Dino Surf and Skate, a lifestyle apparel brand founded by three high school students during the Covid Pandemic, has begun a collaboration with Lee Clower, a well-known photographer who has helped to shape the look and feel of many apparel brands. Lee will be assisting the fledgling brand with photography for the line as well as creative direction and guidance.
“One of my passions is surfing and when I heard from a friend that 3 teen surfers were launching a surf brand, I took an interest and thought it would be fun to help,” said Mr. Clower. “When I met the boys and saw the excitement they shared and the unique designs that Nate was creating, I got excited myself,” added Mr. Clower, referring to partner Nate Rosan’s artwork for Dino.
“At first we were snapping photos on our phones and while we loved our designs, it just didn’t show them off,” said partner Avi Rosan. “When Lee offered to help us step up our game, and showed us what we could become, we jumped at the opportunity,” he added.
Lee Clower has worked for prestigious brands such as Gucci, Marc Jacobs, LL Bean, Club Monaco, Vince and The Gap and has photographed celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Joe Jonas, Elton John, Karlie Kloss and Travis Scott. His work has been featured in publications including Vanity Fair, W, The New York Times and Town and Country.
“The kids instinctively seem to know what surfers and skaters are looking for and they have a youthful sense of what the lifestyle is about and how it’s evolving,” said Mr. Clower. “I’m looking forward to mentoring the three of them as they build their business,” he added.
“We’re just really lucky to have Lee helping us,” said Simon Vulliez, the third partner. “If you see the amazing work he’s done for really large brands, it almost feels unbelievable that he is willing to work with us,” he added.
“You’re going to start to see changes and improvements to our website and social media,” said Nate Rosan. “The first photoshoot Lee did was with a really great model named Zuzanna Tarnacki. She actually surfs and skates, so it was really authentic, which was super important to us,” he concluded. Nate is a student at the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music and Art and Performing Arts, affectionately known as the “Fame” school.
Partner Avi Rosan attends The Abraham Joshua Heschel School in NYC, while partner Simon Vulliez studies at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut.
Dino Surf and Skate’s designs range from retro surfer to contemporary nomadic and tribal themes that capture the spirit of adventure. The Company currently sells its products online, but hopes to eventually offer its apparel to surf and skate stores worldwide.
“We’ve got big plans so stay tuned,” said the teens.
