skateboarding
Source: Supreme / Supreme
Supreme will have to defend their name and authenticity to skate culture in a court of law. Tyshawn Jones is suing the brand for $26 million dollars in a defamation lawsuit.
As per High Snobiety, the pro skater alleges that the popular streetwear label wrongfully terminated his endorsement contract and more. On Monday (May 12), he filed a 41-page claim with the Manhattan Supreme Court. The documentation says that he had been a paid brand ambassador since the age of 11. His contract was abruptly ended in September 2024 because he posed for a Marc Jacobs photoshoot in August 2024. Jones says that not only was he “transparent and open” about his other modeling gigs but that Supreme leadership “did not express any objections” to him lending his likeness to other brands.
Additionally, the skate legend also says Supreme hurt his good name after they severed ties with him. “Doubling down on their bad faith and willful breach Supreme, through several statements both impermissible and false, has widely disparaged Tyshawn as a liability, a risk — someone no brand would want to affiliate or work with,” the filing reads. In an exclusive interview with the New York Post, Jones further detailed his reasons for the lawsuit. “I am saddened it has come to this, but I have a duty to myself and my career, and feel a responsibility to the next generation of skateboarders to stand up for what is right. Supreme’s success has been shaped in large part by the contributions of young talent, and I believe those contributions deserve to be respected.”
Supreme has yet to formally comment on the matter.
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Source: Patrick McMullan / Getty
On Tuesday, April 2, legendary skater turned actor Harold Hunter would’ve turned 50-years-old. Although he’s not here to celebrate such a milestone with us, famed photographer Jonathan Mannion is ensuring his legacy continues on.
According to Hypebeast, Mannion took to the streets of New York City to plaster the likeness of Hunter throughout Downtown Manhattan using never-before-seen photos he took with Hunter during their skate sessions back in 1997. While many of today’s youth may be unfamiliar with the Kids actor (classic film), Mannion included a QR code that would inform onlookers of his legacy and how he utilized skateboarding to positively impact his community.
For better or worse you have to appreciate technology these days.
Per Hypebeast:
Outside his celebrated history with Zoo York, Hunter was cherished for his exuberant and welcoming personality that transcended the world of skateboarding, leading to a number of modeling and acting roles during the ’90s, including campaigns with Tommy Hilfiger and Larry Clark’s seminal film, Kids(1995). “Harold’s skateboard was just a vehicle,” said actor Rosario Dawson, who grew up in the same neighborhood as the skater, in a past interview. “He became famous for his personality and his spirit. If anybody came to New York, he would take them in and show them the city.” Hunter was tragically found dead in the Manhattan housing project he grew up in on February 17, 2006, from a heart attack. He was 31.
“It is for all of these insights gained that day about Harold’s spirit that I have chosen to hold him as high as possible on what would have been his 50th Birthday, in order to begin to share deeper layers of his humanity,” said Mannion in a release regarding the partnership. “Crying tears from infectious laughter, calmer introspective moments, pure connection with community as he interacted with anyone who he encountered… they don’t make them like Harold anymore,” Mannion added.
Here’s to hoping that Mannion’s tribute to Hunter inspires a few souls to follow suit one way or another. According to Mannion, the Harold Hunter Foundation helped make his tribute possible.
What are your memories of Harold Hunter? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION / ELEMENT / RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION / ELEMENT
Two iconic brands are coming together for a unique drop in the fall. Polo Ralph Lauren has announced a co-branded effort with Element Skateboards.
GQ is reporting that the house that Ralph built is doubling down on their efforts to plant more roots in skate culture. This week Polo Ralph Lauren teased a forthcoming collaboration with Element. The worlds of skate, outdoors and premium lifestyle fashion are seemingly merging via a collection that ranges from clothing, accessories, decks, wheels and other goods. Included in the wearables line-up are jackets, button-up shirts, khakis, graphic t-shirts and hats. The standout piece thus far is a reworked knitted sweater that features a young child skating by a schoolhouse located in a woodsy area.
To promote the launch the brands have curated a short film. Polo Ralph Lauren and Element worked with some of the most revered skate shops and invited 13 skaters from 10 different countries to meet the Element Skate Pro team at the Seek Skate camp in Oregon, USA. This is not the first time Polo Ralph Lauren has worked with the skate community. Back in 2018 the fashion label worked with Palace Skateboards on a capsule.
The Polo Ralph Lauren x Element collection will be available globally starting on Wednesday, October 5 at www.elementbrand.com.
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