🛹 Pop Trading Company: Amsterdam’s Skateboarding Vanguard

Pop Trading Company isn’t just a skate brand—it’s a cultural force that’s helped redefine the intersection of skateboarding, fashion, and art. Born in the heart of Amsterdam, this label has evolved from humble beginnings into a globally respected name. Let’s dive into its story, its impact, and what it’s up to today.

🌱 Origins: From Skateshop Roots to Global Recognition

Pop Trading Company was officially founded in 2013 by Peter Kolks and Ric van Rest, two passionate skaters and entrepreneurs who had long been embedded in the Dutch skate scene. Their journey began much earlier, around 2003, when they worked in skateshops and launched a boutique-style store called Frisco. This venture laid the groundwork for their future brand.

Initially, Pop operated as a distributor for other skate labels like Palace, Magenta, and Polar Skate Co. The name “Pop Trading Company” reflects this early role. But by 2015, they began designing their own apparel, and in Fall/Winter 2016, they launched their first full collection—blending skatewear with refined menswear aesthetics.

🎨 What Makes Pop Trading Company Notable?

Pop Trading Company stands out for several reasons:

• Skateboarding Meets Fashion: Their collections merge skate functionality with high-end fashion sensibilities. Think tailored knits, structured jackets, and clean silhouettes.

• Collaborations: They’ve teamed up with iconic brands like Burberry, Liberty London, Adidas, Paul Smith, and Vans, creating limited-edition pieces that blur the line between streetwear and luxury.

• Artistic Partnerships: Pop frequently collaborates with artists such as Piet Parra, Joost Swarte, and Rop van Mierlo, infusing their collections with unique visual identities.

• Community Engagement: The brand hosts events like B.Y.O.B.S.S. (Bring Your Own Beer Skate Sessions) and supports local skateparks and initiatives in Amsterdam.

🧑🎤 Sponsored Skaters & Skate Culture

Pop Trading Company has cultivated a strong skate team and regularly releases skate clips and full-length videos showcasing their riders. Some notable names associated with Pop include:

• Logan Da Silva Ortiz

• Hugo Snelooper

• King & Emile

• Brian Lotti

Their skate videos—like the recent full-length feature titled “POP”—are celebrated for their cinematic style and authentic street skating, often filmed in European cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Antwerp.

🔥 What’s Happening Now?

Pop Trading Company is thriving in 2025 with a slew of exciting projects:

• AW24 and SS25 Collections: These feature standout pieces like glow-in-the-dark BABY RENI artwork, laser-printed shirts by Hugo Snelooper, and cozy knits perfect for skating in colder months.

• Collaborations Continue: Recent partnerships include MAAP, Adidas, and Martens and Martens, keeping their collections fresh and culturally relevant.

• Skate Video Premieres: Their latest video “POP” premiered in major European cities and is now available online, showcasing their team’s talent and creative direction.

• Global Retail Presence: Pop’s gear is stocked in top-tier stores like END, Mr Porter, and Peggs & Son, alongside their own webshop.

Pop Trading Company's "Recycled" Video 2017

Pop Trading Company - Pop Recycled '20 Video

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