Vans Anaheim Factory x Patta – NY Pop-Up Collection (Coming Soon to Online!)

Oct 9 19 under Anaheim Factory, Collaborations | Comments Off

Words via Patta:

“Patta has worked on a pair of VANS styles, consisting of the Vans Sk8-Hi 38 DX in a Moss/ Black colourway and the Old Skool 36 DX in True White/ Flame, as released at the Patta NYC Pop Up Shop last month.

Both styles combine premium nubuck and nylon materials on the uppers, have leather jazz striping and feature “Got Love For All” text embroidered on the leather lace cages, as well as a Team Patta web design on the mid-sole. Every pair comes with two extra laces.

The Patta x Vans 2019 Collection will be available in store at Patta Amsterdam, Milan, London and online from Friday October 11th.“

more pics after the jump

Vans x Realtree Xtra® – Collection (Available Now!)

Oct 9 19 under Collaborations, General Release | Comments Off

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

Vans is partnering once again with Realtree on a holiday collection emblazoned with the iconic woodland pattern that’s become synonymous with camouflage worldwide.

Much like Vans, Realtree’s origins can be traced back to a single, innovative idea. In 1986, Bill Jordan introduced the company’s first camouflage pattern under the Realtree name. Fast forward to current day, and what was once a fledgling idea is now recognized as a global leader in camo pattern innovation, with widespread use not only in the outdoor space, but across countless other industries, including streetwear and fashion houses for their seasonal lines.

The Realtree collection is rooted across several of Vans’ classic styles, including the Sk8-Hi in the Realtree Xtra meteorite and snow camo, the Classic Slip-On in Realtree AP blaze camo, the Era in Realtree Xtra meteorite, and the Old Skool in Realtree AP blaze camp and Realtree Xtra wild orchid.

Leading the way in apparel are the men’s Oakmont MTE fishtail anorak in Realtree Xtra and made of rugged, 100% polyester ripstop with DWR coating and 6 oz fill; and the women’s Realtree Foundry Jacket, an allover-print puffer with a high neck, circle zipper pull, DuPont insulation and 100% polyester fabric outer. Also offered is the Realtree Fano Anorak for women and the water-resistant Garnett windbreaker jacket for men.

Women’s accessories include a Realtree Camper hat in 5-panel poly fabric construction with buckle adjuster and leather patch, and the Realtree Backpack, constructed with 100% poly outer 22L capacity, exterior pockets and one main compartment with laptop sleeve.

On the men’s side, look for an Allover IT Snapback, Obstacle Skatepack backpack, Skate Duffel and Ward Sling Bag, all in Realtree Xtra.

The Vans x Realtree collection is now available online and at authorized Vans retailers. Click on the pic above to shop the collection!

Supreme – Fuck The World Sk8-Hi Pro (Fall/Winter 2019)

Oct 8 19 under Collaborations, Supreme | Comments Off

This fall, Supreme will release a new version of the Vans® Sk8-Hi Pro. The shoe features a premium suede and canvas upper with embroidered graphic, leather lining and vulcanized waffle outsole.

Made exclusively for Supreme, the Sk8-Hi Pro will be offered in three color ways.

Available in-store NY, Brooklyn, LA, London, Paris and online October 10th.

Available in Japan on October 12th.

more pics after the jump

Vans x MoMA – Patchwork Era (Available Now!)

Oct 1 19 under Art, Collaborations | Comments Off

Words via MoMA:

“MoMA Exclusive: Collectors’ items for your feet. The patchwork of color and materials on these special edition MoMA and Vans Era Sneakers celebrate the Museum’s reopening and feature both the MoMA and Vans logos—the MoMA logo is on the left sneaker, the Vans logo on the right. MoMA and Vans Era Sneakers are unisex and available in men’s sizes 3.5 through 13.

With their padded collar and different color combinations, the Vans Era was designed from Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta in 1976 and became the sneaker of choice for a generation of skateboarders. Patchwork, a motif that has been a part of Vans’ storied history, came about when customers could bring in their own materials to create a one-of-a-kind pair of footwear. Many different design variations were made, using materials and construction choices such as needlepoint, quilting and patchwork.

Due to factory changes in the 90s, custom materials submissions could no longer be accepted — but Vans began producing patchwork designs, which continue to be an important part of the brand’s heritage. These MoMA and Vans Era Sneakers continue the tradition of Vans Era and patchwork.

Why We Chose This

Sneakers as design objects were represented in MoMA’s 2017–2018 exhibition Items: Is Fashion Modern? which featured 111 items of clothing and accessories that have had a strong impact on the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibition illustrated the power fashion has to create and express relationships about culture, functionality and identity. Founded in Anaheim, California in 1966, Vans earliest customers were skateboarders and the brand later collaborated with skateboarding professionals like Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. Vans continue to foster personal expression and creativity, and has joined MoMA to create this special edition celebrating the Museum’s newly expanded reopening in fall of 2019.”

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Vault By Vans x Haven – Sk8-Hi Decon LX & Era LX (10.5.19)

Oct 1 19 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Haven:

“HAVEN introduces a new collaboration with Vans Vault, drawing inspiration from utilitarian military garments. Utilizing the iconic Sk8-Hi and Era silhouettes, the shoes employ a combination of supple calfskin leather and suede uppers. The Sk8-Hi Decon LX features deconstructed uppers, a leather outer panel and suede interior panels, finished with a heavy gauged tonal stitch side stripe. The Era LX features a calfskin at the toe and suede at the side panels. Both models feature Vans’ signature vulcanized Waffle outsole, with a pigskin leather lining, instep mil-spec print, contrasting black bumper and heel plate.”

Release Information: The HAVEN / VANS® Vault Sk8-Hi Decon LX and Era LX will release in-stores at HAVEN Toronto and HAVEN Vancouver on October 5th at 11:00 AM local time. Remaining quantities will be made available at 1:00 PM PST / 4:00 PM EST.

Sizes Available: 7US – 12US

Price: HAVEN / VANS® Vault Sk8-Hi Decon LX $180CAD | Era LX $160CAD

Photography: Paolo Azarraga | Stylist: Chais Mingo | Assistant: Jefford Lam | Models: Zak & Ben

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Vans x Disney – Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Pack (10.4.19)

Oct 1 19 under Collaborations, General Release, Girls, Kids | Comments Off

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

Words via Vans:

Vans invites all ghouls, ghosts and goblins to celebrate the holidays with Halloween Town’s most beloved characters, announcing the release of a special collection inspired by Disney Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. With a 10-piece footwear offering complimented by a range of apparel and accessories, Vans designers highlight a variety of film moments and character bounding interpretations that honors Vans and Disney’s long collaboration. The Vans and Disney Tim Burton’s “A Nightmare Before Christmas” collection goes on-sale October 4 and invites fans to step into the imagination and artistry of the cult-classic film.

Arguably the most iconic scene, Jack’s Lament is featured on the Sk8-Hi with each of the four panels showcasing a frame from Jack’s walk through the Halloween Town cemetery. A special message that reads “Nice Work, Bone Daddy” on the inside collar completes the design. Additionally, the Jack Pull Over Hoodie features a special rendition of Jack’s Lament with a Checkerboard spiral hill.

Disney bounding fans can channel the film’s beloved couple, Jack Skellington and Sally. The Pumpkin King’s ghostly suit including cat and bat wing applique is mimicked on the Classic Slip-On, while Dr. Finkelstein’s master humanoid creation, Sally, receives her very own Era Stacked silhouette and Sally Patchwork Crew. Inspired by her very creation, each style is collaged with various prints from her dress while the Era Stacked features hand-stitched detailed as a nod to Sally’s unique beauty.

The Classic Slip-On and long sleeve tee will showcase emblematic elements from Oogie Boogie’s underground lair, including dice and skull graphics on the sidewall and sleeves of each silhouette. Honoring his place in the moonlit night, fans will find Oogie Boogie’s shadow peeking from the sidewall of the Classic Slip-On. Not to be forgotten, Oogie Boogie’s trio of henchmen – Lock, Shock and Barrel can be found on the Old Skool and panels of an Era.

Vans will combine all-day comfort and classic style with the ComfyCush Authentic which will feature all of the characters from the film layered on a Checkerboard backdrop. Halloween Town favorites can be found through a variety of different designs and product offerings available for fans of all ages with friendly features including elastic laces, zip closure and glow-in-the-dark elements made for the youngest ghouls of Halloween Town.

The Vans and Disney Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” collection will be available to shop in Vans dealers, Vans stores and Vans.com/nightmare beginning October 4.

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Vans x CoppaFeel! – Breast Cancer Awareness Month Collection (Coming Soon!)

Sep 25 19 under Collaborations | Comments Off

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, Vans is proud to release a collection designed to not only educate youth on checking their breasts and early detection but to showcase the beauty and strength of those impacted or touched by breast cancer. Available starting October 1, 2019, at least $200,000 USD of the proceeds from the Vans Breast Cancer Awareness collection will benefit CoppaFeel! – a UK-based breast cancer awareness charity that promotes early detection and encourages young people to better know their bodies.

“For our charity, this collaboration with Vans is a dream come true,” says Kris Hallenga, founder of CoppaFeel!. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to spread our message across Vans’ audience, as this partnership will allow us to tell more people why checking their boobs is so important, and in return, save lives. CoppaFeel! exists to stamp out the late detection of breast cancer by educating everyone – girls, boys and non-binary pals about their boobs and encourage them to get anything abnormal checked out.”

Hear more about Kris and CoppaFeel!: Here

Created by a group of Vans designers, all graphics and illustrations used in the collection were designed in-house to promote inclusion, representation and empowerment. “The illustration style uses simple shapes and minimal linework to highlight the bold use of color and the unity of interlocking figures. Breast Cancer is a disease that affects everyone regardless of their race or status, and we wanted the women in the illustrations to reflect this reality,” says Diandre Fuentes, Vans Footwear designer. “By partnering with CoppaFeel!, we can not only showcase the beauty of the women who have breast cancer but provide education to break the taboos of early cancer detection and encourage consumers to check themselves and advocate for their health needs.”

The footwear, apparel and accessories feature four main designs all centered around breasts. Hand drawn ladies of all shapes and colors showcase the mass reach of breast cancer uniting them through the power of self-checking. A positive affirmation of “You’ve Got This” is grounded by a subtle breast inclusion while a literal blueprint showcases ways to perform self-examinations. Finally, designers took Vans’ iconic Checkerboard pattern updating it with nudes of all colors to celebrate the strength of everyone who has been diagnosed or is impacted by breast cancer.

The Vans Breast Cancer Awareness collection is available for men, women and children, because breast cancer impacts everyone. Join Vans and CoppaFeel! this October as we raise awareness, provide education and empower our consumers to know their bodies. Visit Vans.com/bca to learn more about CoppaFeel! and to shop the collection.

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

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Vans Sidestripe Sessions – Anderson .Paak

Sep 24 19 under Bands, Collaborations, Videos | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports brand and advocate for creative expression, is proud to have Grammy Award Winning Artist, Anderson .Paak perform his hit singles “6 Summers” and “King James” as part of Vans’ global music content series, Vans Sidestripe Sessions.

Sidestripe Sessions features different artists across all musical genres ranging from punk, experimental, indie to hip hop all filmed in a giant Vans shoe box with a rotating backdrop of art installations. Celebrating creative diversity in music and art, the video highlights Vans’ extended family of musicians through a two-song performance. Vans welcomed Grammy award-winning artist, Anderson .Paak to step into the shoe box to perform “6 Summers” off his third studio album, Oxnard and a live rendition of “King James” his latest single from the highly acclaimed album, Ventura alongside members from his band, The Free Nationals.

As part of the experience, Anderson .Paak has selected visual artist, Dewey Sanders to transform the Vans shoe box with a Venice fueled art installation using his personal brand of psychedelia. With a pastel color palette, and bizarre juxtapositions, Sanders arranges a collection images that pay homage to the city that Anderson .Paak calls home.

Tune in to Vans Sidestripe Session at youtube.com/Vans now to catch his latest performance.

Vans x Opening Ceremony – Snakeskin Lampin (Available Now!)

Sep 20 19 under Collaborations | Comments Off

Words via Opening Ceremony:

“The Vans for Opening Ceremony Snake Lampin Sneaker, a 90s-inspired skate shoe, is updated with a sleek, faux snakeskin surface. The glossy, textured surface in various colors covers the entire upper and sole for a fresh, monochromatic look.” Available in 4 colorways: Fairy Wren, Chili Pepper, Princess Blue, and True White.

Blends CM x Under The Palms – Meet The Waffleheads (Event Recap!)

Sep 17 19 under Collaborations, Events, Friends, OTWS, UTP, Waffleheads | Comments Off

This past Thursday we co-hosted our first of hopefully many meet and greets, to celebrate Vans culture in a way unlike any other culture out there. Some sneaker brands organize their communities around an outdoor activity, a basketball tournament, a sneaker convention of sorts, etc. Something that represents their demographic and their style. Well, it’s kind of hard to put a finger on what exactly our Vans sneaker community is, and perhaps that’s the best part about it. Like the campaign slogan a few years back, “Not Just One Thing”, so as are we. When Julz, Nobu, and I first started talking about an idea of doing an event, we had no direction, and nothing to build off of, and it sorta’ got put on the back burner a few times. Well, as Vans started rolling out the WAFFLEHEADS campaign, and my name started popping up, that started to provide us with some inspiration. The Blends CM crew decided we should host an event for me, showcasing some of my collection, similar to how some of my pairs are currently on display in Chicago and in NYC at two of Vans’ flagship stores, but we’d try to add another layer to it, by also hosting a social gathering, to bring out our local WAFFLEHEADS family. Perfect! Now the work starts.

So now that we had a “waffleheads” theme to run with, we started thinking of all the possibilities for an event. I’ve been working on a new Antidot sneaker refresher fragrance with the SolScience guys, and it was based around a maple syrup scent, geared for fresh waffles, aka Vans, so I wanted to make sure we could somehow work them into the mix, which turned out great. We then thought how cool it would be to get the Vans waffle maker machine for our event, which we’ve only seen at a handful of them. We knew it was a shot in the dark, and we’d most likely get shot down, but we just had to ask. Our PR homie Michelle C. handed us off to the Vans marketing team, and boy did we get hooked up. We not only got Vans to come make us about 100 or so waffles, they also hooked us up with chain-stitch artist Ben Goetting, to personalize the chore coats that were being sold during the event, which then turned into people getting to customize their free Vans tote bags that were being given out. I apologize for having Ben stay til closing, due to the long line and high demand for his art services! We also had free beer from Bootleggers, who recently opened a tap room about 50 yards away from Blends CM, and what’s better than free beer?!

The most important thing about the event wasn’t the rare sneakers on display. Nope. It was our people. It was a reunion of sorts. Some guys I haven’t seen for a few years now, since the last time the #blendsboiz camped out for sneakers! Some were new friends that just started to discover our community, and some just happened to be sneaker enthusiasts who happened to stop by while on vacation from Canada, who were stoked to see something like this going on! That’s just so cool to me. Our plan of having the event on a Thursday night, to attract friends and fam from Vans HQ worked out quite nicely too, as I met a few folks who I never met before. My family came out in droves as well, and I thank each and every one of you. Seriously, most of the pics you’re going to see are of the people. That’s what makes this shit cool for me. If I can get people to come out, by way of this Vans vehicle, then I’ll ride it til’ the wheels fall off! Stay tuned for more fun and innovative ways to incorporate more and more people to join in on our fun and youthful culture.

Please enjoy all of the pics after the jump, who mostly came from my homie Eason, Nate, and my bro Ron.