We’re all eagerly awaiting Cooler x O’Neill ambassador Jessica Piper’s first blog post (up next week!). In the meantime we thought we’d upload a litte interview we did with her about her skate inspired label Man Up Girl!
Interview by Britta Burger
How did you come up with the name Man Up Girl! ?
It’s unapologetic, bold, not too serious and gets across the blend of masculine and feminine which is a predominant theme in our aesthetic.
You’re inspired by men’s skate wear. Do you prefer it to women’s skate wear?
For me women’s skate wear hasn’t evolved how I see it. Skateboarding is a sport traditionally ruled by men and the translation into women’s skate-wear should be influenced by male form and function.
Another influence is Hugh Holland…
There’s something really beautiful about capturing an honest image and every single one of Holland’s photos is a really precise moment in time. I love how up close and personal it is, an insider’s perspective into the carefree Californian skate scene. It’s just completely unabashed.
We’re really into your prints, what are they all about?
I wanted to create a strong sense of nostalgia. The prints reference important changes throughout the eras of skateboarding. Items like the iconic 70s tube sock stripes, and the infamous colours and prints which Alva introduced really started the process. Most importantly the prints are unisex.
What is it about skateboarding that makes it so inspirational for artists, photographers, musicians and fashion designers?
You can’t really put your finger on it, it’s a subculture that is undefined and knows no boundaries. We’re all still testing the waters of what’s possible and impossible, I try to keep the brand ethos the same as my skate ethos, keep pushing yourself.
What about skate films? Which ones are your favourites?
I love Goldfish but who doesn’t? And then Pretty Sweet.
We heard there’s stickers, posters, decks and mixes too?
We wanted to try and cover all the bases and leave no stone un-turned. It can’t hurt to have to some facet of the brand stuck up, skated, listened to and worn.
Do you skate yourself?
Hell yeah! I suck at it, but I’m sure Benny Fairfax wasn’t a pro straight off the bat.
