About

Willie Escobar Montanez is the founder, CEO and creative director of acclaimed sportswear brands such as his namesake Willie Esco, COOGI, Jaclar, Etonic and many more. As CEO and founder of E&S design firm, Willie is responsible for shaping, defining, and shepherding the creative direction for various global brand and labels and is an inspiration to designers, entrepreneurs, and BIPOC creatives around the world. 

With more than 30 years  in the fashion, design and marketing industries, his experience is unparalleled. He is a leader known for identifying, cultivating and helping to scale brands across the menswear, footwear and contemporary markets. 

Beyond his creative prowess, Willie's experience in strategic collaborations and licensing partnerships is unique in the field. He first became Creative Director of Makaveli and secured license and brand development from Tupac Shakur to MGM film/movie licenses that have  been instrumental in generating over 500 million in sales to date; consistently exceeding investors’ expectations. 

An accomplished storyteller, and advocate for Black and Latinx culture, Willie is constantly developing collaborations that celebrate the rich tapestry of urban experiences and celebrates the contributions of Hip Hop culture to all creative industries. 

Born and raised in Newark, NJ Willie Esco  was always a creative force - from fashion, to hip hop, to breakdancing, Willie embodies the creative spirit. 

After graduating from Fashion Institute of Technology he launch his namesake brand, Willie Esco, into an emerging street-wear market. Thanks to a strong partnership with Samsung and early encouragement by Daymond John and FUBU, Willie Esco became a household name with immediate acceptance and success in the marketplace and represented at the retail level.

Through the Escobar & Sons (E&S) design and licensing firm, Willie identifies, cultivates, develops and pairs brands, in retail, wholesale and DTC to the best talent and opportunities in the industry.  

By collaborating with brands that have stood the test of time, E&S aligns itself with brands and ideations that cohesively formalized the roots of Willie's philosophy and culture.  

Partnerships with celebrities and collaborations with brands include MLB, PUMA, NIKE, REEBOK,  ADIDAS, PENSOLE, BARNEYS, BAD BOY, FUBU, KITH, SUPREME, ATMOS, TUPAC SHAKUR ESTATE, RAG & BONE, BE@RBRICK, PATTA, LO LIFE,  DROPP TV, and DAYMOND JOHN of SHARK BRANDING. 

Conceived in 2005 , Art in the form of fashion , Now categorized as " Slow- Fashion " Gn Therapy combines my love of denim with my practical sense of living and designing. 

From my early break-dancing days on the streets of Newark , NJ to the runways of the world , My blessed career spans over 25 years of work with the biggest and the best in the fashion and hip hop culture.