It’s hard to believe, but Ryan Sheckler is still only 18. Since he turned pro five years ago, he’s earned both (a) veritable shitloads of skateboarding awards and sponsors and (b) a constant stream of naysayers who scoff at his reality show (MTV’s Life of Ryan) and money-out-the-ass style. In that sense, Ryan reminds us a little of Soulja Boy—he’s undeniably good at what he does but pisses people off because he enjoys making a lot of money and acting like a teenager. Know this: Ryan is playing the game, and he’s winning. Feel free to hate, but it is what it is.
On deck for the skater is his official clothing brand, RS by Sheckler (available at JCPenney). Who will buy Ryan’s budget-friendly collection of T-shirts, jeans and accessories? “The kids at the skate parks that like what I wear,” he says. “Their parents are not going to drop $80 on a pair of jeans that their kids are going to put holes in. So go buy $39 jeans and have [the kids] put as many holes in them as they want.” Ryan was recently in town to promote RS, so we got up with him to talk about TV breakups, bad injuries and his favorite rappers. Read on for The Complex 7 as well as pics from the RS collection….
Thankfully, this summer has been (relatively) free of ginormous-sized logos and gaudy allover prints on fitted hats. Shit was definitely getting out of hand, so respect to New Era for turning it down a couple notches with hats that flip different patterns and fabrics. So far, we’ve seen plaid, madras, jacquard, waffle, railroad stripe, leather, and velour. Yeah, velour. Word.
The skater you love to hate'that would be Ryan Sheckler, of course'rocked a plaid fitted at an X Games event in Hollywood this week. So, patterned fitteds: tip your hat or pop a cap? Vote after the jump.
If having his own show on MTV, collecting major hardware at recent skate-shows, and having tons of sponsors wasn't enough for broke skateboarders (hi haters!) to hate Ryan Sheckler, adding sneaker designer to his resume may just put broke-boarders over the edge. Sheckler designed this Riviera model, and we got to admit, the young'in did pretty well. The sneaker was aimed to be Sheckler's lifestyle shoe, and he kept it simple with quality suede and a subtle black/white colorup. The understated sneaker is available at select Etnies retailers around the country. Cash checks, Shecks. $50, etnies.com
Anyway you look at it, there's nothing good about a red-eye flight. But cheapo airliner, Jetblue has changed all that (at least we thought). In a recent promotion, the company partnered with New York spa, Bliss to bring beauty rest to late night's unfriendly skies. Sadly, the refreshing kit of lip and body moisturizers and earplugs weren't passed our way during Complex's return to NYC from last weekend's etnies GvR skate competition in Lake Forest, CA. In its third year, amateurs and pro-skaters challenged their riding stance (goofy versus regular foot) with a chance to win cash prizes. Money, cash and ahem, women also followed the pack of skate rats from the park to the etnies 20-year anniversary party where the Beastie Boys also performed. After their 20-year run in rap, the Beasties alongside turntable wizard, Mixmaster Mike still got the props, well, rather the crowd's adoration, and not the giant phallic from their heyday. Check out the photos from the party while we take a nap.
Etnies founder and owner, Pierre Andre (left) and 17-year-old pro-skater, Ryan Sheckler (right).
Hey, don’t kill the messenger.
Mixmaster Mike (background) gave the illest warmup routine for the classic Beasties.
Mike D rocking a BAPE hoody with the “Jew-fro.” Nice.
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DJ Mike Relm synched his set along to some sick skate videos and movie clips.
This man needs no introduction, or maybe he does. Archbishop Don "Magic" Juan.
Um, we’re not skaters, but we flip a mean ollie. Holla!
This is not the after party for your prom. Go home!
This man needs no introduction, or maybe he does. Archbishop Don "Magic" Juan.
