Vault By Vans x Wacko Maria – OG Authentic LX (Available Now!)

Mar 23 21 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

“Tokyo-based clothing and record label Wacko Maria has teamed up with Vault by Vans to release a new collaborative collection for the spring. Inspired by a shared love of music and collector culture between the brands, the Vault by Vans x Wacko Maria collaboration features two colorful variations of the iconic OG Authentic LX Vans sneaker. The collection will be released in two special product drops this season.

The first drop of the Wacko Maria x Vault by Vans collaboration will release later this month and feature a unique twist on Vans’ first footwear silhouette, the Authentic. The sneaker features a repeating vinyl record pattern that incorporates Vans’ iconic Checkerboard print on the lateral and medial. The graphic vinyl images may also remind fans of digging for records at Wacko Maria’s “Paradise Tokyo” flagship store. With a black vamp, black contrast piping and a black heel stripe to enhance the shoe’s design, the collaborative model gives off a bold touch of pop art flair. The first release offers the OG Authentic LX in three colorways: baby blue, light pink and white.

By creating this unique pattern with Vans, Wacko Maria is able to bring a touch of its bold patterns and passions for vinyl culture, film and art to an expressive piece of footwear. Founded in Tokyo with the philosophy that “music is the trigger of imaginations,” it was only natural that this Vans collaboration would include a music-related design. With a focus on craft and detail, the Wacko Maria x Vault by Vans collaboration is an opportunity for both brands to offer creative expression in a special edition shoe.

The first drop of the Vault by Vans x Wacko Maria collection will be available globally at select Vault by Vans retailers on March 20. Stay tuned for more information about the second drop that’s scheduled to release in May.”

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Vans x SE Bikes – Collection (April 2021)

Mar 22 21 under BMX, Collaborations | Comments Off

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

Vans the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, has become known for its collaborations with like-minded leaders in the action sports industry. This season, the brand partners with legendary BMX brand SE Bikes for a collection that celebrates bike life culture and honors both brands’ legacies.

In 1970, at just 14 years old, Scot Breithaupt organized the first ever BMX race in a vacant lot in Long Beach, California. The rest, as they say, is history, as Scot became one of the main forces in growing the sport. Seven years later, he founded Scot Enterprises, and SE Racing was born. Best known for its “PK Ripper” bike, designed in 1979 and named after BMX legend Perry Kramer, SE has evolved along with the sport, innovating and introducing new bike styles.

The Vans x SE Bikes collection brings SE branding to Vans’ Style 36 silhouette—the 1978 forefather of today’s Old Skool, which debuted the brands now iconic Sidestripe. Available in three different colorways, the shoe features reflective checkerboard detailing and sidewall art that calls out some of SE’s most popular bikes. For little riders who prefer to ditch the laces, the collection also features a Velcro version of the modern Old Skool in a throwback racing red and plume colorway available in toddler sizes.

Leading the apparel collection is a graphic tee in the same colorway, featuring a signature SE and Vans “Off The Wall” collaboration logo. The coordinating Mini Ward Cross Body bag keeps riders’ hands free, while a reflective 3M checkerboard stripe below the zipper brings the style. The same reflective checkerboard motif carries over on a long sleeve ringer tee and camper hat, while a fleece short, long sleeve knit shirt and pullover hoodie complete the look.

The Vans x SE Bikes collection is available beginning this April at select Vans retailers and sebikes.com. For more information, visit Vans.com/sebikes.

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LBIFBACK Review: Vault By Vans x PORTER – OG Old Skool LX (Forest Night/Black Ink)

Mar 1 21 under Collaborations, Friends, Reviews, Vault, Videos | Comments Off

Just in case some of you were on the fence with the Vault By Vans x PORTER collection, LBIFBACK has created a dope video review of the OG Old Skool in the Forest Night colorway. You’ll get a better idea of the shade of green chosen, and a good look at the various classic Vans patterns used for the entire collection. As usual, @akamedaniel delivers this review in his no-nonsense way. No hacky “Youtuber” shit you’re used to seeing all over the internet. Just straight factual talk, using the correct terminology, while providing great feedback and input. Our Vans community is just built different. What more can I say?

Vans x Record Store Day – “Songs For You”, (Volumes 1 & 2) Honoring the Community Impact of Black-Owned Record Stores

Mar 1 21 under Articles, Bands, Collaborations, Events | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, is teaming up with Record Store Day to release two albums, Songs for You, Vols. 1 & 2, to spotlight and support Black-owned record stores. The limited-edition vinyl releases will be available to purchase at independent record stores on Record Store Day 2021 (June 12^th).

As a salute to the community power of Black-owned businesses, Vans and Record Store Day will reinvest proceeds from the albums into Black-owned record stores across the United States.

Nineteen tracks from prolific Black artists are featured across the two compilations, including previously unreleased music by Roberta Flack, whose uplifting rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” pays tribute to the 50^th anniversary of Gaye’s groundbreaking album and song.

According to Flack, a six-time Grammy Award-winning trailblazer and one of the music industry’s most iconic R&B artists, the Black-owned record store experience is as important and influential as ever: “Black-owned record stores have historically served as places where our community has gathered to learn, listen and celebrate. They have been places of political activism, where we find our voices through the music we hear. Marvin’s song that I include in this project is sadly as relevant today as it was when it was released 50 years ago.”

Grammy Award-winning artist Common also contributes a track to honor the influence of Black-owned record stores on his life. “I owe so much to record stores and specifically Black-owned record stores,” Common recently told Variety. “It’s so beautiful to know that there’s record stores that existed in the ‘60s that are still alive and people are taking that business to those record stores and supporting vinyl,” he said. “And it’s so incredible to think about a record store opening because that means younger generations are participating.”

“Black-owned record stores have always represented something more than just a place to buy music in their communities. These businesses have been hubs for social and political activism, self-expression, culture and belonging,” said Michael Kurtz, co-founder of Record Store Day. “They are at the heart and soul of the music industry and the impact they have had on their communities to push for important social and political progress is immeasurable.”

Both volumes of Songs for You feature artwork from award-winning artist Aamba Chavis, an emerging young voice in Black visual arts. Other young changemakers lending their voices to the album include Grammy-nominated Tank and the Bangas from New Orleans. “As an artist, it’s empowering to be a part of such an amazing moment in history with people stepping up and speaking up,” said the band’s Tarriona “Tank” Ball. “This particular Record Store Day release will shine a much-needed light on the Black-owned businesses that inspire artists like us. We salute Black-owned record stores for their role in pushing music and culture forward.”

For more information about Record Store Day, please visit www.recordstoreday.com.

Vault By Vans x Jimmy Gorecki (JSP) – Chukka 79 VLT LX (UTP Review!) @jimmygorecki

Feb 23 21 under Collaborations, Reviews, UTP, Vault | Comments Off

MAKE CHUKKAS GREAT AGAIN! That’s what I’ve been saying for years now. Call me that old head, who lives in his not so distant past, trying to tell all the youngins what’s REALLY cool, while they rightfully ignore me. The mainstream sneaker culture has been turned all the way inside out for awhile now. Used and abused for everything it has to offer, and boy has it had a lot to offer as of lately. Prices have inflated beyond any rational comprehension, with no real justification, other than the “shit on toast” factor. If one person sees someone else eating shit on toast, well then by all means, they want it as well. This is great for those making the shit and the toast, and those who are selling it. Problem is, there’s way too much of it, and it’s leaving a huge skid mark on our culture. (I’m sure that one went over some of your heads).

In comes Jimmy Gorecki, most recently known for his brands JSP and Standard Issue Tees. A former pro skater for the likes of Zoo York and ICECREAM, certified with the OG culture that forged the path for what we have today, so you know he’s been around for some super dope shit, and you know he’s experienced enough to know what it takes to make a future classic. If you’re into trends and being on the leading edge of fashion, then you may not care about classic anything, but to me, this shoe garners much respect, and these are the types of collabs us Vans collectors eat up. This is one of those releases that speaks directly to our core demographic. It’s rooted in skate, streetwear, and community, which is something we have a passion for. We always say that the best collabs have a story behind them, and these pay homage to a person, place, and era all at once. Some bought them to support their friend Jimmy. Others bought them cause of the exceptional marketing that led up to the release. I bought them cause they are exactly what we’ve been waiting for. A name and a brand that’s relatable. A guy that’s into all the same shit we are. A friend of a friend (shout-out to Arvie Gimeno @albinoandpreto, who fyi, was my plug on our original OTWS “Bones” hats we made years back, when he was still operating as SntmntlCo). Basically, what I’m trying to say is, he represents us hardcore Vans collectors, whether it was intentional or not, and I’m sure I can speak for everyone else, by saying thank you Jimmy!

I was a little relieved that the Chukka was chosen for this release. A Vans model that’s a little bit off the radar for the new jacks, but coveted by those who’ve been buying the rare and limited Vans shit since the early days of Vans Syndicate and the like. Back in the day, you couldn’t see a premium collaboration without a Chukka in the lineup. The Chukka 79 VLT LX was the right move. Just a little bit different than your average Vans Chukka Boot, with a few layered panels that runs up the lace eyerow and around the collar and ankle of the shoe, as well as a panel that wraps around the entire heel. Take note of the “VLT” label in the name. This is something introduced fairly recently to the Vault line, to differentiate from the “OG” or ORIGINALS label that is also offered within the Vault lineup. VLT’s are typically reserved for the slightly more sophisticated shoes, thus the slightly higher price points. Not sure if it’s justified by materials and build, or if it’s purely for luxury bragging rights, but nonetheless, these are VLT’s. The Black and Marshmallow colorways are equally perfect. It’s all about preference. With premium pig suede, brass eyelets, custom printed Racing Red checkerboard foxing scenes, Crystal Blue translucent blue toe bumpers and waffle soles, and custom printed Ultracush® insoles, you can’t go wrong with either.

These are the types of releases we get excited for. At first, I told myself I would buy only one colorway, but after going back and forth, I knew I’d regret passing on either one. Thankfully, I was able to check-out on two separate orders with Kinetic (Nocturnal), one of only 3 places you could get these. Also just a fun fact since we’re Vans snob elitists over here, it was mistakenly reported that this release was the first time that a Vault release was allowed by a Vans Skate retailer, but for those who know, this is actually the 2^nd time. Can anyone guess the first collection? It might’ve been a mix-up with production back in the day, as I believe it was only sold at Core Skate accounts, but the shoes were definitely Vault, with Vault tags and LX labeling on the shoes. Hint: it was a collaboration with one of Vans’ pro skate icons. I might have narrowed that down too much, making it too easy!

On a personal note, thanks if you took the time to read all this. Now days, it’s hard to get stoked about a lot of releases, so I tend to just do the copy and paste thing from blogs, and the various info that the friends at Vans send me, but when something is worth talking about, you better believe I’m going to heap some praise, and shed light on it. I’m very rarely endorsed, and if so, I’m clear about it. These came out of pocket at full retail price plus shipping. Not a small chunk of change for some Vans, but I’m calling these a future classic, so having them in the collection was a must. Hope we get to see some more cool shit like this in the near future!

-Bill “Guamstyles”

Here’s a quick vid of the shoes as well: JSP Chukka Review

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Vans x Chris Johanson – “Be Cool To Your Living World” Collection (Available Now!)

Feb 23 21 under Art, Collaborations, General Release | Comments Off

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

Info via Hypebeast:

Portland, Oregon-based artist, musician, skater and surfer Chris Johanson has teamed up with Vans for a sustainable capsule that encourages you to “Be Cool to Your Living World.” Consisting of five sneakers plus several pieces of apparel, the offerings from Johanson and the California-based footwear behemoth practice what they preach thanks to mindful materials like eco-rubber compounds, organically grown cotton and much more.

Footwear consists of two takes on the Era, one heavily modified Slip On, one UltraRange EXO and one Destruct SF. One of the Eras and the UltraRange EXO each feature Johanson’s signature multicolor swirl pattern, while the other Era opts for a black upper printed with hand-scrawled blue details. Officially dubbed the Trek Slip On, the aforementioned heavily modified Slip-On is made entirely of purple rubber and features cut-out checkerboard toward the forefoot, making it more clog than shoe. Lastly, the Destruct supplies a cool blue canvas and suede upper with a special black graphic print. All five pairs are completed with cork insoles.

Apparel is centered around a new Swirl Boardshort, nodding to Johanson’s love for surfing and matching two of the collection’s shoes to a T. A floral woven short-sleeve button up is made almost entirely of recycled cotton, and the collection is finalized by a hoodie, multiple tees, a snapback cap and a tote bag.

The Chris Johanson x Vans “Be Cool to Your Living World” collection is available now via the Vans webstore.

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VANS PARTNERS WITH RISING BLACK ARTISTS FOR FOOTWEAR COLLABORATION HONORING BLACK HISTORY MADE EVERY DAY

Feb 8 21 under Art, Collaborations, Heritage, Waffleheads | Comments Off

Vans announces limited-time footwear collaboration featuring four rising Black artists in honor of Black History made every day. This initiative showcases four creatives who are pushing culture forward and paving the way for generations to follow. The artists include Rewina Beshue, whose scope of work ranges from multimedia, painting, printmaking, and graphic design; Sydney G. James, a fine artist and muralist and one of the leading creative voices in southeast Michigan; Chris Martin, a multidisciplinary artist that explores the African Diaspora and spotlights the rich history of The South; and Tony Whlgn, a visual artist who creates on unconventional mediums and has worked with Marc Ecko, Joey Badass, Big K.R.I.T. and NYC’s KITH. As Vans remains committed to continuously uplifting the voices of marginalized communities, the partnership with these four unique artists reinforces the powerful role self-expression plays in drawing awareness to the diverse representation of creativity brought to life.

Each week in February, Vans.com will feature a different artist delving into their story and work alongside the release of their Vans Custom design that embody their diverse styles and tenacious spirits. In addition, each artist will be featured in store windows of all Vans stores across the U.S. and Canada for the entire month of February, as well as across Vans social media accounts.

Vans will also be donating $40,000 to the Black Arts Future Fund, an organization that uplifts and enhances the future of Black arts and culture. This donation will fund granting efforts to small and community-based Black arts organizations across the country. Vans fans can also lend support to the Black Art Future Fund by donating their Vans Family points up to $25,000 within the US. View full terms and conditions here.

Finally, Vans has reintroduced it’s “Foot the Bill” program to support small businesses who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. In conjunction with Black History Month, Vans will spotlight three Black-owned businesses each week as part of directing consumers to Black-owned businesses throughout the US. Companies including 606 Records in Chicago and Harriet’s Bookshop in Philadelphia – list of companies to date showcased below. Through efforts like “Foot the Bill,” Vans is committed to championing inclusivity by supporting small businesses that are owned and operated by diverse communities. More info on Vans “Foot The Bill”.

“As we live our purpose to enable creative expression, we are proud to partner with each artist to uplift and amplify their voices during Black History Month and beyond.”

– Carly Gomez, VP Marketing of Vans The Americas

“It brings me absolute joy to use my art to uplift Black art communities. It is important to use my platform to amplify positivity in Black communities through art and creativity.”

– Rewina Beshue

“The design is special, because for me, it goes way beyond a shoe. It brings my life as an artist full circle. As a child artist (like many young artists) and into adulthood, I’ve always drawn and painted on clothes, walls and shoes. My parents granted me such liberties. And now, as I am soon to become a 42-year-old Black woman, I have created art in all three mediums professionally and MY way. There’s something poetic and encouraging in that.”

– Sydney G. James

“As creatives, the least we can do is speak our truth and hope it resonates and uplifts others.”

– Chris Martin

“My hope is for people to unlearn what they’ve been taught, to do the work of the inner and outer self, and receive the intergenerational messages of Love, Peace, & Happiness”

– Tony Whlgn

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Read More

Vault By Vans x JSP (Jimmy Gorecki) – Chukka 79 VLT LX (2.10.21)

Feb 4 21 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Vans is excited to partner with skater and entrepreneur Jimmy Gorecki of JSP (Jimmy Sweatpants) for the first-time to deliver a duo of sneakers celebrating Philadelphia skateboarding and the city’s world-renowned Love Park. Paying tribute to the gritty young energy of the legendary city blocks, Gorecki tapped local artist and skater Joe Lees to imprint his Philly hand style across two make-ups of the Chukka 79 VLT LX from the California footwear label’s Vault by Vans division.

After making a name for himself in the early 2000s skating for the likes of Aesthetics, Zoo York and Ice Cream, Philadelphia native Jimmy Gorecki launched his namesake brand Jimmy Sweatpants (JSP) in 2013. Known for California-made basics — namely sweatpants — Gorecki has built a dedicated following for his high-quality woven textiles and is worn regularly by the likes of Lebron James and Lena Waithe. JSP has collaborated with a number of brands including Gino Iannucci’s Poets, Pleasures, Albino and Preto, Paper Planes, PS STIX, Paterson, BBC Icecream, and now Vans.

For the Vault by Vans x JSP project, Gorecki stays true to both his focus on quality textiles and his love for Philadelphia skateboarding, with a premium take on his favorite Vans silhouette, the Chukka Boot. Butter soft suede uppers in Marshmallow and Black play against a Crystal Blue translucent bumper and waffle sole, while a Racing Red checkerboard midsole sets things off with “JSP,” “215” and “LOVE” hits in a custom Philly hand style by Joe Lees. The tags are repeated on a matching Vans Ultracush® insole, driving home Gorecki’s love for all the skaters who made the city blocks at 15th and JFK a place of legend.

Completing the JSP design is a box dedicated to Gorecki’s close childhood friend, Philadelphia icon and former Vans skate team member, JR Neves, who passed away in 2009.

“Vans is part of the DNA of who I am and the skate and fashion culture I was raised in. The Chukka boot signifies all of that to me. The heritage of it speaks to community and people I was influenced by as a kid. This is the greatest honor to share this opportunity with JSP, to keep visibility on the city and region that made me who I am today. “– Jimmy Gorecki

The Vault by Vans x JSP “A ‘LOVE’ Story” Chukka 79 VLT LX is available February 10^th, 2021, at Lapstone & Hammer, Nocturnal and JSP.

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Vans Skate x Frog Skateboards – Old Skool Pro & Slip-On Pro (2.18.21)

Feb 1 21 under Collaborations, Pro | Comments Off

Info via Hypebeast:

“Frog Skateboards and Vans have teamed up for a playful collection of footwear and apparel. Centered around quirky takes on the Old Skool and Slip-On plus matching apparel, the capsule’s intentionally expressive graphic prints and detail hits are a colorful reminder of Frog’s guiding principles: having fun and being inclusive.

The Old Skool presents a no-frills all-black canvas and suede base with white contrast stitching, but this simple bottom layer is merely meant to serve as a background for the design’s signature embellishment: a series of pink, yellow, blue and green silicone charms — frogs, stars, moons, hearts and more — that runs across the length of the Jazz stripe. On the other end of the spectrum, the collection’s Slip-On uses a multi-colored pattern with everything from coffee cups to peace signs and “skate-boar-ds” spellout graphics. This fun-loving assemblage sits above a timeless green foxing stripe, and a white midsole rounds off the look.

Apparel consists of four different pieces. A short-sleeve woven shirt replicates the pattern and colors of the Slip-On, and a water-resistant black hoodie more in line with the Old Skool features a line drawing down the front plus vibrant charms on the back. A long-sleeve tee plasters a scribbled Frog graphic on its front, and women’s-specific offerings include a all-over checkerboard print “Baby” tee plus a special baseball cap.”

Look for the Frog Skateboards x Vans collection to release via the Vans webstore and retailers come February 18.

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Vans – “Foot the Bill” Customization Program Returns to Support Small Business Partners (Jan 2021)

Jan 26 21 under Collaborations, Customs | Comments Off

Vans is excited to announce the return of its “Foot the Bill” program to help support small business partners throughout the country. Vans will be teaming up with independent shops and community driven spaces to create custom footwear and apparel that will be available for purchase online at vans.com/footthebill. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a devastating toll on small businesses, the net proceeds from the “Foot the Bill” merchandise will be going directly to each of the partners involved to help them navigate these difficult times.

Each participating partner’s “Foot the Bill” footwear and apparel will feature unique artwork that best represents its business. Through the Vans Customs website, customers will be able to support a business by selecting its unique design to create a custom pair of Vans. Participating partners will choose one Vans Classics shoe silhouette and it will serve as a canvas for the artist of their choice. Customers will then have the ability to use the Vans Customs tools to select color, print, and the material combinations to design a truly custom pair of Vans.

To kickoff this year’s “Foot the Bill” program Vans is proud to be partnering with small businesses and venues, Guerrilla Tacos (Los Angeles, CA), Smartbar (Chicago, IL), The Parks Finest (Los Angeles, CA), Red River Cultural District (Austin, TX), and Black Cat (Washington D.C.). For each of these businesses the funds raised by “Foot the Bill” will be beneficial for ensuring that their employees and establishments can continue contributing their services to their respective communities. The widespread affects of the COVID-19 pandemic have presented these businesses with an unprecedented amount of obstacles and stress as they have been tasked with adapting to state mandated closures of non-essential businesses and new guidelines for restaurant operations. Each of the “Foot the Bill” partners is a vital part of the community in which they reside, and Vans is committed to helping these independent businesses weather the challenges ahead.

“Last year’s “Foot the Bill” program sold 20,962 pairs of Vans globally and raised over $4 million for the participating partners,” said Carly Gomez, VP Marketing of Vans the Americas. “This unique opportunity to offer support to our extended Vans Family is the least that we can do to show our appreciation and thank them during hard times.”

Vans will continue expanding the support of the program by adding two to three small businesses to the list of “Foot the Bill” partners each week. Vans will be producing 1,000 pairs of Custom Vans shoes and 250 t-shirts per partner, based on demand. In conjunction with Black History Month all of the partners in the month of February will be Black-owned businesses. Also, Vans will be highlighting three Black-owned businesses each week in order to direct consumers to Black-owned businesses throughout the United States. Through efforts like “Foot the Bill” Vans is committed to championing inclusivity by supporting small businesses that are owned and operated by diverse communities

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