A few years back, Rick and I were wandering the stalls at SIA when we came across this little book called Frank. As amazing as it was, we were really blown away when we found that they have some pretty freaking awesome things going on in conjunction with their book – try Frank’s Chop Shop for example… it’s an old school style barber shop located in New York City. In addition to this there is the Frank151 blog and Radio151. Anyway, there’s a skateboard art show happening at Frank’s Chop Shop tonight – artist Steve Ellis has done a few boards in conjunction with Frank’s Chop Shop and there’s only 151 of them being made. All the details of the collaboration are below the cut. So if you happen to be in NYC, get on down and take a look!
Frank’s Chop Shop & SHUT Skateboards Release 151 Limited Edition Boards Designed by Renowned Artist Steve Ellis
-Old-School Barbershop Unveils its Newest Exclusive Offering with the Launch of a Barbershop Inspired Art Galley Exhibition by Steve Ellis-
New York, NY (February 2008) – Frank’s Chop Shop (FCS), a New York based full-service traditional barbershop, announces its first-ever collaboration to create a limited edition skateboard with legendary original New York City skateboard company SHUT. Together with SHUT, Frank’s Chop Shop will release only 151 exclusive collectable decks designed by acclaimed trendsetting artist, Steve Ellis.
The FCS/SHUT board is a unique extension of the very popular collector’s edition of the SHUT Blade board series, as well as another offering in a series of Frank’s Chop Shop exclusive limited edition products. FCS will celebrate the launch of the limited edition SHUT skateboard decks with an art gallery exhibition on Monday, March 3rd from 6-9pm. FCS will transform into a temporary art gallery for one night where the FCS/SHUT deck will be on display along with original barbershop inspired artwork by Steve Ellis.
Steve Ellis will create a total of about 10 pieces which will be available for sale in-store the night of the art gallery opening and will become available for purchase the next day on the frank151.com online store. Guest will also have the opportunity to pre-order the FCS/SHUT skateboard deck during the gallery opening prior to the official release date in late March 2008. Each FCS/SHUT skateboard retails for $70 and will be available at FCS (19 Essex Street, NYC), as well as on the frank151.com online store.
The FCS/SHUT board is dipped fully in white with the FCS logo across the front and the design imprinted on a 32.375” x 8” Todd Jordan shaped deck. The front of the board also features a message from Benjamin Franklin, the original “Modern Gentleman of Leisure,” that reads, “A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over”. The back of the board features a full image of a barber blade created by Steve Ellis, one of the standout artists that SHUT enlisted to design the blade board series.
“We’re excited to connect Frank’s Chop Shop with a brand that has shown unparalleled dedication to the history and future of skateboarding. SHUT has continued to create a strong presence in the action sports industry and will help take FCS to the next level of awareness,” Frank Green commented, “Making sure that style takes priority over trends, SHUT focuses on keeping things diverse, which is a perfect fit for us.”
Catering to the Modern Gentleman of Leisure, FCS is more than just a unique service and retail endeavor; it’s a cultural hub and community forum for the modern man. The barbershop features high-end grooming services, from cuts and shapeups to straight edge razor shaves, all done in three 1930’s vintage barber chairs. FCS offers an innovative environment for gentlemen to read the latest issues of Frank151, chop it up with friends and associates, and pick up an exclusive FCS hat, FSC/MSGR belt and now the FCS/SHUT skateboard. The Chop Shop serves as a meeting place and attracts future generations of youth who seek to base their lifestyle on the progression of culture on a global level.
With only 151 available, make sure you get your FCS/SHUT deck ASAP! (www.frank151.com <http://www.frank151.com> )
About Frank151:
Frank151 is more than a strong brand; it is a rapidly growing cultural icon. The company develops, publishes and distributes the Frank Book, a pocket-sized publication, and also produces and distributes Frank branded merchandise. With the Frank Book as its centerpiece, the Frank151 movement is building a strong foundation in Verge Culture™ epicenters worldwide. By capturing the essence of the global urban mindset and youth lifestyle, Frank151 is influencing, enhancing and changing generations and cultures worldwide. (www.frank151.com)
About SHUT Skateboards:
SHUT is the legendary original New York City Skateboard company, with a heritage dating back to 1986. This legacy was carried through the 90’s under a different name – but is now back in full force to keep representing true New York City skateboard culture and East Coast solidarity. SHUT is dedicated to the history and future of skateboarding, and is focusing on innovative deck shapes and sizes to keep things diverse and make sure that style takes priority over trends. All of their decks are 100% maple and proudly made in the U.S.A. (www.shutnyc.com)
