchard St, New York, NY
130 Orchard St, New York, NY
Mannahatta
Perrotin
5FL, 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY
Bark Barbecue
18 W 125th St, New York, NY
Cap USA
66 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY
Casa Adela
1449 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Arts & Craftsman Supply
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Museum
1449 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Canal Plastics Center
120 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Supermoon Bakehouse
1230 5th Ave, New York, NY
El Museo Del Barrio
Bronx, NY 10464
Orchard Beach
Staten Island, NY 10305
Forts Wadsworth
201 Buffalo St, Staten Island, NY
Gateway National Park
1624 10th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Windsor Place Antiques
55 Water St, New York, NY
Elevated Acres
1230 5th Ave, New York, NY
Yesterday's News Antiques & Collectibles
Silver Lake Park
Victory Blvd. &, Silver Lake Park Rd, Staten Island, NY
BRONX, NY
STATEN ISLAND, NY
HYPEBEAST FLEA
1230 5th Ave, New York, NY
El Museo Del Barrio
1449 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Canal Plastics Center
120 Rivington St, New York, NY
Supermoon Bakehouse
1449 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Museum
1449 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Arts & Craftsman Supply
Bronx, NY 10464
Orchard Beach
STATEN ISLAND, NY
201 Buffalo St, Staten Island, NY
Gateway National Park
1624 10th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Windsor Place Antiques
1230 5th Ave, New York, NY
Yesterday's News Antiques & Collectibles
55 Water St, New York, NY
Elevated Acres
Staten Island, NY 10305
Forts Wadsworth
Victory Blvd. &, Silver Lake Park Rd, Staten Island, NY
Silver Lake Park
2024
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Loso
COVL
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5FL, 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY
Bark Barbecue
66 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY
Casa Adela
130 Orchard St, New York, NY
Perrotin
32 Orchard St, New York, NY
Mannahatta
Loso, also known as Carlos Baeza, is a Mexican designer known for his custom, hand-stitched hats inspired by the traditional Japanese technique, sashiko. He pulls inspiration from the street culture that molded him as well as his personal roots, and his designs have been sported by some of fashion and culture’s biggest names. “The Mark of a Fighter mentality is about just working with what you got. Nonstop. Not giving up. [For this project] I'm doing my sun-faded method on a denim cap with the eagle on top of the crown to symbolize the Mexican connection, and to tie into Modelo as a company,” Loso explained.
“The Mark of a Fighter mentality is about just working with what you got. Nonstop. Not giving up."
Modelo Especial embodies an ethos of authenticity and champions its Mexican heritage proudly. Since 1925, Modelo has become a permanent fixture within Mexican culture. Celebration of individuality lies at the brand's core, which is why Modelo partnered with three New York artists as a part of the ‘Humbly Me’ Design Challenge, in support of Hypebeast’s Hypeflea. The challenge calls on these tenacious creatives to display three original works that symbolize their distinct upbringings and backgrounds. The pieces also reflect their limitless imagination and unwavering determination.
The Story
Loso
COVL, a Puerto-Rican interdisciplinary artist, never shies away from embedding her early memories into her work, which often shows off bright, dynamic tones and an energetic vibe. As her chosen medium is painting, she decided to create a large scale, textured painting as part of the ‘Humbly Me’ Design Challenge. “A lot of my pieces will have a semblance of the Puerto Rico flag in them, whether it's like a bright red or if it's a light blue — that light blue specifically represents independence,” she shared, “This piece will begin on a two by two foot slab. And then I'm taking texture fiber and I'm draping that. The reason why I'm doing that is because when I was a kid, I was babysat a lot by my grandparents. I spent the majority of those mornings with them, drinking our coffee. And yes, I did start drinking coffee at a very young age [Laughs]. Growing up Puerto Rican is really fun. So I wanted to bring back that moment.”
“A lot of my pieces will have a semblance of the Puerto Rico flag in them, whether it's like a bright red or if it's a light blue — that light blue specifically represents independence.”
COVL
Kevin Leonel has been recognized for his eclectic pieces that reimagine sports memorabilia and antique or deadstock fabrics into original items including hoodies, t-shirts, and jackets. He brings the worlds of fashion and sports together, while also placing a spotlight on his Dominican roots. “I always find ways to incorporate influences of my background. My life has always been so rich in the music and the food. My upbringing has curated who I am today. I really try to focus on the aesthetic of what it feels like to be Afro-Latino and what I've seen growing up,” Leonel explained, “I found a vintage tablecloth that had actual lime motifs on it. It even had these red flowers, which really embody the national flower of Mexico. I wanted to give a nod to the Modelo ethos and also give a nod to the Mexican culture, showing as much love as possible to the whole culture of what Modelo is about and the origins of it being Mexican. I'm also adding a lace tablecloth — that's a signature touch of mine since I love to upcycle and I love antique textiles.”
“A lot of my pieces will have a semblance of the Puerto Rico flag in them, whether it's like a bright red or if it's a light blue — that light blue specifically represents independence.”
Kevin Leonel
“I always find ways to incorporate influences of my background. My life has always been so rich in the music and the food. My upbringing has curated who I am today."
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1230 5th Ave, New York, NY
Museo Del Barrio
345 Canal St, New York, NY
Canal Plastics Center
120 Rivington St, New York, NY
Supermoon Bakehouse
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Museum
1449 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Arts & Craftsman Supply
Bronx, NY 10464
Orchard Beach
The names featured in this project are known for illuminating the Latin diaspora through their work in different mediums.