The Hundreds is proud to announce the release of our latest 2 collaborations, The Hundreds X Blockhead Skateboards and The Hundreds X Acme Skateboards, available September 29, 2016 in our Online Shop, The Hundreds flagship locations, and at select retailers.
The mid ’80s to the early ’90s was a tumultuous time in the world of skateboarding. Corporate skateboarding had taken a stronghold on the sport, introducing stale, uninspired brands paired with industry instability. With a spirit of irreverence and a desire to fight back, two DIY brands were ready to swim against the current: Acme and Blockhead. As Jim Gray, founder of Acme, put it, “From the day we started, we were at odds with the industry.” At the time, DIY companies weren’t supposed to happen, let alone thrive, but the growth of both Acme and Blockhead was local, organic, and completely unplanned. But that’s what happens when your passion drives you—when giving up is not an option. Dave Bergthold, founder of Blockhead, put it very simply: “I wanted to work in skateboarding because that’s all I cared about.”
What began in small garages grew into two iconic, unforgettable skateboard brands of the ‘90s that meant the world to Bobby Hundreds. The first skateboard Bobby ever owned was an Acme “Classic;” the first skate video he had was “Debbie Does Blockhead.” Inspired by Dave and Blockhead, and Jim and Acme’s unflinching vision, The Hundreds comes together with the legendary brands for the The Hundreds X Blockhead Skateboards and the The Hundreds X Acme Skateboards collections. The collaborative Blockhead capsule consists of two T-shirts featuring throwback skate graphic aesthetics, a pullover hooded sweatshirt, polo cap, and pin. The collaborative Acme capsule consists of two graphic T-shirts, a long-sleeve crew neck T-shirt, a snapback cap, and logo pin.
About Acme Skateboards
Acme Skateboards was started in my Costa Mesa Garage 1991. We shipped $103,000 worth of product the first day, sight unseen. Our philosophy was simple, quality product supported by top skaters all based on the reputation of the brand first, not just the names of the Pro and quite often Amateur Skaters whose Models others used to front their companies. We were determined to build our reputation on products, not live and die by whoever rode for us. Acme quickly grew to a company with 100 employees and millions in sales annually, with an amazing team of riders and brands, and some of the best advertising ever done in the skateboard industry, but we were always at odds with the skate industry and their smoke and mirrors tactics. Acme grew quite a following and was known for making high quality skateboards. I was the only Pro Skater that ever built his own Major manufacturing plant and manufactured my own skateboards. Between 1995 and 2008 when I closed the factory we had sold Acme products to over 60 countries and produced about 2 million skateboards both for ourselves and other major skateboard brands. In 2008, I closed the factory after price pressure from Overseas Chinese imports largely being imported without “Made in China” labels on them undermined our ability to make any sort of profit. Acme lived and died staying true to skateboarding. With this Collab with the Hundreds, Acme lives again… Jim Gray, Founder of Acme Skateboards
About Blockhead Skateboards
Blockhead was founded in 1985 in a northern California garage by Dave Bergthold and rolled strong for about ten years. During that time many friendships were made, good times were had, careers were launched, momentous ramps were built and lots of great skateboarding went down. Blockhead definitely made it’s mark in the skateboarding world whether it was the original style of Ron Cameron’s artwork, heated sessions on the most famous mini-ramp of all times ‘The Blockhead Ramp’, or the wealth of talented individuals that went on to shape the future of the skateboard industry or excel as professional skateboarders.
About The Hundreds
The Hundreds is a 2-part project that houses a Classic Californian Streetwear brand and media platform dedicated to Global Street Culture. Founded by Bobby Kim (Bobby Hundreds) and Ben Shenassafar (Ben Hundreds) in 2003, the Los Angeles-based company incorporates their trademark attitude and personal perspective on street subculture, with an emphasis on people over product. The Hundreds clothing encompasses T-shirts, denim, wovens, fleece, headwear, and outerwear. Much of the brand narrative is told through collaborations, with partners like Disney, adidas, and Garfield. Currently, The Hundreds is stocked worldwide, with flagship locations in L.A.’s Fairfax District (est. 2007), San Francisco’s Union Square (est. 2008), and SoHo, New York (est. 2010).
