All My Friends are Dope: Cesar and Roger Maldonado
On Friday’s episode of The Pop-Up!: All My Friends Are Dope, Erik Kalligraphy tapped in with brothers Roger and Cesar Maldonado, the creative minds behind Mediums Collective, the Seattle-based clothing brand and cultural hub holding it down on Capitol Hill.
They broke down how Mediums grew from a streetwear line into a full-on creative ecosystem and community space, rooted in their Mexican heritage and South End upbringing. The brothers shared the story behind their new Mexico World Cup-inspired jersey, the Aztec eagle symbolism, and how indigenous dance, fashion, and protest all come together in their work.
Roger also talked about leveling up their cut-and-sew operation with support from the city, crafting custom pieces, and sourcing textiles directly from Mexico. Throughout, they reflect on safety and solidarity between Black and Brown communities, and why culture, family, and community will always be at the heart of Mediums Collective.