All Of It with Alison Stewart How 1990s NYC Skateboarding Culture Birthed 'Supreme'
Jul 9, 2025
Josh Swade, director of the 30 for 30 documentary “Empire Skate,” dives into the gritty skateboarding culture of 1990s New York City. He reveals how this underground scene laid the foundation for the iconic brand Supreme. Swade discusses the transformation of local skate shops into fashion phenomena, highlighting innovative marketing and the rise of a resale market. Personal anecdotes about the vibrant community, shared experiences, and the impact of the film 'Kids' showcase the resilience and creativity of young skaters navigating urban challenges.
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Skaters as Early Content Creators
- Skaters were pioneers in self-filming, capturing tricks and downtime with early consumer cameras.
- Extensive archival footage exists because skaters extensively documented their own culture and tricks.
Skateboarding as Survival and Art
- Skateboarding offered kids from tough backgrounds escape, community, and self-expression.
- Skaters were both artists and athletes, finding freedom and identity through riding together in the city.
Mitchell: An OG NYC Skater
- Mitchell began skateboarding in 1962 in Queens with rudimentary steel wheels and boards.
- He progressed to California’s surf and skate scene, adapting to urethane wheels and more complex skate styles, still skating at 70.
