Zoo York co-founder Eli Morgan Gesner on the truth about 'success'
- Text by Huck HQ / Anthony Pappalardo
- Photography by Andrew White
#9 – Eli Morgan Gesner
As the co-founder of Zoo York, Eli Morgan Gesner saw his brand gain the adoration of skaters and denim-heads worldwide. What’s more, by the time Ecko purchased the company, he’d managed to achieve the sort of financial success that eludes many small, independent fashion labels and skate brands. In many ways he looked to be living the dream. Before long, though, Gesner chose to leave the company in search of new adventures. Now making his first film, Gesner told us about his insatiable desire for new challenges.
“You have to figure out what you value in life. Our society tries to sell you on the idea of accumulating money and material good — that makes you successful. The house, the hot car, a dope sneaker collection — it’s a fucking lie. I’m the person that sells it to you and I’m telling you it’s a fucking lie. The value in life, is life.”
This is just a short excerpt from Huck’s Fiftieth Special, a collection of fifty personal stories from fifty inspiring lives.
Grab a copy now to read all fifty stories in full. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss another issue.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
London’s largest indoor skatepark to be demolished for padel courts
Better Extreme — The Barking skatepark’s fate follows that of similar indoor spaces in recent years, with operators GLL citing falling visitor numbers as the reason behind the decision.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York
A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Inside Lower Duck Pond, the nicest town on the internet
/r/HaveWeMet — With a population of 2,500 and no fixed location, the subreddit is a space for roleplaying citizens to solve mysteries, host fictional events and ultimately connect. In an internet that’s often divided and toxic, Vicky Jessop hangs out in one of its most wholesome corners.
Written by: Vicky Jessop
A major Nan Goldin exhibition is coming to London
You Never Did Anything Wrong — Opening at the Hayward Gallery in November, the show will debut a new film from the artist and activist, alongside a slate of recent work.
Written by: Jack Dennison-Thompson
