About us

Antonio Rivas was born in New Mexico and raised in San Diego, California where his creative passion began and later flourished throughout the nation.   

Antonio joined the US Army shortly after high school where he served 4 years in South Korea as a medical specialist and emergency response.   On his off time, he joined the local fashion shows, walked runways and traveled throughout East Asia.  This was still during the "Don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) period under the Department of Defense Directive 1304.26. Antonio was gay, he served faithfully, with integrity while holding up the military’s values, and was Honorably discharged in 2007. Shortly after, Antonio started his Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design at the California School of the Arts in Los Angeles, CA.  Soon after graduating, Antonio started a business, Antonio Rivas LLC alongside his older brother Joe Rivas III, utilizing creative ways to upcycle materials and use them in the fashion industry.  The most popular creation was the launch of Straps, an innovative holster suspenders that graced the red carpet at the Tony Awards, Oscars and multiple fashion shows among Los Angeles, San Diego, Atlanta and New York.   

Throughout the time he was finding success with the products, his sales marketing included the importance of paying it forward, thoughtful of the environment and veterans.  Antonio provided some of his meager proceeds to community needs and donated his products for charity events.  Antonio was always sensitive to the plight of the homeless, veterans with post traumatic stress disorder and underserved populations.  Antonio was authentic and passionate about helping others and wanting to make our world a better place for all human beings.  Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 20, 2021 due to a car accident in Los Angeles.  He had a spirit of generosity and a gift to our family as well as his abundance of friends.   

The Original Straps by Antonio Rivas LLC is now managed and operated by the co-owner and brother of Antonio, Joe Rivas III.  The relaunch of The Original Straps is a tribute in memory of Antonio Rivas as he will be missed and loved by so many around the world.