“WE’RE IN THE HEART of Old Town,” says 19Twelve Clothing Co. owner Fred Franco. “This has always been my dream.” Two years ago, Franco opened the clothing shop in Albuquerque’s Plaza Don Luis. In the heart of this unique neighborhood, filled with locals and tourists shopping, watching performances on the plaza, or just strolling the brick pathways, Franco’s hats, shirts, and jackets represent New Mexico culture and history. “Seeing this thing come to fruition, I just love it,” says Franco, whose brand nods to the year the state was founded.
The small space is packed with adjustable ball caps and T-shirts sporting custom designs, like the outline of Bigfoot or “New Mexico” written upside down. The merchandise is screen-printed and stitched in Franco’s garage and converted sunroom, which houses his expanding manufacturing operation. “Everything is designed here and printed by us,” he says.
Franco grew up painting street murals, and his designs are inspired by what he sees and hears around him. “It’s a lot of Hispanic and Native culture blended together,” says Franco, who sought permission from Zia Pueblo to use the Zia symbol (he makes a point of explaining its significance on the shop wall). “I go with the culture.”
In less than a year, 19Twelve Clothing has opened additional retail spaces in the Albuquerque International Sunport and in the Coronado Center. Franco is also changing the Old Town location to free up more space for local artisan-made wares such as handmade kachinas and salsas. “This is the perfect atmosphere and environment for us to grow,” Franco says. “I’m blessed.”
Shop 19Twelve Clothing Co. in Albuquerque’s Old Town, Albuquerque International Sunport, the Coronado Center, and online at 19twelve.life.