P-Rod for Nike SB Debuts at Agenda
Paul Rodriguez, aka P-Rod, wearing his new eponymous collection for Nike SB.
Action sports is really not my world. I've been to the X Games and have heard the names Tony Alva and Kelly Slater more than a few times. I have even watched Stacy Peralta’s “Riding Giants” and “Dogtown and Z-Boys.” I know the latest fashion trends, but I’m not up on all the “players” in the industry if you know what I mean. When I heard P-Rod was at the Agenda Trade Show for the launch of his new clothing line, my response was "who?" My friend Vanessa Comar explained he is one of the top skaters in the world. Now that definitely grabbed my attention.
Always prepared to get the scoop, I set out to interview P-Rod, aka Paul Rodriguez. When I discovered the collection was P-Rod for Nike SB, I suddenly realized I was about to interview the “Michael Jordan” of the skate world. And that pretty much explains the attention and success that this clothing line is sure to receive.
Rodriguez (son of comedian Paul Rodriguez) has been sponsored by Nike since 2004 and has a full line of shoes under the Nike SB label. The clothing line was launched based on the strength of how well the shoe collection has been received. According to the superstar skater, the focus of creating the collection is not only its look but its functionality. “I made the line, so I could personally feel comfortable and enjoy skate boarding,” he explained. Rodriguez credited Nike’s team for their design direction. “I like to be hands on with the direction, but Nike has some of the best designers out there,” he said.
Nike makes sport-specific clothing, and, true to form, the P-Rod for Nike SB (Skateboarding) collection caters to skaters. A full range of casual clothes was designed for comfort and mobility. The collection includes all weather clothing, logo T-shirts, sweaters, windbreakers, fitted hats, snap backs, polo shirts and chinos with plenty of stretch. Denim is slated for 2011.
The look of the collection reflects P-Rod’s personal style, which he said is influenced by hip-hop and the pro skaters he grew up watching. “I’m not yo’d out, but I’m a big fan of hip-hop. I tend to sway toward that type of style,” he said. Rodriguez said he is also inspired by the style of the legendary Tom Penny, who always looked sharp with his color-blocked look. His shoes matched his shirt and his pants match his hat. He would always wear cargos and chinos. “The way he wore his clothes and lived in his clothes, he definitely influenced me a bit. When I was young I would try to dress like him,” he said.
P-Rod at the P-Rod for Nike SB booth.
