Skateboarding and fashion have long shared an intricate love story, somewhat akin to the tale of two star-crossed lovers. Fashion craves the raw authenticity, the rugged youthfulness that skateboarding exudes. Skaters, on the other hand, pretend to ignore fashion’s siren call, yet they're meticulously aware of what they wear — after all, it influences how they perform and how they look on camera. They're image-makers, just like designers.
In recent years, this precarious marriage has soared to new heights. Louis Vuitton's late Virgil Abloh ingrained skateboarding into the brand’s menswear collection, and now Pharrell Williams (affectionately known as Skateboard P) mingles skate stars with A-listers at his lavish Paris runway showcases. Notably, New York skate sensation Tyshawn Jones has found himself front and center at high-profile shows. The venerable skate blog Quartersnacks even pondered: “Why is every skater on Earth in Paris?”
Paris Fashion Week has seen an unprecedented skateboarding takeover, perhaps best epitomized by the whirlwind of events orchestrated by Vans. Their weeklong 'Paris takeover' led to unforgettable spectacles ranging from cutting-edge skate jams to a wild summit at Montmartre.
The festivities kicked off with a skate jam celebrating Anthony Van Engelen’s AVE 2.0 shoe at Place De La Bastille. The atmosphere was electric as local skateboarders competed in a cash-for-tricks session, their tricks embodying the relentless spirit that AVE is renowned for. Esteemed guests like Steve Van Doren and renowned skaters added a dose of star power to the event.
Next on the agenda was a grand exhibition in the Marais district, where 'Atiba Jefferson: Skate Photography' unveiled a stunning retrospective of 25 years of skate history. On a charming Wednesday night, the exhibition saw a lively mix of art lovers and skate legends like Rowan Zorilla and Etienne Gagné. Atiba’s iconic photos, each capturing a moment of skateboarding glory, drew visitors into a world of grit, talent, and evolution.
Friday brought the crescendo of events with the 'OTW by Vans Checkered Future' at Sacré-Cœur. Paris Fashion Week, Go Skateboarding Day, and Fête de la Musique converged in a spectacle that featured live skating, eclectic DJ sets by artists like Kaytranada and JUSTICE, and an expansive skate bowl installation. The locale buzzed with energy as figures from various facets of culture—from Emily Ratajkowski to Moses Sumney—gathered to celebrate this unique fusion of art and sport.
As the evening wore on, the sense of community and shared passion became palpable. Drieke Leenknegt, Global CMO of Vans, eloquently summed it up: “OTW continues to elevate and disrupt the way we think about skateboarding against the backdrop of key cultural moments.” These words resonated across the crowd, reflecting the innovative ethos that Vans champions.
Skateboarding has always been at the cornerstone of street fashion. Its creative, individualistic spirit often trails the path later followed by mainstream trends. The visionary work of Atiba Jefferson and the vibrant events laid out by Vans underscore this undeniable influence. Jefferson reflected, “Skateboarding makes you look at the world from a different perspective.” This shift in perspective, this collision of worlds, is perhaps why skateboarding and fashion are bound so closely together.
As we look ahead, the intersection of skateboarding and fashion promises to forge new paths. Vans has set a high bar, blending its roots with contemporary culture, pushing the boundaries of what we perceive as possible. The synergy of skateboarding, art, and fashion—catalyzed by events like those in Paris—illustrates the limitless potential of these merged realms.
As we reflect on this vibrant week, it’s clear that skateboarding is not just influencing fashion; it’s redefining it. From the gritty streets to the polished runways, the world is recognizing skateboarding's transformative impact. Whether you’re a skater, a fashion aficionado, or just a curious onlooker, this convergence points to an exciting future where creativity knows no bounds. So, as the skateboards roll, one can't help but wonder — what new heights will this unique partnership reach next?
