Welcome back to our “Rent Free by Fidi” column, this one is about Fidi’s visit to Paris’ own Derby cc crew. To not spoil the contents of that zine (which you can win) Friedjof asked me to have a Chat with Felix Baillet… “He is such a good and interesting guy,” he told me, so I proceeded to contact Felix and set up a date. It is not often in this game that you get into a goal-oriented conversation that entices you to want more and more… most of the time you try to get an interview done in a very concise time slot so you get to the point instead of truly bouncing off one another. In any conversation you have in a professional context things such as active listening, building rapport, cutting off a question, or even guiding the interviewee in an interesting direction are important. But unlike in a normal conversation, there is less exchange, simply because as an interviewer the article is not about you. Still sometimes, when the topics are close to your own personal interests a certain energy can start to build, a curious energy that entices you to go a little further. I have had certain of those moments like with Dustin Henry, Santiago Sasson, and now Felix Baillet. I hope you can tell that I was into it and that the energy that I felt comes seeping through these digital pages. Enjoy!

Photography by Friedjof Feye.

Intro & Interview by Roland Hoogwater.

Thinking by Felix Baillet.

Hey Felix, what’s going on? Tell me about yourself.

I’m Felix Baillet, one of the two guys who started Derby cc in 2020 with Thomas Courteille. You probably know him.

Yeah, I’ve met Thomas.

Right now, I’m a doctoral student, who just started my PhD. Derby’s more of a side project for us. It started in 2019 when Thomas came to me with the idea of doing something in Southwest Paris. We met through a skate shop, and it grew from there. Initially, it was more like a beer and brand concept. We tried making bearings, which felt exciting at the time, but it turned out to be too expensive.

The cost of production soared because the minimum order quantities went up, and we didn’t have the cash flow to keep up. You’d need to invest so much upfront just to make a small batch. It became clear that bearings weren’t sustainable for us. That’s when we shifted focus to filming, creating skate videos, and building a community around that.

So Derby isn’t making bearings anymore?

No, but we still make apparel—T-shirts, hoodies, beanies, socks. We keep it simple. Whatever small profit we make goes toward trips and new collections. We’ve been to Albania twice and all around France. It’s not about profit; it’s about creating experiences and memories.

Do you see this as a full-time job?

Not at all. It never was. I’ve let Thomas handle most things because of my studies. I focus on creative aspects like designs and let the team contribute as well. I also manage logistics—stock, shipping, and driving on tours.

Thomas has more of a team manager role on tours. He plans the spots, maps, and handles local contacts. I take care of the practical side, like driving the crew from spot to spot and making sure everything we need is there. It’s a good balance between us.

How does running a skate company fit with a master’s in philosophy? That sounds intense.

It has highs and lows. I wouldn’t say we’re running a skate company anymore; it’s more like a crew. We produce less, sell less, and focus more on skating and trips. Philosophy helps me reflect on the world, and Derby gives me an outlet. Without it, I’d be stuck in a room with books.

That said, skateboarding can sometimes feel like a mental challenge instead of an escape. I don’t skate as often as I used to—once a week, maybe less. That makes it harder because you lose momentum. Sometimes I go out and think, “Why am I so bad at this?” It’s frustrating to feel like you’re regressing. But then I see others in the crew land something amazing, and I feel just as happy for them as I would for myself. That’s the beauty of Derby—it’s about supporting each other.

What’s your take on hostile architecture? Does Paris have much of it?

Paris has its share of hostile architecture. For instance, many parks in Paris are gated and close at night, while in Berlin or the Netherlands, parks are usually open 24/7 That said, there are unique dynamics in how public spaces are designed and used. I’ve looked into how park designs in France, Germany, and England evolved differently in the 19th century. It’s fascinating how those historical roots still influence public access today.

In Paris, we’re lucky that most spots aren’t heavily policed, but I’ve experienced cities like Nîmes, where the local authorities are much stricter. In Nîmes, we were kicked out of spots within minutes, while in Paris, you can skate most places for hours without issue. Those differences shape how skaters interact with the city and how public space feels.

What’s left to say about the zine?

I’m thrilled about it. Fidi’s zine has a crafty, authentic vibe. We’ve made Derby zines with skate photos before, but this one feels special. It’s great to have physical memories. Photo albums or printed zines feel different—they’re like moments preserved on paper.

As a philosopher, do you value clear writing or deep thinking more?

Both matter, but there’s a balance. Writing needs to be accessible to its audience, but some ideas are inherently complex. For example, the philosophers I study, Deleuze and Guattari, use dense, unfamiliar vocabulary. It can be frustrating at first, but it’s worth the effort. Their work made me realize that sometimes the struggle with a text opens up new ways of thinking.

As my PhD topic is to make a connection between philosophy and geography, I am led to discuss with geographers a lot, and they often complain. But those unique words are what create new concepts and push boundaries. It’s like philosophy is meant to make you think differently, not just confirm what you already know. Accessibility doesn’t mean simplicity—it’s about sparking curiosity.

Do you have a favorite philosopher?

Gilles Deleuze. His ideas resonate with me deeply. Often, I read something and think, “I was just considering this!” It’s like he captures thoughts I haven’t fully articulated yet. His work has been life-changing for me.

Any relevant philosophy there for today’s world?

Deleuze and Guattari are incredibly relevant. Their synthesis of ideas helps navigate both personal challenges and global changes. Philosophy takes patience; even if it’s tough, keep reading. You’ll get something meaningful eventually. If not, move on to another book. But don’t feel obliged to pick up a book just because I say so. There can be as much philosophy out there, in the streets, in the world, than there is in books.

Thanks for sharing. This was insightful.

Glad to chat.