About Us

The Man

Owner and lead designer, Armand "Bo" Bautista, grew up in West Philadelphia. While his family wasn’t wealthy, they were rich in love and dedication to one another. With an actress mother and movie buff father, Bo grew up in front of the screen. Inspired by art, music, and - most of all - the style he witnessed, the young creative knew his favorite pair of high top Chuck Taylors, crunching through east coast winters, wouldn’t be his only footprint in fashion.

One of Armand’s favorite classes was sewing while attending Bieber Middle School. “ill2siq” was manifested as he tagged the name throughout his binders and sketchbooks while attending the former Charter High School for Architecture + Design. As the entrepreneur built his brand, he kept his pulse on industry standards through courses at MADE Institute.

Bautista’s education gave him industry knowledge, but it was his heritage and upbringing that molded him. As the descendant of a maternal grandmother who was left behind on a Native American Reservation and a paternal grandfather who laid train tracks in Mexico and throughout the United States pumps drive and resilience through his veins.

He spent a great deal of his time with Grandmom Pearl - a career woman and Black entrepreneur - instilled in him the guidelines of money. 

Grandmom Pearl's Gems

    • Alway$ keep some money in your pocket.
    • Never tell anybody how much money you got.
    • Only be around people who have money or want to get some.

Bo stays busy, working hard  to provide for his family, friends in need, and fund ill2siq.

 

 

The Brand

ill2siq's hand rendered script inspired by the Philadelphia Phillies. ill2siq /il to͞o sik/ noun a moment of joy, shock, and total disbelief.
ill2siq Symbol. Stacked "i", "T", "S" Forming a stylized dollar sign Paying homage to Grandma Pearl's Rule$
ill2siq Insignia. Symbol and script surrounded by "Nulli Secundus" reminding us because you are 1 of 1, you are "Second to None"

The Lifestyle

ill2siq is a reflection of the hustlers, movers and shakers in the pursuit of luxury quality while paying homage to the grit of the streets. When one wears ill2siq, they ignite moments of joy, shock, and total disbelief by not only what they wear but most importantly what they do. If you’re down with the 2 SIQ CREW you're striving for 8 figures, while living by them too!

ill2siq’s 8 Figures

    1. Family first
    2. Money moves the world - Secure yours
      (...on Grandma Pearl)
    3. Be your only competition
    4. Make your next move your best move
    5. Look your best from every angle
    6. Create - Art is alive
    7. Protect your person, property and purpose
    8. Celebrate life

Underwhelmed by the selection of men’s clothing in department stores, ill2siq was inspired by what was missing on shelves. The brand expanded into women's accessories to address the needs of the grinding, yet fashion killing woman. Each piece is crafted to provide an urban couture fashion experience. ill2siq upgrades staple streetwear silhouettes focusing on the details of function, highest quality fabric, and branded design. The staple pieces - pullover hoodies, crewnecks, snapbacks and uniquely structured handbags - have crossed gender norms being worn by men, women, and non-binary alike. 

“If everybody plays siq we could all be ill!”