Mediums Collective; A Mexican-American fusion of excellence.

Nov 16

Elevated, authentic, and the ultimate representation of heritage.

Roger Maldonado on set Fall Collection Spotlight shoot. Photographed by Fuego Gatsby.

The immigrant dream is a vision built to transcend a system that was not built for us. It’s a journey defined by the belief that, despite systemic barriers, one can forge a future that mirrors their deepest values and aspirations; the ‘American’ dream is more than a pursuit of prosperity. It’s freedom in self-expression and the courage to forge a path that blends culture, heritage, and ambition. Today, the American Dream is a tapestry of unique stories, woven from both struggle and celebration, continually redefined by those who dare to claim it.

“We’re here to tell a story, and we’re here to represent.” - Roger Maldonado.

There are many layers to the Maldonado story. “We are here to represent” – Roger’s words carry deep significance, resonating on a personal level and encapsulating the core purpose of Mediums Collective. It’s a brand that stands for more than just fashion; it’s the representation of an under-told story, one of cultural pride, resilience, and artistic awakening. When Roger said that, I immediately felt the weight of it—their work goes beyond designs; it’s an invitation for anyone with a sense of identity to awaken their own artistic potential. That’s the true essence of authenticity.

Mediums Collective was born not in a boardroom or a high-rise studio but in the heart of a family room. Cesar Maldonado recounts that it all began “right after Roger graduated from the University of Washington” and came back home, setting up his workspace in the family’s living space. "For those three months, that family room was his world," Cesar recalls, describing how Roger immersed himself in graphic design, "glued to the computer" as he honed his craft. Each week brought a fresh design or concept, each piece more promising than the last. But one week, Roger called Cesar over to see something different—the logo that now represents Mediums Collective.

Angie Desir for Mediums Collective Photographed by Fuego Gatsby.

“The moment I saw it, I felt this spark,” Cesar explains. “That logo, it wasn’t just a design. It was a sign—a sign of potential, of possibility.” He knew immediately that this was the beginning of something big. In a decisive move, Cesar took his savings and laid it on the table, saying, “Let’s make this real.” From that point, the two brothers moved fast, driven by instinct and ambition. They registered the business as an LLC, built their marketing materials, ordered their first inventory, and signed up for their debut pop-up event. Mediums Collective was built “right there in that family room,” fueled, as Cesar puts it, “by passion, late nights, and a whole lot of grit.”

Roger and Cesar Maldonado are living proof that the immigrant dream is not just a notion but a reality forged through determination, resilience, and relentless pursuit of a vision. Their journey represents the courage to pursue a dream in a system not always designed to support your success. The brothers leaned into the American Dream by blending their Mexican heritage with elevated streetwear, a space that allows them to express their identity and values. Their work ethic and commitment to their craft is instrumental as they navigate this fast-paced fashion industry, always grounded in the passion, grit, and authenticity that sets them apart, they pioneer the Seattle Fashion scene.

For Cesar and Roger, it’s more than creating clothing; it’s about creating a platform for cultural expression, artistic freedom, and community. Every pop-up event, show, and design is a reminder that elevated experiences should not only be celebrated but mandated.

As they continue to expand and define their presence in Seattle’s Capitol Hill, they are reshaping what it means to live and be Mexican in America, blending their heritage with modern aspirations to create something entirely new and uniquely their own; the brothers have curated a special testament of pride and legacy.

“We’re still a baby in the grand scheme of things. If you think about some of the biggest fashion houses that are global leaders in fashion, they’re over 100 years old. Look at Louis Vuitton, Hermes, even Levi’s, which is actually a company that I look up to—they’re over 100 years old. To me, that’s what success looks like: to become a leader and to leave a legacy,” Cesar states in our Spotlight interview. The brothers sat down with us to celebrate their 10-year founders’ anniversary and 2-year retail anniversary of their flagship store at 705 E Pike St. When asked about what they’ve learned in the last 10 years, the brothers said, “Consistency is key! Build it from the ground up. It’s all about longevity. Keep the art flowing, and the cash keeps coming.”

The brothers’ commitment to representation extends beyond their designs and into their physical presence. “We’re in Capitol Hill, where you don’t really see a lot of Hispanic businesses, especially around retail clothing,” Roger explained. Their flagship store is a beacon of cultural pride, adorned with symbols that speak directly to their heritage. “We have a lowrider bike right in front; we have, you know, the Virgin Mary right in the window. We have that type of representation where people can be like, ‘Oh wow, there’s meaning and there’s culture behind this clothing.’” By choosing this location that already has iconic streetwear history, they’ve created a bridge between communities, establishing a unique space where their Mexican roots and the vibrant Capitol Hill culture coexist.

This connection to heritage runs deep in their designs. “We’re Mexican. This is what we stand for. This is what we represent. This is who we are as individuals, and this is what drives the design,” Roger said. But it’s not just about standing out—it’s about being true to their story. “As someone who comes out of nothing as a first-generation immigrant, art for me was the way I was able to find my lane. That’s why I started Mediums; that’s why I named it Mediums, because art was the vehicle that drove me to get involved in what I really like.”

For Roger and Cesar, fashion is storytelling. “We design based on our aspirations and what we experienced as individuals,” Roger elaborated. “Mediums is more about storytelling than designing clothes. The best way for me to tell a story is through culture, events, photography, through all the mediums that I practice within the brand.” This narrative approach has made each collection a deeply personal expression. Speaking on the significance of their Familia collection, Roger shared, “Experiencing people resonate with the Familia collection beyond those who speak Spanish speaks volumes to me in how strong and important the messaging is for other people! Family has always been a huge part of who we are, our culture, and our brand.”

This ethos of connection extends to their aspirations for the future. Cesar revealed a dream close to his heart: “I do have a dream to bring Mediums back to where we’re from—Mexico. We want to connect the dots between Seattle and Mexico. Here, we bring a little part of Mexico to you, and over there we’d bring a piece of Seattle.” For the brothers, their work isn’t just about personal success; it’s about creating lasting cultural bridges. “The drivers are my brother and I—he’s got his aspirations, and I have my own aspirations. Together, we congregate, and we make it happen,” Cesar said.

Even as they reflect on a decade of growth, the brothers remain humble. “We’ve been running the brand for a decade, and it’s dope to see the elevation,” Roger remarked. Yet their eyes are set firmly on the future. “We want to see Mediums designing for top universities, sports teams, and dropping global collections,” they shared, demonstrating a vision that transcends borders while staying true to their roots.

At its core, Mediums Collective is a celebration of identity, resilience, and artistry. “It was really important for us to have that type of representation—to let them know, ‘Hey, we’re not just designers; we’re Mexican designers, and that comes with a story of its own,’” Roger emphasized. This authenticity has not only defined their journey but has also resonated deeply with everyone who encounters their work.

What Cesar and Roger have built is nothing short of admirable. Through their relentless pursuit of purpose, they have earned the respect of the communities around them, creating not only a brand but a movement. Mediums Collective is a reflection of their commitment to represent what’s real—celebrating their heritage, amplifying stories that matter, and making space for each other, themselves, and those who have long been underrepresented. This is their story, and through their authenticity, they’ve earned a place in the hearts of the communities that come across them.

Watch the brothers share more of their story and all things Mediums Collective in our Spotlight interview below.