Classroom rebellion never looked so good as it does it Dsquared’s new F/W 2012 campaign.
All:One, the Skate Brand Promoting Inclusivity
September 28, 2017 11:00 AM
The hyper-connected, instantly gratifying world of social media has given people a platform to express their viewpoints and make their voices heard. While many noble gestures have played out on these platforms, social media has also produced many negative side effects. Instagram has been known to be a breeding ground for narcissistic, self-absorbed caricatures who manufacture false illusions and enviable lifestyles. Some twitter users continue to hide behind their desktops and mobile screens to spew hate, vitriol and even threats. Amid all this data, clutter and images, there's a sense that human decency and empathy are starting to go down the wayside.
Teenagers and other young millennials have been particularly affected by this phenomenon. One man who took notice was Rodney Smith, skateboarding pioneer and founder of SHUT Skateboards and Zoo York. Distinctively self-aware, Smith understands the many problems facing youth culture today, as well as the sense of elitism in many industries creating narrow-minded outlooks. "In my point of view, everyone wants to feel important in the world. Everyone wants to feel part of a group where they feel that they matter," observes Smith. "I am not above anyone. We should all give and receive the same level of respect as humans, no matter what your role or job."
It is with this mindset that Smith set off to embark on his next project. He partnered with Rob Rodrigues of SURE Skateboards and Jurgen Abergas to form ALL:ONE, a brand whose mission is to raise consciousness for youth culture and help them be more mindful and self-aware. The brand's Truth & Awareness Initiative aims to do just that through video content on their website and social media that will engage and inspire young individuals to have more respect for others and think about the greater good of humanity. Users can purchase ALL:ONE skate apparel and accessories on the e-commerce site, where a portion of proceeds will go to support this initiative. The site features t-shirts, tanks and baseball caps among other things marked with the "flower of life" logo.
Rodrigues explains why choosing skate products was an appropriate way to tie it in with the brand's values. "It ties into skate culture and its sense of unity. The merchandise is accessible just like the whole range of the skate community is," he says.
"There is a strong sense of camaraderie. People from every walk of life can pick up a skateboard and be a part of our diverse community. Anyone can be a participant," adds Smith.
In short, ALL:ONE is rooted in skateboard culture's long, rich history and evolution, while never relinquishing its sense of togetherness and inclusivity. The next step for ALL:ONE was opening its doors to the world and making its message heard. A launch event was held in New York City during NYFW: Men's this summer. True to spirit, the crowd was an eclectic mix of people of all ages, ethnicities and sense of style. Set against the Manhattan landscape on a lively rooftop, an optimistic air flowed throughout and seemed to signal a promising start for the label.
The partners agreed that the event was a wonderful success and the response from their peers in the skating community was very positive. Smith notes that, in the end, it's all about your outlook on life and strong sense of self. "It's very important to be a leader in your own world. Doing this will attract people from all walks of life. Making a deep impact and being self-empowered really goes a long way."
WRITTEN BY MARIO ABAD
EDITED BY HOLLIS DE LANEY
PHOTO CREDIT: SEVENTH HOUSE PR
related posts
TWELV on sale in JAPAN 6/27
TWELV on Sale in JAPAN on 6/27!
日本語翻訳付で６/２７水 トゥウェルブマガジン日本上陸！
Meisel's F/W Prada Campaign is "A Virtual Labyrinth of Fantasy and Reality"
Prada’s Fall/Winter campaign is set to the backdrop of a geometric, futuristic, and somewhat freaky fantasy photographed in New York by the one-and-only, Steven Meisel.
Rogan Gregory Tells Wilbert What to Wear
I’m not afraid to admit that I was one of those people who just didn’t get kids.
Prada Parallel
The collaborative design effort with graphic designer and artist, Vahram Muratyan, highlights Prada 2012 spring/summer men’s and women’s accessories on unisex t-shirts.
Giorgio Armani Designs Uniforms for Olympic Team
Italian fashion empire, Giorgio Armani, will design the uniforms for the Italian Olympic Team for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
MIU MIU METALLIC DELUXE
On July 27 2012 Miu Miu present a special accessory collection made exclusively for selected stores in London.
Jeff Gaudinet Puts Kate Moss on a Skateboard
Born out of a mispronunciation while discussing both Kate Moss and skateboarding with his close friend, Oniram, artist Jeff Gaudinet has created “Skate Moss.”
Louis Vuitton's Inspired Fall/Winter Fashion Campaign
Shot by Steven Meisel, and featuring 10 models, this is the first Louis Vuitton campaign ever to evoke so exactly the ambiance of the fashion show.
Bon Iver "Keeps" It Real With a New Collaboration.
Los Angeles based footwear company, Keep, mark their second collaboration in a series featuring their favourite musicians with celebrated indie band, Bon Iver.
Get Sun Kissed by NARS
Ah yes, summer quickly approaches with all its promises of no school, warm weather, beach excursions, and “oh, those summer nights”.
Prada in Paper
The talented illustrator and art director, Coco Brun, and her workmates, Anna Sbiera and Delphine Roche, created this editorial called "Paper Prada" where they designed, illustrated and...
Wilbert talks to artist and designer Taz Arnold about how to dress when you're a Freaky Bitch
It's so lame when you go to a fashion site and they have features like "What to Wear to Work" or "How to Dress When You Meet Your BF/GF's Parents." Who even has jobs or long term...
Elisa Sednaoui Stars in Cavalli's New Video Perfume Ad.
"The launch of this fragrance is a rebirth of the Maison Cavalli and we worked a lot to achieve the definitive scent. The result is incredible.
Mila Kunis Joins Fellow Black Swan Co-Star as the New Face of Dior
The talented young actress just signed to be the new face of Christian Dior's S/S 2012 Campaign. How did this fairy tale start, you might wonder?
The New Prada Saffiano Vernice Bag Comes in a Rainbow of Colors
If you're looking to buy a new handbag this season, Prada is one to consider!
Jolie's jewels for a Cause
Angelina Jolie’s exclusive jewelry line “Style of Jolie” is to be showcased in France this year.
MAC Cosmetics Collaborates with Carine Roitfeld
On April 20, 2012, MAC Cosmetics revealed that it will team up with former Vogue Paris editor, Carine Roitfeld, to create a limited edition of color cosmetics this fall, according to an...
Mastermind in Japan
Fashion brand Mastermind Japan, created in 1997 by Masaaki Honma, recently collaborated with German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz to launch a special Mastermind Japan Edition "G Class".
Christian Louboutin to Design a Glass Slipper in Celebration of Disney's "Cinderella" Re-Release
Shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, will be celebrating the Cinderella Diamond Edition release along with Disney this fall.
Made In Britain
Peter lives in Kensal Rise, a neighborhood in North West London.
Prada Re-Introduces “It” Bags from 1991-2005
For the occasion of the exhibition at the MET, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, which opened May 10th, Prada has done a special re-edition collection of some of the bags...
Gucci Partners with Recording Academy for Special Edition Timepieces
Three years ago the partnership between Gucci and The Recording Academy began with the high-end luxury brand creating special edition timepieces.
Hermès Partners with Hiroshi Sugimoto for their Editeur 3rd Edition
For the third edition of the Hermès Editeur project- where the luxury brand combines the fine art world with various textiles- Hermès has partnered with Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.
The Life of Azzedine Alaia
Azzedine Alaia was first introduced to fashion as a young boy when assisting the famous midwife Madame Pinot.
Manish Arora: Creative Director for Paco Rabanne
Manish Arora, a fashion designer known for his wild prints, bright psychedelic colors, and over the top looks, was appointed the creative director of Paco Robanne early last year.
MAC’s Reel Sexy
The latest collection in MAC’s line of cosmetics, Reel Sexy, is dramatic and bright, the embodiment of Spring and Summer.
Noritaka Tatehana: The man behind heel-less footwear
We have all seen Lady Gaga walk around in her 9 Inch heel-less shoes and wonder in amazement how she keeps herself up; well here I am going to introduce you to the man behind these infamous shoes...