XO Flowers

01/22/2025

Friends and Family of Gino have organized this account in his behalf. While Gin… Mariano Perez needs your support for Stand with Gino: Fire Recovery

01/16/2025

Reef Orlando for XO Flowers Summer ‘24 publication.

Vert skating often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. While street skating has dominated for decades, the art of vert ramp skating has never been lost—just overlooked to some extent. As a publisher, I felt it was important to shine a spotlight on a vert skater in particular for the very first issue of XO Flowers.

Reef Orlando is unique in that he’s not an all-terrain skater. He openly admits he doesn’t skate street or bowls, which makes his chapter in the book even more special.

This video showcases live-action photography set to music, capturing the moments as they unfolded in real-time for Reef’s 20+ page feature in the publication.

Please enjoy!
—Mike Ballard

01/16/2025

Hey Bay Area Peeps, Thomas Campbell’s Shape Shifting and other astral lint balls opening is Friday nite in Pacifica. Jan 17th, 7-9 pm at the Sanchez Art Center. I witnessed the hanging on Monday and it looks amazing! More info: www.SanchezArtCentrr.org

01/13/2025

San Diego LEGEND Kien Lieu Ollie, DTSD 2000
Photographed by Deville Nunes
Canon EoS 1N RS, Canon 70-200 f2.8
Kodak Max 400

01/02/2025

🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉
No purchase necessary—just your chance to win something epic!

We’re stoked to announce that Theo Hand’s prints are now available in the XO Flowers Gift Shop, including this iconic image of Chad Muska. Originally intended as the cover for Toy Machine’s Welcome to Hell VHS box, this legendary shot was pulled at the last minute before production—and the rest is history.

We’re giving away a stunning 24”x36” poster print of this unforgettable moment! Simply head to the Gift Shop at XOFlowers.shop and enter to win.

🏆 The winner will be announced on February 1st, 2025. Don’t miss out—enter now!

XO Flowers offers premium skateboarding and art in the form of print publications, archival prints, and apparel. With a passion for capturing the essence of skate culture through stunning imagery and photography, we bring the gnar to life. Shop XO Flowers to share the love of skateboarding and art!

12/31/2024

Check out our gift shop, posters - framed prints - apparel - relics and luster prints. Classic skateboarding.

12/24/2024

Happy Holidays from XO Flowers - https://mailchi.mp/642e21e5925f/happy-holidays-from-xo-flowers

12/21/2024

Some of these lens I have been using for 40 years shooting skate flix. Damn I am old but still doing what I love. The second XO Flowers is coming along nicely, out here in the streets getting it in. Winter 24 edition is almost in the bag. Sony FX3, Canon FD 15, 17, 20, 28, 35, 50, 85, 135 and 200. Str8 flexin.

12/21/2024

We are uploading some Classics from Theo Hand, Luster Prints, Posters and Framed Prints. "His photography speaks for itself"
Theo Hand is a visionary photographer celebrated for his ability to capture raw, emotive moments through a unique blend of artistry and authenticity. Known for his dynamic storytelling, Theo’s work spans portraiture, travel, and street photography, often spotlighting untold narratives and vibrant urban landscapes. His lens reveals a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the interplay between people and their environments. Theo’s evocative images have graced galleries, magazines, and campaigns, earning him acclaim for his bold compositions and masterful use of light. A passionate traveler, Theo finds inspiration in every corner of the world, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
www.xoflowers.shop

12/20/2024

What would’ve been the VHS box cover for Toy Machine’s “Welcome to Hell”, shot by Theo Hand in 1996. This image was used for the video premiere poster and got pulled from being in the box cover as the video went into production. this image is the next frame from the sequence with Chad dipping over the First kink, the original photo pulled for the box cover show Chad on the first section of the rail at the top. We are extremely stoked to have a vast collection of Theo‘s photography being uploaded to XO’s site. Luster Prints, Poster and Framed prints, NOW!

12/16/2024

This spread has some sass wouldn't you say. I remember the day at Girl in 1994, we shot a bunch of setups that became many many ads. The orange/yellow back drop alone yealded The Cologn ad with Eric, Mike on the Bike, The Class of 94 with all the riders included those that would be the inception team of Chocolate. The Chocolate eyes ad. Andy Jenkins and Rick Howard are pretty creative. The framed Skateboarder cover was gifted to me by the ad sales team at Skateboarder, its up for sale in the Girl/Chocolate capsule for one of you collectors to munch on.... xoflowers.shop

12/15/2024

Addition to the last post, Paulo Diaz is a man of many talents all of which he pretty much rules. Music, Skateboarding, Soccer. I think he can master just about anything. I enjoy ripping these spreads from the newest issue and sharing. Please go buy one of the books on the site. xoflowers.shop

12/14/2024

A very rare look into Paulo Diaz's room where he would spend countless hours studying and practicing a few dozen different instruments at his house in Los Feliz. This photograph taken in 1997 is of Paulo and Rudy Johnson playing me one of there many pieces of music. We would meet up there before going out to shoot skateboarding - Mike Ballard

12/14/2024

Off Broadway Celebration of 30 Years of Chocolate and Girl. Mike Ballard is one of the few that has captured images of the Girl/Chocolate riders thru out the two Iconic Brands 30 year run. Along with various images Mike has dropped a capsule with a few relics as well over at xoflowers.shop a few more items will go up in the next few days, catch this drop while its up.

12/11/2024

"The difference between a Girl and Chocolate? More flavor. Chocolate has more flavor." – Vincent Alvarez

The latest issue of XO Flowers delivers a 90+ page capsule of legendary imagery captured over 30 years by photographer Mike Ballard. Creating iconic shots becomes effortless when you're at the level of these skateboarding legend. Girl and Chocolate have long maintained teams that consistently produce timeless classics—it's just what they do. Don’t miss out—grab your copy of the latest issue now.

11/21/2024

Press Release
PIZZANISTA x Powell x Vans x Cab: The Capsule Drop of the Year!
Get ready for an unforgettable event this Saturday at PIZZANISTA San Marino! Legendary Skateboarder Salman Agah, widely recognized as the "Godfather of Switch Stance Skateboarding" and a pioneer in the skateboarding world, is unveiling an exclusive capsule collection dedicated to one of his greatest inspirations and lifelong friends, Steve Caballero.
Steve Caballero, a name synonymous with skateboarding royalty, has been a force in the industry for decades. His iconic Vans Half Cab is celebrated as the most legendary skate shoe of all time, to his enduring impact on skate culture, Cab’s legacy is untouchable.
This Saturday at high noon, the saga continues in bold fashion with a limited-edition collaboration that pays tribute to Cab’s greatness. Here’s what’s up for grabs:
• PIZZANISTA Branded Colorway Vans Half Cab – A fresh spin on the most iconic skate shoe ever.
• Limited Powell x PIZZANISTA Deck – A collector’s dream, combining two titans of skateboarding culture.
• Exclusive PIZZANISTA Box and Pesto Pie – Because no drop is complete without a slice of the action!
Only 100 of these epic kits are available, and they’ll be gone in a flash – first come, first serve.
Whether you're a die-hard skateboarding fan, a collector, or just want to be part of this historic moment, PIZZANISTA San Marino is the place to be this weekend. Don't miss your chance to snag a piece of skateboarding history.
When: Saturday, High Noon
Where: PIZZANISTA San Marino, 2461 Mission St, San Marino CA 91108
Come for the collab, stay for the vibes. Get some!

11/10/2024

Catch Gino Perez’s Tiny Works show if you can.