This season we’re taking inspiration from the California crew, the stone masters, who took the sport of rock climbing to new heights by injecting it with style and attitude, which laid the foundation for modern rock climbing. Ale Cesario talks to us about his crew in Milan and the current Skate hotspot.
How are you today?
I feel good but I have so many questions in my head because of this situation (the pandemic).
Where are you right now?
I am in Milan.
How have you been coping with the pandemic?
Quite well. In December last year my girlfriend and I decided to move out of town. We needed more space and to spend less money, so we moved 60km out of Milan to a small village in the middle of the hills and nature. It was like a vacation for us. I learned to be alone and think a lot.
In terms of skating, how have you found spending more time at home this past year?
It was quite fun for me. Imagine finding yourself in the middle of nature with lots of space to do what you want. I started building concrete structures for skating, little curbs and many other things. I rediscovered my creative side and started making small concrete lamps and working with iron. I would never have been able to do this in my 50 square metre home in Milan.
Going back a little, tell us about your hometown, Ravenna.
Ravenna is a very quiet city full of history and famous for its mosaics and museums. Right now I really miss going home to my family – I haven’t seen them for eight months.
How did you start skating?
I started skating thanks to a neighbour of mine. Seeing him on his skateboard made me more and more curious.
When did you make the move to Milan?
I lived there for seven years.
What brought you to Milan?
Mainly love, because my girlfriend studies in Milan. I made the decision to move in with her because living in different cities was starting to be difficult.
You have moved out of the city, but what keeps you nearby?
I would say the love I feel for this city and everything it has given me over the years, but above all my friends in Milan who are like a family to me.
Where is your favourite spot in Milan?
I don't have a favourite place. The important thing is that I'm with friends and a good beer.
Who do you skate with in Milan?
Milan is big so we meet locals in different parts of the city, but I usually skate with Ruben (Spelta), Jacopo (Carozzi), Tito (Colica), Van (Khokhlov), Luca (Scarpellin), Brisquit (awaiting surname ), Aref Koushesh – although he is studying in London at the moment – and everyone from Centrale – the whole Milan scene basically.
Who are some younger, up-and-coming kids in Milan people should look out for?
There are many kids in Milan doing a lot. I could make a long list, but I think we will be talking about them soon anyway.
Why does Milan have more to offer than Centrale?
Centrale is ideal for those who live outside the city and arrive by train. It has become a meeting point and there is a lot of history there – it’s really nice seeing where tricks by pro skaters were done in every corner of the square. It sometimes feels a bit like being at the skatepark as the situation is so good, but Milan has many other places to skate. The city is divided into zones and you need a way to reach them. Milan has the strongest scene in Italy. Everything is concentrated here and visibility is great, which creates opportunities. I believe that Jacopo has given the scene great visibility in recent years.
How is living in the current European skate hotspot? Are there any problems with so many skaters and teams visiting?
I think it is a positive opportunity for everyone here to meet new people from different countries. Personally, I think it’s great. Unfortunately I have not always been able to meet all the foreign skaters and teams because I work full-time – in Italy you don't make a living from skateboarding – but when I could, we were always welcoming and helped them explore the city.
Who was your favourite skater back when you started?
I liked Brian Wenning, Anthony Van Engelen and Paul Rodriguez in the US and in Italy, Giorgio Zattoni, Daniel Cardone, Luca Crestani and Marco Lambertucci.
Which skate video influenced you most back then?
I started skating in 2003. It was difficult to find video tapes in Italy back then and DVDs were expensive, but fortunately I found PJ Ladd's Wonderful Horrible Life and Transworld’s In Bloom.
Can you talk a little about your nickname, ‘King of Pop’? I read that you tried to distance yourself from this, but that it follows you around.
This whole thing caused me some mental problems because I didn't want to be known for something I don't like. I'm not a king and I don't want to be anyone. I don't like people recognising me for my kickflip – I want to be recognised for who I am. It was probably my fault though. I showed people what they wanted, not what I felt.
Who is your favourite Levi’s® teammate?
We have a good team and I have had a great time with everyone, but I feel like I have bonded most with Kalle (Wiehn) and Charlie (Munro). I feel closest to them.
What was your favourite Levi’s® trip?
Taipei, 100 per cent. It was amazing.
What is your favouite Levi’s® fit?
The Carpenter Pant and the Skate Baggy Jeans.
Did you used to skate in Levi’s® before riding for the brand?
I remember skating in Levi’s® a lot back when I started – there were always good vintage pieces in the markets.
How would describe your personal style?
It reminds me so much of my mom, who is no longer here. She often wore white levis and a tank top.
What are your plans for 2021?
I hope for stability in work as well as skating.