[NEWS] CONVERSE X PHAIDON X DESIGN MUSEUM RELEASE ‘SKATEBOARD’ BOOK
Skateboard presents an authoritative chronicle of the history and evolution of skateboard design from 1950 to the present day. Concepted by Jonathan Olivares and developed in close collaboration with Converse – a brand engrained in skateboarding culture since its inception — the curation explores the golden eras of skateboarding through over 100 skateboards that brought about turning points in the sport’s history.
Counterculture marries design, positioning the skateboard both as a cultural symbol and an artistic object. Across six themes, organized chronologically by specific decade, Skateboard focuses on the materials, designs, and events that have defined the art, sport and culture of skateboarding. From the sidewalk surfing of the ‘50s to the admission of a once fringe sport to the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2020, the curation is a testament to the skateboard’s enduring impact and influence.
From the 1963 Skee-Skate to the 1989 Mike Vallely pro-model, the skateboard has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis enmeshed with its loyal community. Today, skateboard design continues to change and grow, with new shapes, and technical designs being introduced.
Concepted by Jonathan Olivares and developed in close collaboration with Converse — a brand engrained in skateboarding culture since its inception — the curation explores the golden eras of skateboarding through over 100 skateboards that brought about turning points in skateboarding’s history.
Converse, which has been adopted by skateboarders for more than 75 years, leaned on its heritage and members of its global skate team to support the book and exhibit, from concept to final execution. The initiative represents Converse’s ambition to provide a platform for storytelling and experiences that exist at the cross-section of creativity and skateboarding: bridging audiences and interests, while providing useful inspiration.
