Tell us about the ultra-limited, "ILL-Fated" series and where it can be found.

The "ILL-Fated" designs build on the darker, secret society storyboard that The Shadow Conspiracy is. Each graphic has a story with many interpretations. The reaction becomes the statement.

The "ILL-Fated" series along with our complete collection will be available at EM Coop store, Reed Space, In4mation, Digital gravel, and Goods BMX, and other fine retailers worldwide.

With the release of the new line and your experiment with an ultra-exclusive series, do you see this as an opportunity to mend the gap between street-wear and BMX?

I feel that new areas of expression are opening up as street-wear evolves and breaks off into subcultures. In a way I see BMX bringing a darker side to street culture. Where the loyalty to riding and supporting the artists in its industry translate into a lifestyle that is respected. I don't think it matters if your ride has 2 or 4 wheels, just as long as your project has substance and creativity. The street and BMX cultures are ready for a brand from BMX.

Recently, our own little “culture" has become enamored with BMX, props to CSBC and other bike crews. Why do you think a traditionally skate-oriented culture is veering more towards 2 wheels?

I feel that BMX can offer a rawness that is unique in design and action. A lot of heads are feeling the retro builds, which is amazing because people are feeling the history of our lifestyle. Most of these builds are from the 80's and that time period is the ground floor for what our lifestyle is today. With that being said, I think the retro builds are opening the door for subcultures to see BMX with new eyes, reconnecting people with their past, and ultimately opening them up to what BMX has progressed into. As for why people with a skate background would be down for BMX now?

Why not? They got into skating because they are free thinkers so it's inevitable they would look for something that follows that same mindset.

 

Everyone already knows about how you created UGP and made it into one of the most solid brands in BMX. How do you compare your current project, The Shadow Conspiracy, to your former project, UGP? What are some similarities and some differences?

The similarities stop at me creating each brand. UGP was a brand I created when I was 16. The products and marketing show how I grew as a person and designer. The Shadow Conspiracy is a creation where I have applied the 20 years of experience to build a story that heads worldwide can relate and belong to. Hopefully they can feel what we are putting down and become a part of this journey.

People know that you have a "question everything" approach over mainstream notions of fashion. Why is that?

Because any other route is too easy!

How does your new line, which drops July 10th, continue with that philosophy?

I think the designs will speak for themselves. All the products we create embody a feeling that is not spelled out, but rather left for the imagination to begin the journey and follow a story.

This creates a bond of like-minded people who thrive on creativity and are sick of the media dumbing everyone down and spewing a lowest-common-denominator mentality. The best movies always are the ones that show the knife but never show the stabbing.

Leaving more for your mind to create and fill in the blanks.

Shadow follows this same mind-set.

On that note, what are some things about BMX that you can't get from skateboarding?

I feel that both BMX and skate give one a sense of freedom that other lifestyles lack. Speaking from a BMX background, BMX has always given me a platform to express myself and to view the world. I do not think one is different from the other; I think they both are one in the same just one has two wheels and the other four.

With its' popularity growing everyday, where do you see the sport of BMX in 10 years?

Drunk, dirty, and having a fucking blast.

What about yourself in 10 years? Do you think you'll still be working on The Shadow Conspiracy or do you have any other projects you want to tell the people about?

I have done this now for 20 years. This is what I know and what I will be doing in some form until I die. Creating and seeing a project go from a dream to reality is what I thrive for. I'm sure over the next 10 years our crew will branch off and make other products and brands depending on where our interests wander. I never want my mind of life to be limited to any one product or thought.

Last but not least, you got any future collaborations coming up?

Ron: We have a few projects in the works that are still in the infancy stage that we can't speak of yet but we do have one project that is about to hit the streets later this year.

Shadow has teamed up with "Makr" Jason Gregory. Jason is an amazing person and his talents run deep. He is an architect, graphic and interior designer, as well as a fine leather craftsman. I feel Makr has some of the most amazing leather goods you have ever seen.

Jason and I have been friends for a few years now and we have spoken forever about working together and the time has finally come. Not giving any details, but I can say that 20 people on this earth are about to get some dope ass gifts!