Since founding Aviator Nation in 2006, Paige Mycoskie has made it her mission to design rad clothes for rad people. The brand was born out of Paige’s passion for the sweet style and sounds of the 70s that were pioneered by icons likes Stevie Nicks and Jim Morrison. While working at a surf shop in 2006, Paige picked up a sewing machine and set out to create clothing that had the same feel and look as the vintage treasures she dug up at thrift shops and flea markets.
Chasing that feeling of slipping into the worn-in vintage tee fueled the development of the iconic AV fabric perfect for the mild LA weather. It's not too hot, not too cold and easy to slip into after a long day in the waves. “Personally I am obsessed with California and I live an active lifestyle. That lifestyle gets transferred directly into the clothes I’m making because Aviator Nation is an extension of my life.” Paige told Citizine.
Founder @paigemycoskie
Images courtesy of @aviatornation
Each piece of their apparel, whether it be the new outerwear jacket, activewear or even the cozy crewneck, is built with careful purpose. “I never want to put something into market until it is perfect. So it may have taken years launch, but what I’ve released is worth the wait,” says Paige when discussing how they built a legging that would stand out above other brands.
The culture at Aviator Nation goes way beyond soft fabric and identifiable design. Take a listen to some of Paige's favorite 70s hits, like Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, "Break on Through" by The Doors, "American Girl" by Tom Petty and "Shook Me All Night Long" by ACDC“ to cop a feel of the warmth the brand exudes. "I use the bolt a lot because it is a symbol of energy and to me, the Aviator Nation culture bleeds positive energy,” says Paige.
You ready to get out there and catch some rays and waves? Aviator Nation's ping pong table patio on Abbot Kinney is a good place to start. Here are all of Paige's favorite beachy spots to add to your westside insider list.
Old Man’s Surfing Area
San Clemente
Paige Mycoskie: This place holds a special place in my heart because it is where I first learned to surf. I love that it breaks everywhere so you never have to worry about where you are in the line-up. I love the old school vibe and hippie culture at that beach and I love that you can’t see the highway from the water. People are there loving life and happy to share a wave among other things.
Venice Beach [Breakwater]
Venice
PM: Breakwater is my surf spot of choice. I love that it’s right next to the skate park in case I want to do a little skating before or after I hit the waves.
Bikram Yoga Marina Del Rey
Marina del Rey
PM: It’s a simple spot … no frills here. When it comes to working out, I don’t mess around. I like to go hard and this place gives you 90 minutes of beautiful hell. In other words, you sweat your ass off but when you leave, you feel like you can fly.
Hinano Cafe
Venice
PM: Hinano is the spot if I’m staying out after dark. They have a great pool table,
A killer burger and a jukebox so I can control the music … best of all they are a few steps from the beach in case I want to go for a late night swim
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica
PM: I love the Santa Monica Pier. I know it’s a little cheesy but I’ve never had a bad date night on that pier. There is something about the smell of musty wood and neon lights resting over the ocean that brings me to instant stoke. I love the roller coaster too. It’s the perfect amount of thrill without making you throw up the funnel cake you just ate.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice
PM: Cruising around Abbot Kinney popping in the ever-changing shops is a fun way to spend a day when it’s too cold to go to the beach. I avoid the big box brands and always shop the smaller local stores. I buy all my gifts for friends on Abbot Kinney because I like to support my neighbors. A lot of people think Abbot Kinney is being over-run by big box chains and yes that is happening a little bit but I’m a believer that if we support the smaller brands and local boutiques we can control the situation. There are definitely still a lot of cool small boutiques coming thru and it’s still very much a great street for discovery.
Abbot's Pizza Company
Venice
PM: Abbot’s is my favorite meal. They don’t mess around when I order extra cheese and their spicy sauce can’t be beat.
Venice Vintage Paradise
Venice
PM: Venice Paradise is a killer spot for vintage furniture. I don’t like to give away my vintage shopping secrets but I have to mention this one because these people are incredibly kind I never want to see them go away.
Malibu Surfrider Beach
Malibu
PM: Surfrider Beach Malibu is my favorite beach to hang out at when I want to read my book and chill. It’s a super mellow vibe with a great point break. It can get crowded but I go super early in the morning before the rush to get my surf in then I just relax and soak up the sun the rest of the day.
Aviator Nation
Venice
PM: Finally I have to say the Aviator Nation patio on Abbot Kinney is definitely the best spot to hang out of all. Sometimes we have small music shows with rad artists both locals and big names. We’ve had Foster the people, Brett Dennen and many others drop in for a couple hours to jam on our stage. Of course, we have the best ping pong table in town. This is definitely the spot that holds my favorite memories from the past nine years. If you want to stay in the loop with what we are doing on our patio you should follow us on Instagram @aviatornation and join our email database (sign up is at www.aviatornation.com! All of our shows and events are super last minute and private to our little following so you have to be following us to know when something is going down!
Old Man’s Surfing Area courtesy of @johnafshari
Venice Beach Breakwater courtesy of @shackedmag
Bikram Yoga Marina Del Rey courtesy of @dannyp9393
Hinano Cafe courtesy of @theoriginalzeeker
Santa Monica Pier courtesy of @rebeccaroland
Abbot Kinney Boulevard courtesy of @katiekutch8
Abbot's Pizza Company courtesy of @drwillkirby1
Image courtesy of ourtesy of Venice Vintage Paradise
Malibu Surfrider Beach courtesy of @vecreation
Aviator Nation image courtesy of @atniehaus
