AMBASSADOR OF THE NYC SKATE SCENE
Born & raised in Washington Heights, Alex rolled his way downtown, becoming a key figure in the Lower East Side skate community & one of the most trusted and respected voices in NYC skateboarding.
Alex had a knack for always being in the right place at the right time... cast in Larry Clark’s cult classic Kids, he appeared alongside Harold Hunter, Rosario Dawson, and Chloë Sevigny. The film captured NYC’s raw, rebelius energy, and Alex didn’t act — he lived it.
From there, his influence on NYC skate culture deepened: Chosen to hold down & manage the original Supreme store in Soho, Alex transformed it from a humble skate shop into a cultural epicenter which forever changed the landscape of fashion & skate culture around the world: eventually selling to VF Corp for over 2 billion dollars shortly after their insanely popular collab with Louis Vuitton.
In 2010, he co-edited Full Bleed: New York City Skateboard Photography, the definitive visual history of NYC skateboarding, including a forward by the legendary Tony Hawk. Equal parts street and art, it’s more than a book — it’s a time capsule of grit, style, and spirit.
Maybe most importantly, Alex also gave back — constantly. Through his work with the Harold Hunter Foundation, he organized events, mentored kids, and launched Adult Go Skateboarding Day NYC, helping older skaters stay connected while welcoming the next generation.
Today, he’s co-producing an ESPNseries on NYC skate culture and just premiered his new filmEmpire Skateto a sold out audience at NYC's legendary Angelika theater.
In 2010, he co-edited Full Bleed: New York City Skateboard Photography, the definitive visual history of NYC skateboarding, including a forward by the legendary Tony Hawk. Equal parts street and art, it’s more than a book — it’s a time capsule of grit, style, and spirit.
Maybe most importantly, Alex also gave back — constantly. Through his work with the Harold Hunter Foundation, he organized events, mentored kids, and launched Adult Go Skateboarding Day NYC, helping older skaters stay connected while welcoming the next generation.
Today, he’s co-producing an ESPNseries on NYC skate culture and just premiered his new filmEmpire Skateto a sold out audience at NYC's legendary Angelika theater.
Alex Corporan is more than a skater.
He’s a connector, a curator, and a cultural archivist.
A Lower East Side fixture who bridges generations — and still rolls through the city with the same spirit he started with.
NY State of Mind was born from the same streets Alex helped define. He inspired this brand long before the first Tee was ever printed.
Our vibe, our aesthetics, our principles — they all trace back to the culture he helped build.
Thanks for everything Alex!
Akira Ruiz, born-and-raised in New York City, he has been documenting the soul of the city for over two decades. His work moves between street, fashion, music, and documentary—with a sharp eye and deep roots in the culture. A longtime supporter of NY State of Mind, Akira came through for this shoot out of pure love for NYSOM and his desire to see the brand flourish. No ego, no agenda—just one of NYC’s realest, doing what he does best.
Check out more of his work at www.akiraruiz.com or @akiraruiz
