When Sole technology founder Pierre André Senizergues designs, he has two things in mind: skateboarding and the environment. “With skateboarding, I have the creative freedom to think outside the box and be innovative with both the form and function of a piece,” he says, “Introducing eco elements to design helps connect people to their natural environment and demonstrates that the resources found around us can be transformed into new creations that inhabit our lives and inspire change,” says the first professional skateboarder to own and operate footwear and apparel brands. Drawn to the Kia Soul’s fuel-efficient gas mileage, Senizergues used bamboo as a wood alternative and created mosaics from reclaimed scraps of art with bright uplifting colors for his Soul Xpression. “People should see you when you drive and the green colors reflect a greener life, while the yellow stripe represents movement in the right direction. Each of us is a part of this mosaic and it is together that we can change the future,” he says. From shoes to furniture, film and fashion, the PAS Special Projects owner believes we are all connected to the environment and that it is only by working together that we can create change. Through projects like Soul Xpression, Senizergues continuously encourages those around him. “I want people to think more consciously about their individual responsibility, and most important, use my brands to influence and inspire youth about the future of actions sports, humanity and our amazing planet.”
Name: Pierre André Senizergues
Hometown: Paris, France
Currently Resides In: Newport Beach, California
Company: Skate, footwear and apparel brands: etnies, éS, Emerica, Altamont and Thirty Two
PAS Special Projects: Skate Study House,
C-PAS
Web Sites: etnies.com, esfootwear.com, emericaskate.com, altamontapparel.com, thirtytwo.com, skatestudyhouse.com, collectionpas.com
Clients/Collaborations: Fresh Jive, Crooked Tongues, Jon One, Ed Templeton, Tim Kerr, No Age, Adult Swim, Ed Banger (coming 2010)
Ultimate Roadtrip: Costa Rican rainforests and Malibu Canyon
Favorite Music: I am a big fan of Daft Punk and what’s coming out of Ed Banger. I recently worked with Chloe, a really cool electronic DJ out of France, she has some great stuff. I also enjoy punk, rock, and reggae, just no country.
5 Things You Can’t Live Without: Sara and Mateo (girlfriend and son), skateboard, skate shoes (of course), cappuccino
5 Things In Your Car At All Times: Skateboard, skate shoes, car seat, GPS, coffee drinks
- Bamboo dash, floor mats and side panels(sustainable wood source)
- Seat fabric changed to green color (matching mosaic tiles on exterior)
- Skate wheel attached to shift gear
- Brushed aluminum side panels on doors
- Brushed aluminum emergency brake
- Seat cover, steering wheel and emergency brake lined with neoprene (recycled wet suit material)
- Exterior made from mosaic tiles (using reclaimed tile scraps)
What does Soul Xpression mean to you?
Soul Xpression means being true to yourself, your friends and family, and the world in which we live in.
What specifically influenced your design of the car?
My passion for the design of the car came from its environmental benefits. The Kia Soul gets great gas mileage, which results in a low impact to the environment. The shape of the car is very practical and easy to park. The bamboo is a great alternative to wood since you don’t need to cut down trees. The mosaics are reclaimed scraps of art with bright colors that are uplifting and refreshing.
-Skate Wheel attached to shift gear
Did you find this project challenging?
I love design. I took on the same approach and principles in designing the car as I do when designing shoes. It has to have good style, comfort, durability, and performance.