Vans Celebrates Grand Prize Winner and Runner Up Finalists in High School Custom Culture Competition

May 23 22 under Art, Contests, Customs, Heritage, NEWS | Comments Off

Moanalua High School has won $50,000 for their high school’s art program in the 13th annual Vans High School Custom Culture competition

Vans is thrilled to announce Moanalua High School as the winner of the 13th annual Vans Custom Culture competition and honoree of $50,000 for their school’s art program. The remaining four finalists, Central High School, Avella Jr. Sr. High School, Sisters High School, and Wrangell High School will also receive limited-edition Vans gifts and $15,000 to support their school art programs.

New this year, each of the top five schools will receive an artist mentorship lesson from one of Vans’ art ambassadors: Tony Whlgn, Sydney G. James, Jay Howell, Todd Francis, Mich Miller, Kelly Breez, Camilo Medina, Noah Humes, O.J. Hays, Tony Whlgn, Sara Yukiko Mon, and David Heo.

Finalists

Moanalua High School – Honolulu, HI

Wrangell High School – Wrangell, AK

Sisters High School – Sisters, OR

Avella Jr. Sr. High School – Avella, PA

Central High School – Knoxville, TN

To celebrate this incredible moment, students at Moanalua High School received a surprise party on their high school campus, including a special guest appearance from singer-songwriter Bishop Briggs to celebrate at the school’s campus.

“Moanalua’s graduation was this week. Knowing that I ended my senior year with this win… I’m really happy and I wanted to cry happy tears,” said Jaidalyn Kamaunu, a senior at Moanalua. “We worked nearly every day after school for about one to two hours a day. There were days on the weekends, we would dedicate a whole entire seven-hour workday just to work on the shoes,” noted another Moanalua student, 11th grader Dianne Cabico.

Thank you to our partners for empowering this competition, including Yoobi, Vans’ exclusive art supplies partner who provided gift cards to all the participating schools for them to purchase much-needed art supplies, Scholarship America for community-based scholarship programs, and Journeys, who awarded all participating students a gift card to their store in recognition of their accomplishments.

Vans Custom Culture has reached hundreds of thousands of students, continuing to show how impactful art programs are by donating over $1,110,000 USD back to high school art programs to date. Please visit Vans Custom Culture to learn how to register your school next year or follow us on social at @VansCustomCulture for design inspiration and how-to lessons from Vans art ambassadors.

pics after the jump

Vault by Vans x Krink – Collection (3.25.22)

Mar 14 22 under Art, Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Leading with a sense of DIY and empowered by creative expression, Vault by Vans is proud to partner with Brooklyn-based Krink. Krink began as the first ink and paint market brand for graffiti writers and grew exponentially into an international art supply brand with continually expanding collections of apparel, artist tools and accessories. Inspired by Krink’s founder, Craig Costello, who grew up writing graffiti, skateboarding, and listening to punk and hip-hop, DIY sensibility informed much of what he and his community did in their youth. These core tenants influenced the early beginning of Krink and have remained an important part of the brand’s ethos. This collaboration with Vault by Vans celebrates these creative communities through functional design

Shot in Los Angeles, California by De’lon, the collection features artist Erin D. Garcia, two members of Krink’s creative community. The six-piece collection features three footwear silhouettes and three apparel pieces that celebrate the history and heritage of Krink with functional design details for graffiti writer’s everyday wear. Leading the footwear assortment is the Authentic VLT LX that has been remastered in Krink’s signature silver. It features a thick-gauged ballistic nylon upper, which provides an elevated level of breathability while remaining durable, gray monochromatic outsole, silver metal eyelets and 3M reflective heel pull. The Old Skool VLT LX will be available in two classic offerings of black and navy. Each model features a Krink New York City logo inspired by the iconic super permanent stickers developed by the brand that can adhere to any surface. Vans’ iconic Sidestripe has been updated with a 3M reflective material along with a heel pull. Each of the footwear models are finished with 3M reflective Krink branding on the tongue and co-branded UltraCush™ footbeds.

Krink is rooted in making tools through modification and repurposing. From custom inks and paints to specialty delivery systems, Krink is dedicated to invention and creativity, while bringing functionality with art and design. This philosophy is carried through to the three-piece apparel assortment that includes Vault by Vans x Krink shirt featuring a custom tag created by Costello, while the Photo Shirt features a photo from Costello’s archives of a jacket he modified – sewing in a hidden pocket to stash paint and markers. The photo serves as inspiration for the Vault x Krink Drill Chore Coat, which brings the stash pocket to life. The tonal black shell includes two interior 3M reflective pockets with contrasting stitches visible on the exterior, a nod to Costello’s original diy sewing.

The Vault by Vans x Krink Collection will be available beginning March 25, 2022, at select Vault by Vans retailers.

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Vans Skate x No Comply x Daniel Johnston – Collection (3.24.22)

Mar 14 22 under Art, Collaborations, Pro, Skate | Comments Off

Locally grown in Austin, Texas, No-Comply Skateshop celebrates 15 years with the release of their third exclusive collaboration with Vans Skateboarding. No-Comply is honored to have its endeavors represented by the art and memory of Austin legend Daniel Johnston. A portion of the footwear sales will benefit the ‘Hi, How Are You Project’ and its mission to encourage open conversations around mental health.

With the creation of the third Vans x No-Comply x Daniel Johnston collection, No Comply had the opportunity to continue their partnership by supporting The Contemporary Austin in their exhibition “I Live My Broken Dreams”, Daniel Johnston’s first ever museum exhibition, currently on display through March 20th; and also by supporting a Daniel Johnston mural on the wall of The Contemporary Austin. The experience of their exclusive release will include a viewing of the mural, followed by a walk through of the full exhibition and an invitation to the celebration on March 19th.

The collection features a Vans Skate Half Cab, Vans Skate Grosso Mid, Vans Slip-On Trek, plus apparel and accessories. The Vans Skate Grosso Mid and Vans Slip-on Trek will be sold exclusively through No-Comply Skateshop. The Vans x No-Comply collection will be released as an experience and “pop up store” in The Contemporary Austin at the Jones Center, Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, March 20, 2022 from 12pm to 3pm (includes gift with purchase). The online release will be 7pm Sunday, March 20, 2022 at nocomplyatx.com. Followed by a release at finer Vans skate retailers globally on March 24, 2022.

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Vans x Crayola – Collection (2.18.22)

Feb 17 22 under Apparel, Art, Collaborations, General Release, Kids | Comments Off

Info via Hypebeast:

“Since their first collaboration a decade ago in 2010, Vans and Crayola are bringing the color back for a collection comprised of footwear, apparel, and accessories for the entire family.

From the Authentic Van Doren Inspired styles and the Authentic DIY/Sketch Your Way styles to the ComfyCush SK8-Hi® and the Classic Slip-On, the latest collection sees vibrant, expressive Crayola designs across canvases of iconic Vans sneakers. In addition, the ComfyCush Old Skool comes in a blank canvas for personalization.

Other apparel items adorned with hand-drawn illustrations include durable cotton tees and hoodies. The Vans x Crayola Crayon tee, for one, is scribbled with a Vans’ Checkerboard motif down the sleeve. Rounding off the range are colorful accessories such as socks, caps, backpacks, and tote bags. In particular, the mini backpack in cotton canvas comes with a novelty crayon pocket.

With sneakers and apparel items coming in both adults and kids sizes, the Vans x Crayola Collection that has something for everyone will be available from February 18 on the official website and at Vans retailers.”

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Vault By Vans x Worksout – “1st Anniversary” Custom OG Authentic LX (2.26.22)

Feb 17 22 under Art, Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports and lifestyle brand, is proud to present an exclusive capsule collection with Korean streetwear retailer Worksout. The collection, strictly limited to 90 pairs, will be released on February 26th, marking the first anniversary of ‘Vans by Worksout’.

The limited edition collection features the Authentic LX, a classic Vault by Vans silhouette, reimagined in a unique way using natural dyeing. Inspired by a traditional Korean color spectrum, the design highlights the five Obangsaek colors (yellow, blue, red, white, and black) and wishes for good fortune and wellbeing of the store and its customers. The colors, which are obtained from organic sources, give the collection a vintage look. Special shoelaces with 6 strands and cotton webbing provide an even richer feel to the Vault by Vans silhouette.

Worksout was established in 2003. It has since evolved into one of the most visited streetwear addresses in Seoul. In March last year, Vans and Worksout opened the ‘Vans by Worksout’ store on the first floor of the Ryse Hotel in Hongdae, to make Worksout one of the official retailers of ‘Vault by Vans’, the pinnacle category of the brand.

The Vans by Worksout collection will be launched on February 26th, in accordance with the anniversary, with only 90 pairs available. You can find the latest updates about ‘Vans by Worksout’ on the store Instagram account @Vans_Worksout.

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More than 18,000 Fans Across the World Celebrate #VansCheckerboardDay as Vans Donates Over $1M to Help Revitalize Local Communities

Dec 15 21 under Art, Events, Heritage, History, NEWS | Comments Off

Today, Vans, the original action sports brand and advocate for creative expression is proud to announce that with the help of over 20 non-profit partners, the brand was able to commemorate the third-annual Vans Checkerboard Day on November 18 by encouraging more than 18,000 fans to leverage creative self-expression to better our communities around the world through events and activities across art, action sports, music, and film.

Some of the regional activations included:

Colectivo Tomate worked with the Mexico City community to transform a skatepark, keeping the local skateboarding scene. The community also created a mural painting while enjoying art workshops and skateboarding showcases.
Sustainable Coastlines created an interactive art piece about plastic pollution with the community at Waikiki Beach, Hawaii while completing a beach cleanup.
Groundswell met at Middle School 664 in Brooklyn to create a mural and host a printmaking activation for kids and the local community.
JUJU and Surf Ghana hosted a variety of activations at Besua Beach in Ghana. Activities included a beach clean-up, free surf lessons, an art performance, film screening and custom culture workshop.
The Indigo Youth Movement brought together the Cape Town, South Africa community to complete a mural painting, participate in gardening and host a tie-dye workshop and kids skate lesson with the Vans team.
Hackney Bumps hosted an event at the new skate obstacle created by Concrete Commanders Betong Park and inspired by designs skaters in the community had submitted leading up to Vans Checkerboard Day. The event also included graffiti painting, giveaways, and a design submission showcase.
Girls in Film hosted its own mini film festival welcoming the community in London to meet fellow filmmakers and skateboarders including community screenings, industry discussions and a networking party.

To further this mission to drive positive change, more than $1 million was donated by Vans and The Vans Checkerboard Fund at Tides Foundation, to 15 regional charities and global partner DoSomething.org to support the mission of revitalizing communities around the world.

“Now almost two years into a global pandemic, community connectivity and public spaces have been in direct need of support,” says Doug Palladini, Vans Global Brand President. “As a brand that champions the power of creativity, it was important for us to utilize our third annual Vans Checkerboard Day as not just our biggest philanthropic moment of the year but to proactively take action through creative endeavors that drive positive change all around us. Whether fans participated in regional events, the TikTok challenge or showed support for the movement by wearing the Checkerboard pattern, each individual reinforced that we stand for something that makes the world a better place.”

This year’s global partners were GoodPush, Groundswell, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, Colectivo Tomate, Nations Skate Youth, Dignity for Children, Another Way of Seeing, ArtDream, Skateboard Academy, Hackney Bumps, Juju Surf Club, Indigo Youth Movement, Girls in Film, Jukebox Collective and The Hub. Each of the 15 regional partners received $50,000 USD from The Vans Checkerboard Fund at Tides Foundation or via a direct donation from Vans to continue their impact. Vans also donated $250,000 to its global partner DoSomething.org, with $25,000 going toward scholarships.

Vans Fans donated a total of 5 million of their own Vans Family points through the Vans app to raise an additional $25,000 for DoSomething.org scholarships and shared how they sported their checkerboard and supported their community on November 18 through the #VansCheckerboardDay challenge on TikTok which garnered over 11 billion video views.

Since the inception of Vans Checkerboard Day in 2019, Vans has donated more than $3 million to creative charities globally, enabling creative expression in communities around the world. Vans believes that creativity is an essential part of being human and that everyone should be able to express themselves through the unique mediums that come from action sports, art, music and street culture. The Vans Checkerboard Fund at Tides Foundation was established to support Vans’ ability to provide monetary support to nonprofit organizations that provide the skills, support and opportunities needed to build a more equitable society where all have the opportunity to realize their creative potential. Organizations can visit www.vans.com/checkerboardday to learn more.

Vans x MoCA – 2nd Release (11.12.21)

Nov 9 21 under Art, Collaborations | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Info via Hypebeast:

“Vans has continued its collaboration with Los Angeles’ MOCA, following last month’s celebration of Californian culture with a new art-themed release. The new capsule covers both footwear and apparel, and features designs from a trio of Californian artists.

Artist Judy Baca has taken inspiration from her 1984 work Hitting the Wall, Women in the Marathon, that was commissioned for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. This artwork is recreated across the Vans Old Skool silhouette and a matching jacket, while Baca’s 1990 work The World Wall: Triumph of the Hearts adorns a fleece pullover.

The second artist participating in the capsule is Brenna Youngblood, who transforms the Authentic and Classic Slip-On silhouettes through colorful and 3D prints that references the assemblage often used in her work. Rounding out the capsule, Frances Stark has celebrated the city of Los Angeles through a hand-drawn map across the Old Skool, showing the streets that have inspired her throughout her life. Stark’s celebration of L.A. also covers a new Sk8-Hi design.

The second MOCA x Vans collection is due to release on November 12, and will be available via the Vans web store, select retailers and the MOCA store.”

House of Vans: If These Walls Could Talk (Vans Family Exclusive!)

Nov 3 21 under Accessories, Art, Bands, Events, Heritage, History, House of Vans | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

THE HOUSE OF VANS IS WHERE “OFF THE WALL” LIVES. This book celebrates the first ten years of the global phenomenon. Packed with hundreds of images and stories capturing the unforgettable moments fans experienced skating the skate parks, seeing legendary shows on stage and so much more. These pages will make you feel like you’ve walked into a House of Vans and get you stoked to make new memories of your own at House of Vans.

Only available to Vans Family members, get your copy now and see some of the best moments (so far) of the home to the creativity that moves us.

Vans x MOCA – Collection (Nov. 2021)

Oct 12 21 under Art, Collaborations | Comments Off

info via Hypebeast:

Vans has teamed up with Los Angeles’ Museum of Contemporary Art for a four-piece footwear project. The new collection is a celebration of California’s culture and creativity and includes silhouettes such as the Authentic, Slip-On, Sk8-Hi and the EVDNT UltimateWaffle.

Each take in this range is styled in its own unique way in terms of its color-blocking, but they all feature the graphic design icons made by Ivan Chermayeff and
Tom Geismar in the 1980s. The most flashy of bunch is the Authentic pair which dons an all-over green and white polka dot pattern and the aforementioned logo on the lateral sides. Slip-Ons are predominantly done up in white, but feature blue and white checkerboard patterns around the collars, and the toe boxes equally split up the MOCA acronym. The Sk8-His here opt to go with a two-toned motif with white being the hue that covers most of the ground. Adjacent is a bold red that submerges the heels while faint gray branding is adorned on each foot. Lastly, the EVDNT UltimateWaffle opts for the grayscale aesthetic. Uppers and sole units are done up in a cool gray tone, and come ornamented with black branding atop the side panels and the tongues.

Look for these to drop sometime in November, according to Hypebeast

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VANS PARTNERS WITH FOUR RISING VISUAL ARTISTS TO HONOR LATINX HERITAGE MONTH WITH ‘SO MUCH MORE’ INITIATIVE

Sep 30 21 under Art | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, has partnered with four rising visual artists to honor Latinx Heritage Month as part of the ‘So Much More’ initiative. Putting the power in the hands of the young Latinx creatives, ‘So Much More’ works to break down preconceived, one-dimensional notions of Latino identity through each artist’s interpretation of what Latino culture means to them. The artists explored varying themes and ideas such as food, traditions, symbols, etc., through one-of-a-kind designs, ultimately presenting authentic, multi-faceted depictions of Latinidad, showing that there is so much more to the dynamic community. The featured artists include Colombian American nonbinary artist Marisa Fulper, visual artist and musician Camilo Medina, Chicago-based artist Tatee Garcia and Los Angeles-based painter Daniel Gibson.

Vans understand the power of the Latinx community and the importance of amplifying and supporting their voices today. The initiative exists solely to empower young creatives and show the many ways that Latinx culture influences the world we live in today. The posters will be available in limited quantities at Vans stores throughout the US, including shops in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and more – list of cities below.

Additionally, Vans will be launching special programming on its Channel 66 station featuring Latinx artists and creatives such as Totem Magazine, Salt Cathedral, and Buscabella.

To learn more about each individual’s inspiration and for exclusive audio interviews behind their artwork, visit vans.com/latinx.

CH66 SCHEDULE

Totem TV Presents Latinx Creators – 9/30 – 10 am to 12 pm PST

DJ Set by Salt Cathedral – 10/6 – 8 am to 10 am PST

DJ Set by Buscabulla – 10/14 – 2 pm to 4 pm PST