Mosquitohead Interview

“The Legend of Mosquitohead”

Richard Colligan (Owner/Founder) of Metropolis Vintage and the East Coast Connection (@freshkillsvintage/@futurepastnyc) come together to bring to you the Mosquitohead interview live from Metropolis Vintage in New York City. They are joined by special guests Robert Brandt (founder of Mosquitohead) and Richard Allen (original Mosquitohead employee.)

Throughout the interview founder Robert Brandt gives the history behind Mosquitohead, from its conception, its success, and gives insight behind the journey of Mosquitohead. Along with Richard Allen they also discuss the design process and what went into the curation of some of the incredible pieces released by the brand.

To give a brief overview, Mosquitohead was a clothing brand established in 1986 in Los Angeles by Robert Brandt and his business partner Paul. At the time Robert and Paul noticed a huge gap in the market for rock merchandise and counter culture shirts. They noticed a lack of design concept and in the words of founder Robert Brandt “No culture behind what was being made.” This led to the very beginnings of Mosquitohead. The brand is best known for their counter culture aesthetic, and incredible design with their all over bleach prints. Today they are some of the most, if not the most sought after collectable t-shirts in the vintage community. They were one of the first collectible t-shirts to break the $1,000 barrier and till this day there is an allure and mystery behind these t-shirts. Watch this amazing interview to get an in-depth look behind the story of the “Legend of Mosquitohead.”

“T-shirts don’t just come from the air. Behind every great t-shirt is a person/ideas/company/ and designers. The reason Mosquitohead lasted the test of time because it was great art.”

-Richard Colligan

The Mosquitohead Interview hosted by Richard Colligan and East Coast Connection. Featuring special guests Robert Brandt and Richard Allen.

All over bleach print Mosquitohead t-shirts

Some of the Mosquitohead all over bleach print designs

Bob Marley Mosquitohead. One of the most iconic Mosquitohead t-shirts and the shirt that helped take Mosquitohead into commercial success.

Behind the scenes of the Mosquitohead interview

About metropolisvintage

Metropolis is a shop located at 803 Broadway in Manhattan. We started selling vintage clothing in flea markets back in 1984 in SOHO - a time when downtown seemed like the center of the world, when street artists were pushing their way to the top and cutoff jeans were high fashion. We took hold of a set of keys and opened our first store on Ave B and 6th Street on Feb 1, 1990. Just like the East Village, we have changed over the last 34 years and now reside on Broadway just south of Union Square, but still have the largest and best selection in New York. We do a lot of traveling to find our large collection and I hope you enjoy the clothing we have to offer here. If you're in NYC, please stop by to hang out in the shop and become our customer and friend. Nothing makes us feel better than seeing someone wearing a item purchased from us when we bump into them in a bar or club or show. - - - About The Owner My name is Richard Colligan. While freelancing at various advertising agencies throughout the city and graduating from Pratt Institute in1982, I sold clothes at several flea markets in NYC for extra money. Realizing an interest in fashion, but tired with the elements of outdoor retailing, I took my small business indoors to Avenue B & 10th St in 1990. At the time, fashion was all about "grunge" - the 501 Levi Jeans, flannel shirts, motorcycle jackets, overalls, and army surplus were selling like wildfire and Metropolis was the leading provider. In 1995, I moved Metropolis to its current location of 3rd Ave & 10th St, which is conveniently situated in the heart of East Village, near St. Marks and many college dorms. Everyone from new college students to seasoned stylists would soon turn to Metropolis for their vintage fashion needs. Finally, in 2019 we switched to our largest location yet - at 803 Broadway, just a few blocks south of Union Square. As Metropolis approaches it's 34 year anniversary, I hope everyone will come and check out our store, a staple of the NYC vintage community!

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