Here is our sixth interview with one of the designers being featured in NEXT SATURDAY’s Artopia Whiteout Fashion show at City Hall. Gabriel Medina, creator of YOCISCO underwear, is the only underwear designer being featured in the show!
Q: When did you first know you wanted to become a fashion designer?
A:I’ve always known I wanted to do something big and I think becoming a fashion designer was a natural progression. I spent 17 years in male entertainment and underwear modeling and virtually wore every brand of underwear out there. I launched my first 
venture, an online men’s magazine in 2008. Including my daughter in the business was important to me but she was very young at the time. So, as she was growing up, I took fashion courses at the Art Institute of Colorado. I learned to channel my creativity
into apparel design, something I had never done before. It was the catalyst to creating my own line. I found a great manufacturer in the Denver area that helped me produce my first collection and in 2013, YOCISCO Underwear was born. My daughter now handles social media for the brand and also helps with creative direction for collections and ad campaigns. She is currently in college studying, of course, fashion.
venture, an online men’s magazine in 2008. Including my daughter in the business was important to me but she was very young at the time. So, as she was growing up, I took fashion courses at the Art Institute of Colorado. I learned to channel my creativityinto apparel design, something I had never done before. It was the catalyst to creating my own line. I found a great manufacturer in the Denver area that helped me produce my first collection and in 2013, YOCISCO Underwear was born. My daughter now handles social media for the brand and also helps with creative direction for collections and ad campaigns. She is currently in college studying, of course, fashion.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: I draw inspiration from the male form. It comes in many different sizes and shapes. Underwear is the first thing a man puts on and it should make him feel confident, comfortable and sexy. That’s where our tag line, “Where Sexy Starts” comes from. The influence goes back to my time as a male entertainer and underwear model.
Q: What have been the most rewarding and the most frustrating parts of your journey thus far?
A: The most rewarding part of the journey has been hearing from my fans and customers how much they like the underwear and how well it fits. Since we use bamboo, customers are always messaging me how soft and comfortable they are. One customer even told me it improved his sex life because he feels so much more confident and sexy in YOCISCO. I think the most frustrating part of this journey has been time. There just aren’t enough hours in the day! I am constantly busy working on new design ideas, marketing strategies and working out in the gym (since I am the face of the company). It has really become my life. If only I could clone myself, that would be perfect!
Q: What made you want to design men’s underwear?
A:I was my 17 years experience in male entertainment and underwear modeling. I have worn probably every brand out there so I know what looks good, what is sexy and how they should fit and feel. I really felt a need for underwear that fits well, looks amazing, and can keep up with an active lifestyle. I also felt the need to be environmentally conscious. For this reason, I chose to produce my line using bamboo fabric since it is moisture-wickening, odor absorbing, soft, luxurious, strong and eco-friendly.
For more about YOCISCO check out his website here!