Notable dreamboat pro skateboarder and recent refugee of Quiksilver downsizing, Alex Olson, is the first name attached to two French fashion houses’ testing-of-waters in the griptape market. This past weekend, Olson leaked several shots of team edition griptape from both Chanel and LVMH subsidiary, Céline on Instagram. He has reportedly been receiving boxes from both companies, so details as to which brand he will sign under remain foggy, though one of the photos did state “Chanel grip is better than the Céline grip,” making it safe to assume Chanel is offering the better contract and/or a superior product. Interestingly enough, Mike Carroll left a comment saying “Need” under the Chanel shot, leading industry insiders to believe that Carroll and Olson will soon be announced as Chanel’s first two teamriders. One would hope that the addition of a native French rider (Puig? J.B?) is not far away.
Chanel’s grip is expected to retail for around ~$1,000 at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Supreme, and flagship Chanel locations worldwide. No word on Céline’s price point, though most assume it will be in a similar range. Naturally, one of the photos included a comment from someone who has no idea what a “hipster” is asking, “Now there’s griptape hipsters?” Pabst and Chanel don’t mix, bro. Get your caricatures straight.
Up Next: Le Snack de Quarté pour Dior Homme & Maison Matt Mooney Margiela.