About Ridgeworks
Ridgeworks is a custom clothing brand based in Reno, Nevada, blending global textiles and artisanal design to create one-of-a-kind wearable art.
Marcelo Granados, the visionary behind Ridgeworks, discovered his passion for wearable art through a love of craftsmanship and a desire to create pieces that tell a story.
The Beginnings of Wearable Art
Living on the rugged San Juan Ridge outside Nevada City, California, Marcelo’s journey into wearable art began unexpectedly in the summer of 2018. He first experimented with making hats adorned with stones wrapped in elk hide. Inspired by the natural beauty surrounding him and encouraged by friends, he began to customize his own clothing, giving each piece a unique character.
Discovering the Art of Sewing
With a little guidance, Marcelo learned how to use a sewing machine—a skill that would change the course of his life. What started as a personal art project, customizing hats, jackets, vests, and overalls, soon became a passionate pursuit of individuality through clothing.
The Turning Point: From Hobby to Brand
In the spring of 2021, Marcelo moved to Reno, Nevada, and began settling into a new home and community. At the time, he was recovering from a broken ankle and unable to work. When a friend offered him a spot at an art bazaar in Olympic Valley, Marcelo, who had never considered selling his creations, decided to give it a try. He made about 20 women’s garments for the event, along with some custom shirts and hats, and to his surprise, sold every single piece. That weekend marked a turning point; it was the birth of Ridgeworks, transforming a personal hobby into a brand devoted to self-expression and artistry.
A Philosophy of Wearable Art
Marcelo’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that clothing can be more than just what we wear—it can be a canvas for breathing new life into old pieces, infusing them with personal meaning and character. Ridgeworks reflects this vision by crafting one-of-a-kind garments with premium materials like Pendleton wool, custom embroidery, and authentic Aztec textiles from Peru, blending high-quality craftsmanship with raw creativity. Each piece is designed to inspire confidence, individuality, and a spirit of adventure in those who wear it.
The Ridgeworks Mission Today
Today, Marcelo continues to learn and evolve, bringing that same growth to Ridgeworks. Whether at a festival or in his Reno studio, he invites others to transform their own garments into unique statements. Marcelo’s journey continues to inspire Ridgeworks as it grows, creating clothing that doesn’t just stand out, but celebrates the freedom to be unapologetically unique.