Community is woven into the very fabric of Trinidad3. Since its founding eight years ago by U.S. Marine Corps veteran and FIDM alum Trinidad Garcia III, the Southern California-based denim brand has dedicated itself to supporting veteran organizations, advancing adaptive design, and championing Made in USA production.
Much of Trinidad3’s enduring success can be attributed to the strong ties Garcia has cultivated with the L.A. community. What began as grassroots efforts—pop-up shops, a stall at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, and road trips across California in a 1968 Airstream trailer to connect with customers—has blossomed into a loyal local following. This support paved the way for Trinidad3’s first flagship store, which opened last December in Camarillo, Calif.
Related Stories
Housed in a former department store, the 1,600-square-foot store offers Trinidad3’s men’s denim and tees, a new women’s collection, and an exclusive black label of luxury streetwear. “It’s important to be able to tell your brand’s story in its own way, and to be able to offer that brand experience [to customers] in its own way,” Garcia told Rivet.
Now, more than ever, the community needs Trinidad3. In the wake of the recent wildfires that ravaged Camarillo and surrounding areas, Garcia and his team stepped up with both urgency and compassion. In November and December, Garcia delivered over 500 pairs of jeans to those impacted by the fires, while also volunteering with the Salvation Army to provide warm meals to fire victims.
Trinidad3’s response didn’t stop there. The brand recently donated 1,300 pairs of jeans to residents affected by the Los Angeles County fires. “We sent 800 pairs to Altadena and we’re sending over 500 pairs to Pacific Palisades American Legion. I have found that first quality, locally made jeans make a tremendous impact and are a start in restoring dignity during a time of need,” Garcia said.
In addition, Garcia and his team have donated 300 shirts and 250 sweatshirts, leveraging their network of customers and partnerships with organizations like the Sabot Foundation to ensure these items reach those in need.
Trinidad3 is one of several L.A. based denim brands providing new clothing to people impacted by the fires. Citizens of Humanity, Paige, Ace Rivington, AG, Joe’s Jeans, Hudson and more have coordinating clothing deliveries and drives to get new merchandise into the hands of people displaced by the fires.
Garcia emphasizes the importance of donating new clothing, rather than second-hand items, as many fire victims still need to dress for work or meetings with insurance companies.
“We’re in the fashion industry, and we know the power of fashion of looking and feeling good, and during these times, their dignity is distraught. They just lost everything that they worked hard for,” he said. “When you give them something new, it gives them hope.”
Through his experience working with veterans, Garcia also understands the value of meeting face-to-face with people during their lowest moments. “You have to get up and go out to shake hands and meet people, hear their stories—you know, be a resource to them. Sometimes they just need to be heard,” he said. “They need a vent.”
