What was the process like designing your signature? Tell me a little about the features you wanted and the look.

The shoe was probably already 50 percent done already the first time I saw it. It was a high, already had the two straps, but there were a lot of things we started to change. We changed the sole on it. It was a cup sole at first, so we changed it to a vulcanized sole which skates better, because I wanted to make something that I was comfortable skating in, but at the same time was fashionable. Then we hid the laces, tucked em in so when you skate ‘em your laces don’t rip. Then we put a special sock liner on the inside, so when you slide your feet in it hugs your feet. That’s why people trip when they put it on, it’s so comfortable.

I like to strap em when I skate in ‘em, give my ankles some support. Then when I’m not skating I like to rock ‘em unstrapped, with the straps just flaring out, get the swagger going.

Supras have made an amazing rise to fashion status... and started on that road quick with the Skytop. Are there any concerns for you repping a shoe that at once needs to turn heads and also function and perform at a really high level?

From the start I wanted to do something fresh that fashionably you can go out in, but they look so sick and I knew I wanted to skate in ‘em. To me you can look good and be functional.

Supra is also known for being really inventive with material and color schemes. What’s your favorite material for a shoe? Favorite to skate in?

Oh, my favorite material is the perforated black and red we got going, I love that. To skate in the purple soft suede, cause everyone knows that suede grips and is just better for skating.

You seem adept at involving yourself in companies generating huge buzz - starting with Ice Cream and now with Supra - how important is it to you to attach your name to something that stands alone on hype?

I think being part of Supra is perfect. We were just talking about this today, we’re able to hit people from both sides with something that hits in fashion, but keep it core too. I think it’s a great thing to be able to branch out and still stay true to what I do. With Supra I feel like we get a fashion cross-over edge, but still keep the street cred.