Ever since he was a young boy, Luigi Vera has designed clothes. When he was old enough to go to the bars and clubs, Vera started designing night-club wear and his friends started asking him where he shopped for clothes. That gave Vera the motivation to pursue his clothing design as a career.

Vera, born in Mexico, also had a dream: to start his own business in the United States. In 2006, Vera opened his first clothing store featuring his namesake designer line in Downtown San Diego. Last month, Vera moved his business to Hillcrest.

But if Vera could go back in time, he would relive the 1980s. “I love the 80’s and my clothes represent that era,” Vera said.

His clothing line mixes a vintage, punk rock and ’80s-era aesthetic that includes men’s and women’s T-shirts and a full line of women’s dresses, accessories, shoes, purses and jewelry. Vera’s calls it “one of a kind reconstructed clothes,” and encourages customers to take a little risk and have fun while wearing them.

“I love to work with my customers and help them feel more confident by trying on cloths they may not think they would look good in. They have fun accessorizing each outfit to compliment their individual personalities.”

Vera, a social butterfly, loves his clothing business.

“I love making new friends and engaging my customers in conversation,” Vera said, noting his personal touch, however, is not reflected by a pricey tag at the register – he competes with many discount clothing chains.

Outside his business and designer line, Vera donates his time and money to local AIDS charities.