Jason Dill has once again blessed us all with another one of his original designs.  He chose the OG Authentic “S”, which features some subtle differences from your typical Authentic, that are more true to the silhouette of earlier years.  It’s nice to see that he takes his opportunities seriously, and really digs deep for inspiration and creativity.  We’ve included a few of his notepad sketches so you can get a rare look into the creative process.  Some were even jotted down on top of a newspaper article.  Great ideas need to be written down as soon as possible!  If you’re a fan of his Fucking Awesome brand, then you’ll be stoked to know that he incorporated his childhood photo that all you FA fans are familiar with, on the tongue of each shoe, and it appears the photo was taken from one of his boards, before and after being skated.  Why didn’t anybody else ever think of that?!  Vans was so on board with this shoe, that they decided to create a custom box for it, covered in the same art, and they gave it a special release date, being this Saturday the 7th, at all Syndicate dealers who ordered them.

Now for some official press info and pics, thanks to Silo (available on their webstore, Saturday):

PROJECT BRIEFING: JASON DILL

Seasoned Syndicate collaborator and Vans Syndicate pro Jason Dill returns this season with an OG Authentic “S” emblazoned with Dill’s own original doodles and pen drawings on the off white canvas style. The OG Syndicate classic incorporates full color Dill photo prints on the tongue, along with custom art on the footbed.

Features:
• Printed Canvas with custom Jason Dill artwork
• Enhanced cushioning in UltraCush HD sockliners
• Vans original waffle gum rubber sole

Notes:

Second set of laces are white / flat.
Syndicate “S” sticker sheet included as a gift.
Custom Jason Dill Art box.

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As we impatiently wait for this weekend’s official release date of the Vans Syndicate x DEFCON Sk8-Hi Notchback “S”, we now have some new light to shed on the release thanks in part to Brant, owner of Silo.  He sat down with DEFCON’s very own Berto Liechty, and somehow managed to get him to give a little insight on DEFCON, and more specifically this special release, and how London Bridge Trading Co. played a part in it’s design.  So go grab yourself a cold one, sit back, and take a rare glimpse into the classified world of DEFCON, and support my good friend Brant, our main supporter since day one of OTWS/UTP, by purchasing your pair of Syndicates from his webstore on Saturday!

READ THE INTERVIEW HERE.

all pics and info rightfully owned by Silo.

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Words via Vans Syndicate’s website:

“After the Naval Special Warfare developed main camouflages “AOR1” and “AOR2” for desert and tropical environments, MAS (Maritime Assault Suit) Grey was introduced by London Bridge Trading as a color variance that would provide optimum environment blending for Navy SEALs to wear while conducting VBSS (vessel boarding search & seizure) and maritime operations.

Since shades of grey have a history of minimal identification and work well within most environments due to their lack of visibility/contrast across the color spectrum, Navy SEALs started utilizing MAS Grey for nighttime operations in addition to maritime operations. Developed originally for SEAL Team 6/Devgru, very few MAS Grey items were ever issued to Naval Special Warfare Operators (i.e Navy SEALs).

The MAS Grey kit consist of an OpsCore carbon helmet, a Bluewater Defense combat outfit and a London Bridge Trading 6094 plate carrier with assorted pouches and two different London Bridge Trading assault backpacks. Inspired by these covert operation tools, DEFCON utilizes LBT MAS Grey for their latest Sk8-Hi Notchback Pro “S” release this holiday. Further details are currently classified.

The Vans Syndicate DEFCON holiday project launches worldwide on November 15th exclusively at authorized Vans Syndicate dealers.

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These are awesome, and you know that any collab coming out of Concepts, is going to have all the details covered.  I say it all the time, that a great collaboration needs to have 5 things: 1. A story; 2. A unique design; 3. Unique Materials; 4. Branding on the shoe; 5. Custom packaging.  As simple as it sounds, try doing that more than once, try making it stand out, and try making it look good.  These “Rat Hunter” Old Skools have achieved all of those things, and I see these babies being a problem to get!  I’ll do my best!

The following words via Hypebeast, and high-res pics via Highsnobiety

“Boston’s dimly-lit, gritty Rathskeller — also known as “The Rat” — has long been considered Kenmore Square’s answer to New York’s legendary CBGB, having seen everyone from Metallica, The Ramones, Bad Brains, The Beastie Boys, and Talking Heads to the Dead Kennedys, Cro-Mags, the Pixies, and R.E.M. take its stage in its heyday. Now, Boston’s own Concepts pays homage to the now-defunct venue with a “Rat Hunter” edition of Vans Syndicate‘s premium take on the Old Skool. A nod to a grisly game that was played in the alleyways outside The Rat, the “Rat Hunter” features a premium suede upper with duct tape-inspired cracked leather detailing, washed denim quarter panels, a checkered midsole, leather lining, and custom graphic footbeds. Retailing for $90 USD, the “Rat Hunter” is due to be available in store this Saturday, October 4 at 10 a.m. EDT before hitting Concepts’ web shop at 11 a.m. EDT.”

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