Label Networks TV caught up with legendary Los Angeles graffiti artist Saber from The Seventh Letter crew in San Diego during Agenda Fashion Trade Show September 7^th, which was part of the 1^st stop of his “Ignite What’s Next” West Coast tour (sponsored by Upper Playground) with artists David Choe and Herbert Baglione. In one of the more insightful interviews ever captured about the rising popularity of graffiti and corporate usage to reach youth culture, not to mention the graffiti and fashion crossover, Saber talks about what he thinks is taking place, as well as why the LA graff style is going off around the world. The Seventh Letter crew showcased at Agenda indicating that they are making a business out of their artist’s crew by creating a line of unique T-shirts and other things. As Saber points out, “Through fashion we can now control our destiny, and it’s pay-off time. After all, we are the original hypemasters—putting the word out on the streets through our art.” The Seventh Letter crew, which was recently profiled on the front cover of the LA Weekly, is comprised of top graffiti and street artists that have made names for themselves in many underground subcultures. Often consider among the leaders of the scene, by coming together and creating a business, the artists are benefiting from brands interested in commissioning the organization, as well as creating new opportunities for shows and now fashion.

As Saber explains, while some may hate on the usage of graffiti employed by brands such as Boost, Nike, Royal Elastics, and others to build cred towards reaching a new generation of consumers, it’s also brought an income to those who worked in the underground for years. Now, commissioned to do massive walls at various shows, such as a recent piece under the Brooklyn Bridge and another at Powerhouse Books, Saber, among others, can actually make a living from what he loves to do. “We’re representing the forefront of the culture,” explains Saber, and traveling the world doing it, obviously. The Seventh Letter crew’s artwork was a highlight of the lounge area at Bread & Butter Barcelona in the Sport & Style area along with their Royal Elastics collaboration (see also July story, “Bread & Butter Trade Show Review: How the Barcelona Show Continues to Lead Trends in the European Denim, Urban, + Sportswear Marketplaces”). And now, as previewed at Agenda, creating their own fashion business out of the success of their artists.

Check out what Saber has to say in this highly coveted LNTV interview. The artwork in the pictures was created live during the show by Saber, David Choe, and Retna.