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{{short description|American skateboarder}}
{{fansite|date=December 2018}}
{{about||the American artist|Alex Olson (artist)}}

{{Infobox sportsperson
{{Infobox sportsperson
|headercolor =
|headercolor =
|image = ALEX OLSON - VANS DOWNTOWN SHOWDOWN 2008 - HOLLYWOOD.jpg
|
|image =
|image_size =
|image_size =
|caption =
|caption = Olson in 2008
|birth_name =
|birth_name =
|fullname = Alex Olson
|fullname = Alex Olson
|native_name =
|native_name =
|native_name_lang =
|native_name_lang =
|ethnicity = [[Americans|American]]
|birth_date = {{birth year and age|1986}}
|residence = [[New York City]], U.S.
|birth_place = [[Santa Monica]], [[California]], U.S.
|birth_date = 1986
|birth_place = [[Santa Monica]], California
|height =
|height =
|weight =
|weight =
|spouse =
|spouse =
|children =
|children =
|website = {{URL|https://callme917.com/}} {{URL|https://biancachandon.com/}}
|website = {{URL|https://olsonstuff.com/}}
{{URL|https://olsonstuff.com/}}
|country = {{flagcountry|United States}}
|country = {{flagcountry|United States}}
|sport = [[Skateboarding]]
|sport = [[Skateboarding]]
}}
}}

'''Alex Olson''' (born 1986) is a goofyfooted [[Americans|American]] skateboarder, company owner, and entrepreneur.
'''Alex Olson''' (born 1986) is a [[goofy-footed]] [[Americans|American]] professional skateboarder, company owner, and entrepreneur.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/30/fashion/alex-olson-mixes-skateboarding-and-fashion.html|title=Alex Olson Mixes Skateboarding and Fashion|last=Hawgood|first=Alex|date=2015-07-29|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-11-07|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Lee |title=Lee Smith Delves Into Alex Olson's World in Mission Statement Episode 09 |url=https://skatenewswire.com/mission-statement-alex-olson/}}</ref> Olson runs the companies ''Call Me 917'' and ''Bianca Chandon''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Noah |title=Skater Alex Olson |url=https://www.gq.com/story/alex-olson-skater-radical-wellness |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=22 January 2020}}</ref>
Olson runs the companies '''[[Call Me 917]]''' and '''[[Bianca Chandon]]'''.<ref name="trans">{{cite web |last1=Eisenhour |first1=Mackenzie |title=Alex Olson Pro Spotlight |url=https://skateboarding.transworld.net/photos/alex-olson-pro-spotlight/ |website=TransWorld SKATEboarding |accessdate=26 December 2018 |date=21 April 2015}}</ref> He is the son of professional skateboarder Steve Olson.

==Biography==
==Biography==

===Early life===
===Early life===
His first memory of skateboarding was of [[Christian Hosoi]] doing airs on a [[Half-pipe]] while talking on a wireless phone, Olson was six years old at the time.<ref name=Bunt/> Olson grew up in [[Santa Monica]] with his mother until the age of ten, when he moved to [[Malibu, California|Malibu]] to live with his father, former-professional skateboarder Steve Olson.<ref name="Bunt">{{cite web |last1=Benson |first1=Cephas |last2=Jones |first2=Donovan |title=The Bunt S05 Episode 12 Ft. Alex Olson "I'm not a cool guy" |url=https://soundcloud.com/thebuntlive/the-bunt-s05-episode-12-ft-alex-olson |website=soundcloud.com |publisher=The Bunt |accessdate=26 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In Malibu he started skating. According to his father, he came home one day and made an announcement: “Yo, I’m a skateboarder.” His interest in skating reignited his fathers' interest. <ref name="father">{{cite web |last1=Gibbs |first1=Adrienne Samuels |title=Passed Down From Father to Son: A Skateboard? |url=https://www.ozy.com/true-story/passed-down-from-father-to-son-a-skateboard/76593 |website=OZY |accessdate=26 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Olson grew up skating the Vans skatepark in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]], where his father would take him often, despite the hour-and-a-half drive.<ref name=Bunt/> His father raised him with the advice: "don’t be stupid," "don't do drugs," and “fuck street skating.”<ref name=Bunt/>
Son of [[Steve Olson (skateboarder and artist)|Steve Olson]],<ref name="trans">{{cite web |last1=Eisenhour |first1=Mackenzie |title=Alex Olson Pro Spotlight |url=https://skateboarding.transworld.net/photos/alex-olson-pro-spotlight/ |website=TransWorld SKATEboarding |access-date=26 December 2018 |date=21 April 2015}}</ref> Alex's first memory of skateboarding was of [[Christian Hosoi]] doing airs on a [[Half-pipe]] while talking on a wireless phone, Olson was six years old at the time.<ref name=Bunt/><ref name=":0" /> Olson grew up in [[Santa Monica]] with his mother until the age of ten, when he moved to [[Malibu, California|Malibu]] to live with his father, former-professional skateboarder Steve Olson.<ref name="Bunt">{{cite web |last1=Benson |first1=Cephas |last2=Jones |first2=Donovan |title=The Bunt S05 Episode 12 Ft. Alex Olson "I'm not a cool guy" |url=https://soundcloud.com/thebuntlive/the-bunt-s05-episode-12-ft-alex-olson |website=soundcloud.com |publisher=The Bunt |access-date=26 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In Malibu he started skating. According to his father, he came home one day and made an announcement: “Yo, I'm a skateboarder.” His interest in skating reignited his father's interest.<ref name="father">{{cite web |last1=Gibbs |first1=Adrienne Samuels |title=Passed Down From Father to Son: A Skateboard? |url=https://www.ozy.com/true-story/passed-down-from-father-to-son-a-skateboard/76593 |website=OZY |access-date=26 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

Olson saw his first [[skate video]], [[Toy Machine]]: [[Welcome to Hell (skateboarding)|Welcome to Hell]], at a sleepover.<ref name="now">{{cite web |title=Skater's Paradise |url=https://www.nowness.com/series/skaters-paradise/alex-olson-streets-on-fire-island |website=www.nowness.com |publisher=NOWNESS}}</ref> His two favorite parts were Donny Barley and the fall section.<ref name=now/> At a young age, Olson found the artistic nature of Jason Dill's part in the [[Alien Workshop]] Photosynthesis video (2000) influential.<ref name=now/> As a young skater, he looked up to: [[Andrew Reynolds (skateboarder)|Andrew Reynolds]], [[Jim Greco]], [[Erik Ellington]].<ref name=now/>


Olson saw his first [[Skate video|skate video]], [[Toy Machine]]: [[Welcome to Hell (skateboarding)|Welcome to Hell]], at a sleepover.<ref name=now/> His two favorite parts were Donny Barley and the fall section.<ref name=now/> At a young age, Olson found the artistic nature of Jason Dill's part in the [[Alien Workshop]] Photosynthesis video (2000) influential.<ref name=now/> As a young skater, he looked up to: [[Andrew Reynolds (skateboarder)|Andrew Reynolds]], [[Jim Greco]], [[Erik Ellington]].<ref name=now/>
===New York City===
===New York City===
Olson first visited New York in 2005 when Jason Dill, at the height of his career, bought Olson a ticket to NYC in response to a [[MySpace]] message: “Hey, I would love to come to New York.”<ref name=ss/> Olson flew there and saw the New York skate and cultural scene first hard for the first time. The scene that Jason Dill was in 2005 was thriving, including the popular skateboarding-influenced artists like [[Dan Colen]] and [[Dash Snow]].<ref name=ss/> Olson decided to move to NYC from California. He would live with Jason Dill for a bit. Olson also lived with [[Mark Gonzales]] for two months. While living with the Gonz, Olson would feed the cats.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alex Olson AM Spotlight |url=https://skateboarding.transworld.net/features/alex-olson-am-spotlight/ |website=TransWorld SKATEboarding |date=20 June 2007}}</ref>
Olson first visited New York in 2005 when Jason Dill, at the height of his career, bought Olson a ticket to NYC in response to a [[MySpace]] message: “Hey, I would love to come to New York.”<ref name=ss/> Olson flew there and saw the New York skate and cultural scene first hand for the first time. The scene that Jason Dill was part of in 2005 was thriving, including the popular skateboarding-influenced artists like [[Dan Colen]] and [[Dash Snow]].<ref name=ss/> Olson decided to move to NYC from California. He would live with Jason Dill for a bit. Olson also lived with [[Mark Gonzales]] for two months. While living with the Gonz, Olson would feed the cats.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alex Olson AM Spotlight |url=https://skateboarding.transworld.net/features/alex-olson-am-spotlight/ |website=TransWorld SKATEboarding |date=20 June 2007}}</ref>

===Creative Practice===
===Creative Practice===
In addition to skateboarding and running two companies; Olson designs for the companies, collects music, DJs,<ref>{{cite web |title=JENKEM MIX 13: ALEX OLSON |url=https://soundcloud.com/jenkemmag/jenkem-mix-13-alex-olson |language=en}}</ref> and practices meditation.
In addition to skateboarding and running two companies; Olson designs for the companies, collects music, DJs,<ref>{{cite web |title=JENKEM MIX 13: ALEX OLSON |url=https://soundcloud.com/jenkemmag/jenkem-mix-13-alex-olson |language=en}}</ref> and practices meditation.
Olson has also modeled for the fashion label [[Eckhaus Latta]], walking the runway for their Spring 2018 show.<ref>{{cite web |title=.Same the Not Are Fun and Love |url=http://ihatemartymcfly.com/post/165182971404/clearbrowgel-alex-olson-for-eckhaus-latta |website=.Same the Not Are Fun and Love}}</ref> Olson included a clip of the runway walk in his skate part for ''The 917 Video'', explaining the situation to The Bunt podcast: <blockquote><poem>"These young kids have this brand Eckhaus Latta, and the kids that are around the area that they use are in the scene, so they asked [my girlfriend] if I wanted to walk the show...I didn't want to...what's the point?...I don't need the fucking [[Slam (magazine)|Slap]] message-board to be going off...I was telling Logan... [but] if we film it..and put it in my video part..it would be hilarious to throw that in your part...as a trick..it's ridiculous and kinda good at the same time...so I got the hammer.”<ref name=Bunt/></poem></blockquote>
Olson has also modeled for the fashion label [[Eckhaus Latta]], walking the runway for their Spring 2018 show.<ref>{{cite web |title=.Same the Not Are Fun and Love |url=http://ihatemartymcfly.com/post/165182971404/clearbrowgel-alex-olson-for-eckhaus-latta |website=.Same the Not Are Fun and Love}}</ref> Olson included a clip of the runway walk in his skate part for ''The 917 Video'', explaining the situation to The Bunt podcast: <blockquote><poem>"These young kids have this brand Eckhaus Latta, and the kids that are around the area that they use are in the scene, so they asked [my girlfriend] if I wanted to walk the show...I didn't want to...what's the point?...I don't need the fucking [[Slap (magazine)|Slap]] message-board to be going off...I was telling Logan... [but] if we film it..and put it in my video part..it would be hilarious to throw that in your part...as a trick..it's ridiculous and kinda good at the same time...so I got the hammer.”<ref name=Bunt/></poem></blockquote>
===Meditation===
In an interview with [[Nowness]], Olson described his meditation practice: <blockquote><poem>I do three different forms of meditation in the morning. I do a [[Guided meditation|mindful meditation, guided]]. [[Headspace (guided meditation platform)|Headspace]] is an app for that. It’s a 15-minute meditation where you sit there, visualize your body being hit with sunlight, and then try to relax and feel that emotion. There’s a meditation called [[Heart rate variability|HRV —heart rate variance—]]and that’s all about syncing your mind with your heart rate and controlling your heart rate with your breathing. I do that for ten minutes with a heart rate monitor—and if you get bad thoughts, your heart goes down. It’s really interesting and it feels really good. The third one I do is [[Wim Hof]]. He was a Dutch man called “The Iceman” who basically explored all different forms of yoga and cultivated his own version. It’s like HRV, but using the cold and natural elements. He can sit in glacial water for an hour, and swim in glacial water and have no problem. Scientists would tell you you’d die of hypothermia, but his focus is so strong because he’s been doing it for 30 years. The whole process takes about an hour—Wim Hof is the longest.<ref name=now/></poem></blockquote>
==Professional Skateboarding Career==
===Sponsors===
====Flow====
His first sponsor was flow from twelve skateboards via Mickey Reyes at the age of 14.<ref name=Bunt/> Throughout his amateur career, Olson was also on flow for the following deck companies: [[Alien Workshop]], [[Toy Machine]], Foundation, [[Black Label Skateboards]].<ref name=Bunt/>


==Professional Skateboarding career==
Olson lived nearby the bowl at the [[Supreme (brand)|Supreme]] store where he started skating with [[Mike Carroll (skateboarder)|Mike Carroll]] and Scott Johnston.<ref name=Bunt/> Johnston got him [[Lakai Limited Footwear|Lakai]] flow.

Once he quit getting flow from Alien, Olson remained without a board sponsor until; on the way, to the 2005 [[US Open of Surfing]] in Huntington Beach, [[Guy Mariano]] inquired about his board sponsorship.<ref name=Bunt/> After learning he did not have a board sponsor, he offered to get him [[Girl Skateboard Company|Girl]] boards.

====Pro====
Alex Olson turned pro for Girl in 2007/2008.<ref name=now/>
Alex Olson turned pro for Girl in 2007/2008.<ref name=now/>
<blockquote><poem>
<blockquote><poem>
“As a kid growing up, I never thought I would get sponsored by them because they were at such a higher level,”<ref name="nyt">{{cite web |last1=Hawgood |first1=Alex |title=Alex Olson Mixes Skateboarding and Fashion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/30/fashion/alex-olson-mixes-skateboarding-and-fashion.html?login=email&auth=login-email |website=The New York Times |date=29 July 2015}}</ref>
“As a kid growing up, I never thought I would get sponsored by them because they were at such a higher level,”<ref name="nyt">{{cite web |last1=Hawgood |first1=Alex |title=Alex Olson Mixes Skateboarding and Fashion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/30/fashion/alex-olson-mixes-skateboarding-and-fashion.html?login=email&auth=login-email |website=The New York Times |date=29 July 2015}}</ref>
</poem></blockquote>
</poem></blockquote>
A friendship with [[Guy Mariano]] is how Olson started skating for Girl. At this time in his life, Olson would skate often with [[Mike Carroll (skateboarder)|Mike Carroll]] and skate at the [[Berrics]] skate complex.<ref name=Bunt/> The Girl team was filming for the [[Lakai Limited Footwear|Lakai]] video [[Fully Flared]]. On Olson’s first trip with Girl, he toured the US, in a “brutal but super fun” trip where he landed some good tricks.<ref name=Bunt/> Before he got on Girl, he got a box of antihero skateboards and was torn between the two companies.<ref name=Bunt/>
A friendship with [[Guy Mariano]] is how Olson started skating for Girl. At this time in his life, Olson would skate often with [[Mike Carroll (skateboarder)|Mike Carroll]] and skate at the [[Berrics]] skate complex.<ref name=Bunt/> The Girl team was filming for the [[Lakai Limited Footwear|Lakai]] video [[Fully Flared]]. On Olson's first trip with Girl, he toured the US, in a “brutal but super fun” trip where he landed some good tricks.<ref name=Bunt/> Before he got on Girl, he got a box of antihero skateboards and was torn between the two companies.<ref name=Bunt/>


After Fully Flared came out, Olson quit the Lakai team and joined Vans. After [[Vans Shoes|Vans]], Olson joined [[Nike SB]].<ref name=Bunt/>
After Fully Flared came out, Olson quit the Lakai team and joined Vans. After [[Vans Shoes|Vans]], Olson joined [[Nike SB]].<ref name=Bunt/>


After the Girl and [[Chocolate Skateboards|Chocolate]] video Pretty Sweet came out, Olson felt disappointed and quit Girl.<ref name=Bunt/> He wanted to start a company with a friend. He briefly planned to join [[Brian Anderson (skateboarder)|Brian Anderson]] at 3D Skateboards before quitting before the company opened.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mehring |first1=Jonthan |title=An Interview With Alex Olson (From the March 2014 Issue of Thrasher) |url=https://quartersnacks.com/2014/04/an-interview-with-alex-olson-from-the-march-2014-issue-of-thrasher/ |website=Quartersnacks.com |publisher=Thrasher}}</ref>
After the Girl and [[Chocolate Skateboards|Chocolate]] video Pretty Sweet came out, Olson felt disappointed and quit Girl.<ref name=Bunt/> He wanted to start a company with a friend. He briefly planned to join [[Brian Anderson (skateboarder)|Brian Anderson]] at 3D Skateboards before quitting before the company opened.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mehring |first1=Jonthan |title=An Interview With Alex Olson (From the March 2014 Issue of Thrasher) |url=https://quartersnacks.com/2014/04/an-interview-with-alex-olson-from-the-march-2014-issue-of-thrasher/ |website=Quartersnacks.com |date=April 2014 |publisher=Thrasher}}</ref>


Olson wanted to start a company with longtime friend [[Dylan Rieder]], they initially planned to collaborate but Dylan pulled out.<ref name=Bunt/> Olson decided to start his own company.
Olson wanted to start a company with longtime friend [[Dylan Rieder]], they initially planned to collaborate but Dylan pulled out.<ref name=Bunt/> Olson decided to start his own company.

In 2007, Olson got 2nd place at the Vans Downtown Showdown Real Sacto Rebate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://skateparkoftampa.com/skater/2033/Alex_Olson|title=Alex Olson Skateboarder Profile|website=SPoT Skate Shop at Skatepark of Tampa|access-date=2019-11-07}}</ref>


Olson is currently sponsored by:<ref name="stats">{{cite web |last1=Meronek |first1=Rob |title=Alex Olson Profile Bio: Ranking, Photos, Video Global Rank: 1092nd Overall |url=https://theboardr.com/profile/2033/Alex_Olson |website=TheBoardr}}</ref>
Olson is currently sponsored by:<ref name="stats">{{cite web |last1=Meronek |first1=Rob |title=Alex Olson Profile Bio: Ranking, Photos, Video Global Rank: 1092nd Overall |url=https://theboardr.com/profile/2033/Alex_Olson |website=TheBoardr}}</ref>
*Call Me 917
*Bianca Chandon
*[[Independent Truck Company]]
*[[Independent Truck Company]]
*[[Spitfire Wheels|Spitfire]]
*[[Spitfire Wheels|Spitfire]]
*[[Supreme (clothing)|Supreme]]
*[[Supreme (clothing)|Supreme]]
*[[Nike sb]]
*[[Nike Skateboarding|Nike SB]]

===Media===
==Media==
Olson was on the cover of the May 2015 issue of [[Transworld Skateboarding]] doing a backside 50 50.<ref>{{cite web |title=In This Issue: May 2015 |url=https://skateboarding.transworld.net/magazine-archive/in-this-issue-may-2015/ |website=TransWorld SKATEboarding |date=24 April 2015}}</ref>
Olson was on the cover of the May 2015 issue of [[Transworld Skateboarding]] doing a backside 50 50.<ref>{{cite web |title=In This Issue: May 2015 |url=https://skateboarding.transworld.net/magazine-archive/in-this-issue-may-2015/ |website=TransWorld SKATEboarding |date=24 April 2015}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Skate Video !! Year
|-
| The 917 Video 2 || 2019
|-
| The 917 Video || 2017
|-
| Sure || 2015
|-
| Wet Dream || 2014
|-
| [[Supreme (brand)|Supreme]]- "cherry" || 2014
|-
| Dece Vid || 2013
|-
| [[Girl Skateboard Company|Girl]]/[[Chocolate Skateboards|Chocolate]] - Pretty Sweet || 2012
|-
| Girl - Outbackwards || 2010
|-
| Girl/Anti Hero - Beauty and The Beast 3 || 2010
|-
| [[Independent Truck Company|Independent]] - 30th Anniversary Europe Tour || 2009
|-
| Girl/Anti Hero - Beauty and The Beast 2 || 2009
|-
| Girl - Yanks on Planks || 2008
|-
| Girl/Anti Hero - Beauty and The Beast || 2008
|-
| [[Lakai Limited Footwear|Lakai]] - The Final Flare! || 2008
|-
| Krooked - Gnar Gnar || 2008
|-
| Girl/Chocolate - Badass Meets Dumbass || 2007
|-
| Lakai - [[Fully Flared]]|| 2007
|-
| Chocolate - A Little Chunk of Chocolate|| 2006
|}


==Companies==
==Companies==
Olson founded '''Bianca Chandon''' and '''Call Me 917''' unintentionally simultaneously.<ref name="place">{{cite web |last1=Hoogwater |first1=Roland |title=Alex Olson - Leave A Message {{!}} Place Skateboard Culture |url=http://www.placeskateboarding.de/alex-olson-leave-a-message/ |website=Place Skateboad Culture}}</ref> He started out by introducing Bianca Chandon via the number (917)692-2706. If you would call the number you would get an answering machine that said hello you have reached Bianca Chandon. Once Olson started releasing Bianca Chandon stuff, he abandoned the number because it had lost its function.<ref name=place/> He released some boards, for himself and others, under the Bianca Chadon name but as the company was taking form he did decided he did not want it to become a skate company.<ref name=place/>
Olson founded '''Bianca Chandon''' and '''Call Me 917''' unintentionally simultaneously.<ref name="place">{{cite web |last1=Hoogwater |first1=Roland |title=Alex Olson - Leave A Message {{!}} Place Skateboard Culture |url=http://www.placeskateboarding.de/alex-olson-leave-a-message/ |website=Place Skateboard Culture|date=7 December 2016 }}</ref> He started out by introducing Bianca Chandon via the number (917)692-2706 (sometimes written as 917-692-2706). If you would call the number you would get an answering machine that said hello you have reached Bianca Chandon. Once Olson started releasing Bianca Chandon unisex clothing, he abandoned the number because it had lost its function, and as of 2019 it simply says "leave a message".<ref name=place/><ref name=":0" /> He released some boards, for himself and others, under the Bianca Chandon name but as the company was taking form he did decide he did not want it to become a skate company.<ref name=place/>


Olson did not envision a team for Bianca Chandon; however, he meet some kids he wanted to support them and start a team so he brought the number back and founded a separate company.<ref name=place/> Olson compares it to [[Polo Ralph Lauren|Polo]]:
Olson did not envision a team for Bianca Chandon; however, he meet some kids he wanted to support them and start a team so he brought the number back and founded a separate company.<ref name=place/> Olson compares it to [[Polo Ralph Lauren|Polo]]:
<blockquote><poem>...like how [[Ralph Lauren]] has the brand Ralph Lauren and he has [[Polo Ralph Lauren|Polo by Ralph Lauren]]. So 917 started to take shape slowly, it took some time for people to get to know the brand, understand the brand, and for us to build a team around it.<ref name=place/> </poem></blockquote>
<blockquote><poem>...like how [[Ralph Lauren]] has the brand Ralph Lauren and he has [[Polo Ralph Lauren|Polo by Ralph Lauren]]. So 917 started to take shape slowly, it took some time for people to get to know the brand, understand the brand, and for us to build a team around it.<ref name=place/> </poem></blockquote>


His two brands, Bianca Chandon and Call Me 917, have made him "a highly visible model of the self-taught skater-turned-entrepreneur."<ref name="ss">{{cite web |last1=Crum-Tesfa |first1=Zoma |title=Skating Copenhagen with Bianca Chandon’s Alex Olson |url=https://www.ssense.com/en-us/editorial/culture/skating-copenhagen-with-bianca-chandons-alex-olson |website=ssense |language=en |date=12 October 2017}}</ref>
His two brands, Bianca Chandon and Call Me 917, have made him "a highly visible model of the self-taught skater-turned-entrepreneur."<ref name="ss">{{cite web |last1=Crum-Tesfa |first1=Zoma |title=Skating Copenhagen with Bianca Chandon's Alex Olson |url=https://www.ssense.com/en-us/editorial/culture/skating-copenhagen-with-bianca-chandons-alex-olson |website=ssense |language=en |date=12 October 2017}}</ref>
===Call Me 917===
'''Call Me 917''' is a skateboard deck and apparel company. Call Me 917 clothing has been worn by rapper [[A$AP Rocky]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Learn about Alex Olson |url=https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/alex-olson.html |website=Famous Birthdays |language=en}}</ref>
In 2017, Call Me 917 released a skate video titled: ''The 917 Video'' by John Wilson and Logan Lara.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Beachy |first1=Kyle |title=THE WORLD THE 917 VIDEO BUILT |url=http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2017/10/17/world-917-video-built/ |website=Jenkem Magazine |language=en |date=17 October 2017}}</ref>

Featuring:<ref>{{cite web |title=The 917 Video skate video soundtrack - Video by John Wilson, Logan Lara {{!}} Skatevideosite |url=http://www.skatevideosite.com/skatevideos/the-917-video/soundtrack# |website=www.skatevideosite.com}}</ref>
*Aaron Loreth
*Aidan Mackey
*Alex Olson
*Cruz Mendez
*Cyrus Bennett
*Hugo Boserup
*Kohlton Ervin
*Max Palmer
*Nico Chiat
*Nik Stain
*Nolan Benfield
*Stu Kirst
*Vincent Touzery

===Bianca Chandon===
'''Bianca Chandon''' is fashion brand described by [[Nowness]] in 2014 as "a hybrid of sports culture and [[1970s in music|1970s music]] and [[1970s fashion]], inspired by an image of [[Bianca Jagger]] riding into [[Studio 54]] on a white horse, and the glamorous yet tragic French racing driver, [[Olivier Chandon]]."<ref name="now">{{cite web |title=Skater's Paradise |url=https://www.nowness.com/series/skaters-paradise/alex-olson-streets-on-fire-island |website=www.nowness.com |publisher=NOWNESS}}</ref>

Olson explains: “It's based on all the things I'm into and always liked or found interesting,”<ref name=now/> whose inspirations include [[Wolfgang Tillmans]]’ early shoots for [[Purple (magazine)|Purple]], [[Tom Bianchi|Tom Bianchi’s]] book on [[Fire Island]] and disco music.<ref name=now/> “I feel like people cared a lot more about craftsmanship and had pride over what they made—and the way girls looked back then.”<ref name=now/>


==References==
==References==
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{{Skateboarding}}


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[[Category:American skateboarders]]
[[Category:American skateboarders]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from New York City]]
[[Category:Artist skateboarders]]

Latest revision as of 10:37, 9 January 2024

For the American artist, see Alex Olson (artist).
Alex Olson
Olson in 2008
Personal information
Full nameAlex Olson
Born1986 (age 37–38)
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Websiteolsonstuff.com
Sport
Country United States
SportSkateboarding

Alex Olson (born 1986) is a goofy-footed American professional skateboarder, company owner, and entrepreneur.[1][2] Olson runs the companies Call Me 917 and Bianca Chandon.[3]

Biography[edit]

Early life[edit]

Son of Steve Olson,[4] Alex's first memory of skateboarding was of Christian Hosoi doing airs on a Half-pipe while talking on a wireless phone, Olson was six years old at the time.[5][1] Olson grew up in Santa Monica with his mother until the age of ten, when he moved to Malibu to live with his father, former-professional skateboarder Steve Olson.[5] In Malibu he started skating. According to his father, he came home one day and made an announcement: “Yo, I'm a skateboarder.” His interest in skating reignited his father's interest.[6]

Olson saw his first skate video, Toy Machine: Welcome to Hell, at a sleepover.[7] His two favorite parts were Donny Barley and the fall section.[7] At a young age, Olson found the artistic nature of Jason Dill's part in the Alien Workshop Photosynthesis video (2000) influential.[7] As a young skater, he looked up to: Andrew Reynolds, Jim Greco, Erik Ellington.[7]

New York City[edit]

Olson first visited New York in 2005 when Jason Dill, at the height of his career, bought Olson a ticket to NYC in response to a MySpace message: “Hey, I would love to come to New York.”[8] Olson flew there and saw the New York skate and cultural scene first hand for the first time. The scene that Jason Dill was part of in 2005 was thriving, including the popular skateboarding-influenced artists like Dan Colen and Dash Snow.[8] Olson decided to move to NYC from California. He would live with Jason Dill for a bit. Olson also lived with Mark Gonzales for two months. While living with the Gonz, Olson would feed the cats.[9]

Creative Practice[edit]

In addition to skateboarding and running two companies; Olson designs for the companies, collects music, DJs,[10] and practices meditation.

Olson has also modeled for the fashion label Eckhaus Latta, walking the runway for their Spring 2018 show.[11] Olson included a clip of the runway walk in his skate part for The 917 Video, explaining the situation to The Bunt podcast:

"These young kids have this brand Eckhaus Latta, and the kids that are around the area that they use are in the scene, so they asked [my girlfriend] if I wanted to walk the show...I didn't want to...what's the point?...I don't need the fucking Slap message-board to be going off...I was telling Logan... [but] if we film it..and put it in my video part..it would be hilarious to throw that in your part...as a trick..it's ridiculous and kinda good at the same time...so I got the hammer.”[5]

Professional Skateboarding career[edit]

Alex Olson turned pro for Girl in 2007/2008.[7]

“As a kid growing up, I never thought I would get sponsored by them because they were at such a higher level,”[12]

A friendship with Guy Mariano is how Olson started skating for Girl. At this time in his life, Olson would skate often with Mike Carroll and skate at the Berrics skate complex.[5] The Girl team was filming for the Lakai video Fully Flared. On Olson's first trip with Girl, he toured the US, in a “brutal but super fun” trip where he landed some good tricks.[5] Before he got on Girl, he got a box of antihero skateboards and was torn between the two companies.[5]

After Fully Flared came out, Olson quit the Lakai team and joined Vans. After Vans, Olson joined Nike SB.[5]

After the Girl and Chocolate video Pretty Sweet came out, Olson felt disappointed and quit Girl.[5] He wanted to start a company with a friend. He briefly planned to join Brian Anderson at 3D Skateboards before quitting before the company opened.[13]

Olson wanted to start a company with longtime friend Dylan Rieder, they initially planned to collaborate but Dylan pulled out.[5] Olson decided to start his own company.

In 2007, Olson got 2nd place at the Vans Downtown Showdown Real Sacto Rebate.[14]

Olson is currently sponsored by:[15]

Media[edit]

Olson was on the cover of the May 2015 issue of Transworld Skateboarding doing a backside 50 50.[16]

Skate Video Year
The 917 Video 2 2019
The 917 Video 2017
Sure 2015
Wet Dream 2014
Supreme- "cherry" 2014
Dece Vid 2013
Girl/Chocolate - Pretty Sweet 2012
Girl - Outbackwards 2010
Girl/Anti Hero - Beauty and The Beast 3 2010
Independent - 30th Anniversary Europe Tour 2009
Girl/Anti Hero - Beauty and The Beast 2 2009
Girl - Yanks on Planks 2008
Girl/Anti Hero - Beauty and The Beast 2008
Lakai - The Final Flare! 2008
Krooked - Gnar Gnar 2008
Girl/Chocolate - Badass Meets Dumbass 2007
Lakai - Fully Flared 2007
Chocolate - A Little Chunk of Chocolate 2006

Companies[edit]

Olson founded Bianca Chandon and Call Me 917 unintentionally simultaneously.[17] He started out by introducing Bianca Chandon via the number (917)692-2706 (sometimes written as 917-692-2706). If you would call the number you would get an answering machine that said hello you have reached Bianca Chandon. Once Olson started releasing Bianca Chandon unisex clothing, he abandoned the number because it had lost its function, and as of 2019 it simply says "leave a message".[17][1] He released some boards, for himself and others, under the Bianca Chandon name but as the company was taking form he did decide he did not want it to become a skate company.[17]

Olson did not envision a team for Bianca Chandon; however, he meet some kids he wanted to support them and start a team so he brought the number back and founded a separate company.[17] Olson compares it to Polo:

...like how Ralph Lauren has the brand Ralph Lauren and he has Polo by Ralph Lauren. So 917 started to take shape slowly, it took some time for people to get to know the brand, understand the brand, and for us to build a team around it.[17]

His two brands, Bianca Chandon and Call Me 917, have made him "a highly visible model of the self-taught skater-turned-entrepreneur."[8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Hawgood, Alex (2015-07-29). "Alex Olson Mixes Skateboarding and Fashion". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-11-07.
  2. ^ Smith, Lee. "Lee Smith Delves Into Alex Olson's World in Mission Statement Episode 09".
  3. ^ Johnson, Noah (22 January 2020). "Skater Alex Olson". Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  4. ^ Eisenhour, Mackenzie (21 April 2015). "Alex Olson Pro Spotlight". TransWorld SKATEboarding. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Benson, Cephas; Jones, Donovan. "The Bunt S05 Episode 12 Ft. Alex Olson "I'm not a cool guy"". soundcloud.com. The Bunt. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
  6. ^ Gibbs, Adrienne Samuels. "Passed Down From Father to Son: A Skateboard?". OZY. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Skater's Paradise". www.nowness.com. NOWNESS.
  8. ^ a b c Crum-Tesfa, Zoma (12 October 2017). "Skating Copenhagen with Bianca Chandon's Alex Olson". ssense.
  9. ^ "Alex Olson AM Spotlight". TransWorld SKATEboarding. 20 June 2007.
  10. ^ "JENKEM MIX 13: ALEX OLSON".
  11. ^ ".Same the Not Are Fun and Love". .Same the Not Are Fun and Love.
  12. ^ Hawgood, Alex (29 July 2015). "Alex Olson Mixes Skateboarding and Fashion". The New York Times.
  13. ^ Mehring, Jonthan (April 2014). "An Interview With Alex Olson (From the March 2014 Issue of Thrasher)". Quartersnacks.com. Thrasher.
  14. ^ "Alex Olson Skateboarder Profile". SPoT Skate Shop at Skatepark of Tampa. Retrieved 2019-11-07.
  15. ^ Meronek, Rob. "Alex Olson Profile Bio: Ranking, Photos, Video Global Rank: 1092nd Overall". TheBoardr.
  16. ^ "In This Issue: May 2015". TransWorld SKATEboarding. 24 April 2015.
  17. ^ a b c d e Hoogwater, Roland (7 December 2016). "Alex Olson - Leave A Message | Place Skateboard Culture". Place Skateboard Culture.


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