BIOGRAPHY

With over 20 years in fashion and design, Bam Barcena has built a career defined by impactful designs and innovative collaborations with global brands. His journey spans diverse industries, from action-sports and streetwear to youth culture and high-end fashion. Bam has held key roles such as Creative Director, Design Director, and Art Director, partnering with global leaders like NIKE, Converse, Vans, Uniqlo, Apple Music, Universal, NBA, Reebok, Activision, Under Armour, Herschel, Hypebeast, Medicom, Colette, and Akila.

Bam specializes in shaping the design vision for Culture Collaborations and Partnerships, turning creative ideas into impactful products alongside product creation teams. He leads a unified strategy for partnerships across categories, fostering collaboration and cohesion within the design community. Drawing from his experience with both his own brands and partnerships with global companies, Bam unites people through design and purpose, crafting stories that resonate with communities and bring products to life.

One of Bam's hallmark collaborations involved designing the Nike Kyrie Irving 5 x Rokit shoe and leading the creative direction for the accompanying apparel collection, showcased by Kyrie Irving and Nike Basketball during NBA All-Star weekend in Charlotte, NC. His creative alliance with Converse resulted in three unique footwear and apparel collections, reimagining classics like the Chuck 70 while introducing fresh styles to the market. Recently, Bam’s work with Vans Classics revitalized iconic models such as the Half-Cab, Sk8-Hi, and Old Skool, blending his Downtown Los Angeles roots with a bold new aesthetic for the brand.

Driven by entrepreneurial spirit, Bam co-founded PEACE BY PEACE STUDIOS with his brother, creating a global design agency that communicates powerful ideas through innovative design and strategy. He also played a foundational role in the community brand EXCHANGE PROGRAM, an exclusive feature in DOVER STREET MARKET, led the revival of Vision Streetwear, and served as Director of Culture Collaborations for Crooks N Castles, where he drove impactful projects with artists like FUTURA. Additionally, Bam serves as a Managing Partner and Creative Advisor to Gardens & Seeds, a Long Beach, California-based brand, where he helps shape its creative vision and strategic growth.

In product development, Bam co-founded Air 2 Air Studios, where his contributions include collaborative product development with the Jordan Brand team. Over the past four years, he has been instrumental in evolving Jordan’s pinnacle categories, a journey he continues to forge.

Bam’s work reflects a deep connection to culture, community, and creativity. By mentoring aspiring creatives and empowering brands, he proves that his impact is not only in what he designs but in the purpose and inspiration he shares with others.

SELECT CLIENTS

FUNCTIONS

Creative Direction
Apparel Design
Footwear Design
Experiential Design
Branding & Identity
Motion Graphics
Brand Strategy
Packaging Design
Art Direction
Graphic Arts