Gio Estevez, a true trailblazer in the world of skating and design, holds the unique title of being the very first hire at Supreme. This streetwear heavyweight, launched by James Jebbia in 1994, needed an authentic voice that could genuinely connect with the skating community. Estevez was the perfect fit. Now, almost three decades later, Estevez returns to his roots in the Spring-Summer 2023 collection, bringing two new Supreme items with his artwork.
Estevez has remained a vital figure in the skate and design culture even after his tenure at Supreme. He has partnered with leading brands like Burton, Casio, and Converse, showcasing his design prowess. But that wasn’t enough for this creative genius. Estevez launched his own line, ANX Originals, in 1999, delivering unique pieces.
In the early days of Supreme, Estevez was instrumental in molding the brand’s identity. It was him who put together the first Supreme team, essentially a group of his fellow skaters. This gave Supreme an authentic pulse that was appreciated by hardcore skaters and casual admirers alike. His approach played a massive role in Supreme’s organic growth, turning it from a hub for skaters into a global brand. Fun fact: Four of the skaters on Supreme’s original skate team appeared in the film “Kids” by Larry Clark.
Beyond his work with Supreme, Estevez has proven his artistic and design abilities time and again. He collaborated with Mo’ Wax in 1999 and later in 2014, with their combined efforts leading to the creation of the Nike X Mo’ Wax Build and Destroy Collection. Estevez’s designs were met with instant acclaim, as seen when a Mo’Wax Supreme Box Logo Tee featuring his artwork “Build and Destroy” sold out in a flash.
As we gear up for 2023’s Spring-Summer season, Estevez’s fans are brimming with anticipation. The Three Kings Skate Deck, originally set to drop in 2022, will finally be released. And to add to the excitement, a never-before-seen Tee from the Supreme summer tee collection is also on the way with Gios artwork. These are yet more must-have pieces that reinforce Estevez’s standing as a design maestro.
Estevez’s enduring influence on skating, design, and art cannot be overstated. As we await the unveiling of the Three Kings Skate Deck and the unseen Tee, it’s a testament to his vision and creativity that continues to shape the world of streetwear. From being Supreme’s first hire to now, his journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Make sure to check out the full Supreme droplist releasing Thursday June 22nd.
