TYSHAWN JONES x WARBY PARKER

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP-DANIEL DUCASSE

There are many big names associated with skate culture, but one name you SHOULD know (if you don’t, now you will) is Tyshawn Jones. The native New Yorker whose skateboarding skills and talents has been described as “otherworldly”, and with more than just stunts and tricks, his athleticism in general has been viewed as unparalleled and unfamiliar to not only skateboard enthusiasts but even skateboard legends! Starting out his journey at the mere age of 10, it was his tenacity and literally god given talent that would set him apart from the rest, leading up to him being honored with one of the most coveted and prestigious awards in the skateboard industry in 2019 at JUST 19 years old, the Thrasher’s Skater of The Year. Accumulating sponsorships from some of the top names in fashion like Supreme, Adidas and New Era to name a few, this is just the beginning for young Tyshawn.

Tyshawn has caught the attention of yet another well respected brand, whose values and initiatives for charitable causes run deep in their DNA like Tyshawn’s, is no other than one of the top eyewear brands Warby Parker. A partnership that’s been in the works for the past couple of years, Warby Parker recognized Tyshawn’s character and approach to style as being bold, playful and naturally care-free, much like the many styles of frames that Warby Parker offers. Inviting Tyshawn to their office in Soho, which happens to be a couple blocks away from one of his favorite spots to skate, to discuss design amongst other logistics, Tyshawn was in awe of what the capabilities were. Instantly, he was attracted to a hand-layered checkerboard acetate that was designed by the Warby Parker team several years ago and so decided to pair that design with a current and classic silhouette called the “Harris” which embodies a laid back and cool style, something that Tyshawn is through and through.

To further this partnership, Warby Parker will be making a donation to Tyshawn’s alter mater Albert Einstein Middle School, which just so happens to be a long-time partner of the brands’ Pupils Project which was created to eliminate the barriers that prevent kids from getting proper vision care. Where their partners administer vision screenings and eye exams in classrooms (where teachers are often the first to spot issues) and they provide prescription glasses, which each student handpicks in a trunk show setup at school.

Check how effortlessly Tyshawn sports these frames utilizing his hometown of the Bronx as his backdrop, which includes his restaurant (co-owned with his mom) Tastes So Good