Los Angeles-based men’s denim brand Trinidad3 has come a long way from classic jeans and tees. Founded in 2017 by U.S. Martine veteran and FIDM alum Trinidad Garcia III, the brand is hitting the gas pedal hard this year by expanding its assortment to include stretch PFD bottoms, stretch twill bottoms, “Made in L.A.” sweatshirts and tees, and a special collection of jeans and jackets made with Vidalia Mills’ “Made in USA” selvedge. The brand is also experimenting with streetwear designs and its first women’s styles. 

The heart and soul of the brand, however, remains Garcia’s work to assist fellow veterans. The brand designs adaptive jeans thataccommodate prosthetic limbs and it provides support to veterans’ groups like Merging Vets and Players (MVP). Garcia even managed costume design for a soon-to-be-released film “MVP” directed by the organization’s founder Nate Boyer. 

The film is based on true events and follows the story of a homeless veteran and a recently retired NFL player who struggle to find purpose in their next stages of life. Garcia plans to contribute the film’s costumes to the FIDM Museum and Library Inc. to help elevate the Student Veterans of America chapter at the college. “When you have purpose, it really helps you get through anything,” he said. “We have a mission to accomplish.”