🛹 ALIS Skateboarding: From Christiania’s Streets to Global Culture

In the heart of Copenhagen’s freetown Christiania, a cultural revolution quietly took shape in 1995. Two friends—Albert Hatchwell Nielsen and Isabelle Hammerich—founded ALIS, a brand that would become synonymous with Denmark’s underground skateboarding and streetwear scene. The name “ALIS” itself is a fusion of their first names, and that spirit of collaboration and community has defined the brand ever since.

🌱 Origins: Built on Community

ALIS wasn’t born in a boardroom—it was born in the streets. From the beginning, the brand embraced the raw energy of youth culture, skateboarding, graffiti, and hip-hop. It started with stickers—black letters on a red background—that became iconic across Denmark. By 1998, ALIS had launched its first clothing line and began selling skateboards and tees through a local streetwear shop.

But ALIS didn’t just sell gear—it built spaces. That same year, Albert constructed the Wonderland skate bowl in Christiania, a DIY haven for skaters that quickly became a cultural landmark. A year later, he and friends added a roof so skaters could ride rain or shine. Wonderland wasn’t just a bowl—it was a symbol of what could happen when a community came together.

🌍 Notable Achievements

ALIS is notable not just for its products, but for its impact:

• Wonderland Skate Bowl: Built in 1998, it remains a cornerstone of Danish skate culture.

• Global Ramp Building: Albert has helped build skate ramps in places like India, Ethiopia, and Jordan, spreading skateboarding culture far beyond Denmark.

• Underground Ethos: ALIS has always maintained a mysterious, authentic vibe—no flashy marketing, just raw culture.

• Fashion Crossover: In recent years, ALIS has made waves in the fashion world, blending skate style with high-concept streetwear.

🎒 Sponsorships and Support

While ALIS never chased mainstream sponsorship deals, it has always supported the skate community. The brand has backed independent events, competitions, and local skaters. Rather than building a traditional pro team, ALIS focused on grassroots support—giving gear, building ramps, and creating spaces for skaters to thrive.

🔥 What’s Happening Now?

Fast forward to 2025, and ALIS is experiencing a renaissance. Under the creative direction of Tobias Birk Nielsen, the brand has relaunched with a bold new vision. It’s still rooted in skateboarding and streetwear, but now it’s stepping confidently onto the international fashion stage.

Recent collections—like “Comeback Culture III” at Copenhagen Fashion Week—have fused nostalgic skate aesthetics with modern tailoring. Think acid-wash denim, graffiti-stitched bombers, and fringed slippers styled with tube socks. It’s skate culture reimagined for a new generation.

ALIS is also expanding its retail presence, with a flagship store in Christiania and a growing online shop offering everything from denim shorts to branded sneakers.

Alis Apparel "Who Cares" By Kingpin Magazine (2006) [Remastered 1080p50fps16:9]