Real Youth In Paris

Skateboarder performing a jump in a Paris street spot under trees, capturing the energy of real youth culture in Paris.

Tough Challenges That Unite
The Real Skate Scene In Paris

Skateboarding, which originated in California in the 1950s,
spread across the globe and became firmly established as a culture in its own right.
In Paris, skate culture, closely linked to G-SHOCK, has taken on a character all its own.
To explore its evolution and how it has become part of the city, we brought together a group of talented young Parisian skaters,
led by Mustapha Salem, a model and sponsored rider for some of the world’s most renowned skate brands.
Through our conversation with Mustapha and an accompanying photo story,
we offer a look into the raw authenticity and resilience of Paris’s youth culture.

Group of Parisian youths standing together in a street, representing the city’s skate and street culture community.

Collage of candid moments from Paris youth culture, including skateboarders, street photography, friends gathering, and everyday life in the city.

This is a photo of a white T-shirt featuring an illustrated graphic designed by Pablo Attal.

Interview

Skateboarding Builds Bonds
Stronger Than Blood

Now 20, Mustapha represents numerous skate brands, while continuing to lead the next generation of Paris skaters. He has taken skate trips to cities like New York and Berlin, and he reflects on what makes Paris’s skate culture unique.

"I was born and raised in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, where there was no skateboarding community. When I was 13, I moved to République in the 10th arrondissement, and a friend took me to a skate park for the first time. That was my introduction to skateboarding. From then, brands began reaching out and giving me opportunities to model and travel overseas. Skateboarding has expanded my world in ways I never imagined. Paris is a city that can open those doors, but not everyone gets the chance. The only way to grab an opportunity is to give your very best and keep taking on tough challenges."

Skateboarding demands constant mental toughness, and Mustapha knows well the mindset needed to overcome injuries and fear.

"Skateboarding is a battle with yourself. Landing a trick can take a long time, and you have to be willing to take on dangerous spots. Injuries are common, so both physical and mental resilience are essential. You need to block out everything else and focus entirely on the trick in front of you. It’s only by pushing yourself to the limit that you can truly improve. When friends is struggling with a trick, I always tell them to push themselves harder."

Young skateboarder riding through a tree-lined Paris skate spot along a riverside walkway.

Friends are another essential part of skateboarding. As Mustapha’s circle of peers has grown, so has a community of highly skilled skaters who challenge and inspire one another. "Most of the members together with me now are friends I met through skateboarding. When we first came together, we would skate from midday until night, so absorbed that we forgot to eat. Spending our days thinking only about skateboarding created a deep bond between us. Sharing the same passion brought us closer than friends and we feel like family. In the future, I want to protect this community by valuing the energy of those around me and supporting one another in launching personal projects."

Group of skateboarders riding across a bridge in Paris with the city skyline in the background.

Profile.

Mustapha Salem

Mustapha first stepped onto a skateboard at the age of 13. From 15, he had already caught the attention of Nike, earning a sponsorship that set him apart as a rising talent. Today, he is one of the most recognized faces in Paris’s youth skate scene, modeling for Supreme and engaging in a wide range of projects centered on skateboarding.

Instagram. @alrightmouss

Photography. Ben Chadourne
Coordinate. Mariko Tase
Interview & Text. Katsuya Kondo_THOUSAND