
San Francisco’s FTC began its rise to the top of skate culture from in the back of a ski and tennis shop in 1986 and by the time they opened their first shop in 1994, FTC was strongly positioned to ride the rise of street skating as it grew its own personal, grassroots style. Over the years, FTC has also attracted and nurtured riders from all around the world and have showcased their skills through a steady stream of short videos and clips. Now for the first time FTC is working on a new full-length video that features its team from the around the world and has dropped a three-and-a-half minute promo ahead of its launch later this year. This promo features the likes of Jack Curtin, Brian Delatorre, Marquise Henry, Karl Watson, and Adrian Williams as they crash the streets of San Francisco, Barcelona, and Toyko. Check out the Part 1 of the promo after the jump.

To those outside of skateboarding circles, FTC may seem like just another skateboard brand, yet in its home town of San Francisco, it is a place where skateboarding legends are born. Already 25 years in the making, FTC is still at the forefront of skateboarding and in streetwear, offering apparel and accessories that are loved by many around the world. Take a look at their Spring/Summer 2012 collection lookbook for instance, it features legendary skateboarders Mike Carroll and Jovontae Turner, as well as PJ Ladd and James Capps. The lookbook epitomizes the Californian skateboard lifestyle, much like their collection, which is relaxed and free. via: hayabusa.bz

FTC in San Francisco’s Haight district isn’t just an independent skate shop — it’s a skateboarding institution. This past November the FTC crew celebrated their 25th anniversary with a party at Tokyo’s UNIT Daikanyama. A video recap of the festivities highlights an opening performance by Zen La Rock w/ Joy & Hammer, as well as a formidable procession of guest DJs: Muro, Sarasa, Asian Star, Masterpiece Sound, Gaines, DJ Kango, Nanmix.com, Eddile Raskel, Akeem, Big Taka, Killa Graham, Kashi da Handsome and Shingo3. The clip also includes interviews with Casual and Phesto of Bay Area hip hop collectives Hieroglyphics and Souls of Mischief, plus a conversation with FTC owner Kent Uyehara, who reveals an FTC book is forthcoming this year. Check out the video after the click.

San Francisco based skateboard store and brand FTC is celebrating their huge 25th anniversary this year. To commemorate this joyous occasion, FTC is teaming up with veteran bag maker Chrome on a limited edition Yalta backpacks. The most distinct characteristic of this bag is its roll top main compartment closure, which maximizes capacity easily. Outer shell is made from 1000 denier truck tarpaulin for ultimate weatherproofing. Apart from the backpack, FTC made an interview with owner Kent Uyehara on the history of FTC and the motivation behind this collaboration project. Check out more images and video after the jump. via: Pedal CONSUMPTION

Despite the devastating earthquakes, tsunami and now nuclear meltdown, Japan is still standing strong. However the country is in desperate need of support and this short documentary follows the journey of two talented Japanese fixed gear freestyle riders, Teppei ‘Nasty’ Iwabuchi and Yuhei ‘Marco’ Hirose, on their first trip over to San Francisco. Saint Genius took many footage of the W-Base and FTC sponsored riders and also conducted a short interview discussing their impressions of San Francisco as well as the effects of the earthquake on their daily lives. Watch the action packed full video after the jump.

By lending each other’s expertise, skate shop FTC and accessories maker SAGLIFE, best known for its durable messenger bags, designed the 3-Layer Mountain Jacket. Based on their experiences with both skateboarding and fixed gear riding, the 3-Layer Mountain Jacket addresses common for both rider types. The silhouette is proportional so it won’t constrict movements. Easy access pockets for quick stowaway during ride, plus taped inner seams to keep wearer warm and dry. Reflective logos on front with large d-ring loops for cellphone or walkie-talkie, the FTC x SAGLIFE 3-Layer Mountain Jacket comes in the traditional black along with aquamarine and purple. Currently available at FTC and SAGLIFE retailers in Japan, including STLESS of ZOZOTOWN shopping network.

The collaboration project between FTC, HECTIC and 7STARS DESIGN pays homage to the San Fransisco artist Ed Roth, who created the Ratfink character. Usually the character is riding on a chopper, however this t-shirt graphic features the character riding on a fixed gear bicycle. There are four color versions available in black and white body as well as military green and charcoal versions. The military green t-shirt is sold exclusively at FTC and charcoal t-shirt is sold exclusively at HECTIC. Also they will be releasing some skateboards that feature the same graphics in the near future.

San Fransisco skateshop For The City is more commonly known for their acronym FTC and their Autumn/Winter 2010 lookbook uses the city scape as its backdrop once again showing love to the city and its skaters. The collection looks solid including staple items such as hoodie, sweats, t-shirts, shirts and pants as well as headwear that are tough enough for skaters to wear on daily basis. Strong and bold design accents the basic silhouettes of the items. These are currently available at FTC stores and dealers world wide. via: zoetrope

FTC have just released the new items from its 2010 Summer collection including the usual t-shirts, polo shirts, shorts and much more. Each item shows the personality of FTC and several items are influenced by cycling rather than simple skateboarding and its surrounding cultures. Simplicity is the key in its design and most of the items feature just the FTC logo in a subtle way. Another interesting item is the skateboard deck with humorous FTCKYEAH graphic printed on it. All of these items are currently available at FTC online stores and FTC stores.

More new items from the FTC Summer 2010 collection will drop this Friday and the releases include a good range of t-shirts, caps, shorts and beach sandals. The staple FTC logo items are included as usual and there are New Era snap back cap in white/black/red along with a Broken Glass graphic t-shirts. As it is the World Cup month, there is the World Cup inspired t-shirt in white or gray as well. For cyclists, there are Bicycle Cap, Bike Stripes t-shirts and beach sandals that are detailed with cycle oriented colors and graphics. Monochromatic photos shot by Mark Whiteley have been turned into a simple photo print on couple of t-shirts.

February 8th is the date set for new products to roll out from the FTC Spring 2010 collection. It is a good range of items from outers, long sleeve shirts and t-shirts perfect for the upcoming seasons. Outerwear includes Clyde jacket, Jordan mountain parka, Shaq M-65 jackets that are all available in two colorways. Three colors of each long sleeve shirts are prepared for the release and four pairs of t-shirts are included. All t-shirts are screen printed with a front print graphics that show the personality of FTC. All of these items will be available at FTC stores and online shops as well as FTC dealers around the globe.
FTC
1632 Haight Street | Map
San Francisco, California
TEL #: +1-415-626-0663

Late last year, we saw a peek of the new fixed gear framest by Nabiis and FTC and now it is officially released as the new year have started. Started as one of the oldest fixed gear crews in Taipei, Nabiis have come a long way with facilitating fixed gear related events as well as pushing the retail side of things and now growing to be a brand which produces its own products.
The first product from their line up is this collaboration with FTC whose roster of skaters being avid riders. Constructed out of double butted 4130 Cro Mo tubing with English BB, standard headset, 27.2mm seat post and Nabiis x FTC decals painted on. Currently these are available in four colorways and sizes from 480mm, 500mm, 520mm and 540mm. For The City (black/gold) model will only be available in FTC stores in SF, Sacramento, Tokyo and Barcelona.


