"Still getting free shoes, so we’re good."

If there was ever a motto to sum up the essence of Patta co-founder Edson Sabajo, that line might be it. What started out as a way to connect their local community with the best imported sneakers has since become a mainstay of streetwear culture that's 21 years in the making.

We caught up with Edson in the midst of Patta’s latest cultural crossover with Chicago's own Joe Freshgoods at ComplexCon, an event that felt less like a brand activation and more like a community cookout. 

Asking Edson what he’s most proud of, the answer comes without hesitation: staying independent. "We’re still a Black-owned, independent business. That means everything." In an era where many of the scene's originators have been scooped up by conglomerates, Patta stands firm in its autonomy, proving that community and culture can thrive without compromise.

"We’ve got stores in Amsterdam, London, Milan, and just opened in Lagos. We started with shoes, now we’ve got over 70 people building this with us. Not for us, with us. That’s a big difference."

Like many great things in streetwear, Patta started with a hustle. Edson recalls the early days with co-founder Gee, simply trying to secure their sizes. "If we buy more shoes, our friends can pay for ours. That was the business model. Easy," he laughs. From that logic came a label that would go on to define European streetwear.

Now, with the brand moving into new cultural epicentres like Nigeria, the mission remains the same: connect, uplift, and stay true. "Having your own company with your brother, travelling the globe, working with people you vibe with, it’s living the dream."

Staying fresh after two decades in the game isn’t easy. So when it comes to keeping that creative spark burning Edson has one piece of advice; "Challenge yourself”. Be around people that challenge you and don’t be afraid to fail. No fluff. No filters. Just the gritty, unfiltered reality of pushing culture forward.