If you've been scrolling through our site wondering where these beautiful new tire accessory styles are coming from, we've got some news for you! Thanks to designer Santos Agustin, we've expanded our men's accessories. Take a look and see who's behind the designs.

Where did you grow up?

The Oahu, Hawaii. My family immigrated from the Philippines, but I can proudly say that I was born in the same hospital as Barack Obama.

How do you get into design and fashion? What did you study?

I didn't grow up thinking I'd become a fashion designer, specifically. I initially thought I would be a writer. But I ended up studying Fashion Design on the west coast as well as here in New York. I think it was more the idea of self-expression and being a creator of something. I loved making things. And just serendipitously found I could make a living out of it.

What are you currently working on and how has your career changed over the years?

My background is in Menswear. I'm currently working for myself, freelancing for friends.

What was the most challenging aspect about coming up with designs using recycled tire materials? Do you have a favorite fabric to work with?

Not surprisingly, working with recycled tire material is like working with any other medium. Every textile has its own special personality. It can be a point of inspiration actually. I've always thought the fabric dictates the design. This material had a former life as car, bike, etc. It lends itself to be hard-wearing, stubborn and also very forgiving, making it a perfect medium for an accessories collection. I know, from my own experience my wallet, my passport holder and my backpack take a beating. And you want the material to be able to withstand the rigors of everyday life.

"My favorite fabric changes all the time. 
I think as a designer, you're always 
looking for what's new."

Shop the Color Block Recycled Tire Card Holder

What other hobbies do you have outside of fashion?

I still love doing things with my hands. I'm currently trying to get my friends to come with me to a metal-working or woodworking class. Whenever I have time, I pick up the ukulele. I'm not very good at it, but it doesn't stop me. One of my favorite things to do is jam with my daughter. She's learning how to play the guitar and we like duet to cheesy songs. She's a much better musician than I am.

Shop the Recycled Tire & Vinyl Passport Holder 

If you could pick one country to stay in one year for, what country would you pick and why?

This is probably a dorky answer but I'd live in Dahab, Egypt. I think every kid grows up fantasizing about the Great Pyramids. It's a land and culture that predates the bible. Dahab, itself is a relatively new city. As I've gotten older, I've grown to appreciate the juxtaposition of the convenience of modern every day life existing harmoniously along side a millennia old culture.