Vans and MoMA Debut Second Installment of Footwear and Apparel Featuring Works of Art by Edvard Munch, Jackson Pollock, Lybov Popova and Faith Ringgold

Oct 19 20 under Art, Collaborations, General Release | Comments Off

Following the September debut collaboration, Vans, the original action sports brand, and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) are proud to launch a second installment of footwear and apparel. The latest iteration of the Vans and MoMA collaboration takes inspiration from impactful works of art by artists Edvard Munch, Jackson Pollock, Lybov Popova and Faith Ringgold. A diverse selection of work by these artists has been thoughtfully translated onto Vans Classic Footwear and apparel styles that will be available to shop worldwide on November 11.

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Vault By Vans x Blends – Sk8-Hi Reissue Zip LX “Canvas/Suede” Bones (10.24.20)

Oct 17 20 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

After having a wildly successful run with one of the most instantly recognizable Vans collaborations, sources tell me that this may be the last Blends “Bones” shoe for awhile. No other Vans shoe series, as far as we’ve seen over the past decade, has consistently been as successful as the #blendsvans collabs, and more specifically their “Bones” Jazz Stripe releases. I still remember the day that I received the first Blends “Bones” Sk8-Hi Reissue Zip LX aka “OG Bones” box, not having seen one photo yet, wondering what could be inside this all black box, with a dope motorcycle and wolf logo on the outside of it. I remember sliding open the Vault premium drawer box, and seeing the dustbag, still in anticipation of what’s in the box. When I pulled out the Sk8-Hi Zip, I was already in awe of the premium motorcycle leather that wrapped the entire shoe, and when I saw, what is now the iconic bone jazz stripe, I was speechless. Who dared to modify our beloved brand’s most recognizable feature?! But more importantly, who talked Vans into doing it?! Needless to say, I knew it was an instant classic, and this was back when the Vans hype wasn’t anywhere near today’s level. I’m glad I was able to create some of my best memories with this Vans collecting obsession, through the Blends releases over the years. The many overnight campouts for their releases, and the annual trips to Born-Free with the #blendsboiz, infiltrating their cool guy hardcore biker show, completely out of place, but on a mission to be the first to cop the event-exclusive shoes. I can go on and on, but I’ll save it for a possible future podcast, if we ever get around to getting one going. What do you think? Should we do one? Anyways, listen up to what Blends has to say about their latest release:

Blends and Vans Vault are back again with another stellar collaboration, this time reworking the Sk8-Hi Zip Reissue. The latest edition sees a sturdy, premium canvas upper that sits on an all white mid-sole. Waxed laces sit on top of premium suede accents on the vamp of the sneaker, toe box and a heel tab fashioned with a sturdy utilitarian zipper finish the construction. The now iconic Blends bone Jazz Stripe is centered on the shoe in a soft, lux leather form.

Look for the shoe to release exclusively on Blends webstore Saturday, October 24th.

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Vans – UltraRange EXO (Available Now!)

Oct 13 20 under General Release | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, presents the evolution of our UltraRange silhouette. Designed for those who seek inspiration in unexpected places and are fueled by their creative pursuits, the UltraRange EXO supports the journey of looking beyond the surface to find your next greatest muse.

Armed with a co-molded UltraCush® midsole, updated Rapidweld detailing, a lightweight, die-cut rubber outsole and a breathable, Old Skool™-inspired upper, the evolved UltraRange delivers prolonged comfort, increased durability and reliable grip. Bringing the latest collection to life, photographers Frankie Perez and Pavielle Garcia show us Mexico City through their eyes, captured by fellow photographer Matthew Correia.

Available in new colorways including dress blue/true white and pop rose dawn/true white, the UltraRange EXO’s breathable, deconstructed upper keeps feet cool and provides structure only where needed, while molded heel support ensures heel lock on uneven terrain.

A full-length rubber outsole provides optimal durability and support, with a newly designed outsole pattern made up of rubber bottom cut outs that reduce weight and increase flexibility and comfort.

Reinforcing the notion that inspiration can be found anywhere, the UltraRange EXO is now available at Vans retailers and at vans.com/ultrarange.

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Vans x All Nations Skate Jam – 2020 Collection (Available Now!)

Oct 12 20 under Collaborations | 1 Comment

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

A limited-edition collection of Vans made from Pendleton Fabrics in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Over the past 11 years Vans has partnered with All Nations Skate Jam, and its founder, Todd Harder, to support Native youth at the annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque New Mexico. All Nations Skate Jam is the largest and most prestigious skateboard competition for Native American youth. Each year Steve Van Doren rallies the local community and Vans Pro skaters to attend and compete.

The event was canceled this year, but that won’t stop the All Nations Skate Jam from planning an even bigger event for 2021. Vans is releasing a collection of limited-edition shoes, created in collaboration with All Nations Skate Jam. Additonally, in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Vans is donating $5,000 to All Nations Skate Jam.

This collection includes 5 Vans Classics, customized with Pendleton Fabrics patterns: Two Old Skools, two Slip-Ons, and one Sk8-Hi.

For over 150 years Pendleton Woolen Mills has produced high quality wool blankets and fabrics inspired by Native designs. Founder of All Nations Skate Jam, Todd Harder, spoke about the fabrics and blankets saying, “The tradition of giving blankets, to help keep someone warm to make it through the winters, goes way back and is one of our gifts we give to honor people for doing great things, in more modern times now it’s always a Pendleton blanket.”

The limited-edition Vans x All Nation Skate Jam collection is available now, exclusively on Vans.com.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE PIC ABOVE OR BELOW TO PURCHASE FROM THE VANS SITE
Vans X All Nations Skate Jam Old Skool DX Black $80
Vans X All Nations Skate Jam Classic Slip-On Black $70
Vans X All Nations Skate Jam Old Skool DX Burgundy $80
Vans X All Nations Skate Jam Classic Slip-On Burgundy $70
Vans X All Nations Skate Jam SK8-Hi 46 DX Black $90

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Vans Announces Anderson .Paak as Global Music Ambassador and Debuts Exclusive Footwear and Accessories Collaboration (11.13.20)

Oct 8 20 under Bands, Collaborations | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports brand and advocate for creative expression, is proud to announce three-time Grammy award-winning artist, musician and producer Anderson .Paak as the brand’s first Global Music Ambassador. Vans and AP share a mutual passion to promote creative expression through their active support of art and music. AP is longtime fan of the brand and always aspires to uplift the community around him, making him a natural addition to the Vans family. Having once worked at a Vans retail store in Topanga Canyon, California, AP has since gone on to perform live on the House of Vans stage and is featured as part of Vans’ global music content series, Sidestripe Sessions. This year, AP will serve as one of the global judges for the brand’s Vans Musicians Wanted competition, which aims to provide a platform for aspiring artists all around the world.

“I’m honored to be the newest member of the Vans Family and look forward to making history with one of the most respected global brands,” said Anderson .Paak. “I’m thankful for Vans’ partnership with .Paak House and can’t wait to broaden our reach to help even more people tap into their greatest potential.”

“We are inspired by AP’s multifaceted creative talent and are excited to continue to partner with him throughout the next year for curated music and art initiatives, product design and enabling creativity within the local community and around the world,” said Tierney Stout, global music marketing lead at Vans. “Anderson epitomizes creative expression and we are thrilled to officially welcome him into the Vans Family.”

The forthcoming partnership is celebrated with an exclusive footwear and accessories collection inspired by AP’s Southern California roots and his critically acclaimed breakthrough albums Venice and Malibu. The two-piece footwear assortment headlines with the ubiquitous Old Skool DX silhouette inspired by AP’s debut album, Venice which features a wavy, psychedelic upper that mixes digital print and 3D printing for added depth and texture and is finished with bold yellow eyelets and a translucent blue vinyl Sidestripe. The Sid DX pays homage to AP’s 2016 album, Malibu and showcases embroidered chenille pattern uppers complimented by tonal black laces and stitching and features a Flying-V logo embroidered at each side. Each footwear model is finished with a custom tongue label message from AP along with translucent green waffle soles, custom packaging and dust bag matching back to the collection. The Vans x Anderson .Paak collection includes a matching AP Bucket Hat that showcases each of the custom prints, silicon patches and signature quotes affixed to the brim of each hat. The Vans x Anderson .Paak collection will be available worldwide on November 13 and will retail for $40 – $110 USD.

Aligning with the launch, AP has released his latest single, “JEWELZ” today via APE SHIT exclusively distributed by 12Tone, LLC with an animated music video featuring caricatures of AP and his son, Soul “Khlex” Rasheed in a satirical take on their real life relationship. Decked out in exclusive Vans x Anderson .Paak footwear, the father-son duo battle it out in the feel good dance video directed by Anderson .Paak and Ali Graham.

Join Vans as we officially welcome Anderson .Paak to the Vans Family. The Vans x Anderson .Paak collection will be available worldwide beginning November 13 at Vans retail locations, online at Vans.com and select retail partners where Vans are sold, including Foot Locker, instore and online at Footlocker.com. For more information, please visit Vans.com/andersonpaak.

#VansxAP

Vault By Vans x Opening Ceremony x Magritte – Old Skool LX & Slip-On LX (Available Now!)

Oct 7 20 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Opening Ceremony:

“Following the debut collection in May 2014, Opening Ceremony introduces their sophomore collection featuring artwork by Belgian Surrealist René Magritte. For this capsule, they’ve partnered with longtime footwear partner, Vans Vault, to reproduce (1928) The Lovers on the Classic Slip-on and (1961) Souvenir de Voyage on the Old Skool LX.”

Works of Art by René Magritte ©️ 2020 C. Herscovici, London / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Old Skool is $130

Slip-On is $115

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Vans x FLOUR SHOP – Collection (Available Now!)

Oct 5 20 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 Bakes Rainbow Explosions with FLOUR SHOP Founder and Cake Aficionado Amirah Kassem’s New Collection

Vibrant Footwear and Apparel Collaboration Celebrates Creative Expression and the Joy of the Birthday Cake Lifestyle

This holiday season, Vans partners with FLOUR SHOP, home of the popular rainbow explosion cake by baker, author and flour-ist Amirah Kassem, for a cheerful collection of footwear and apparel. Jumping “Off The Wall” and into sprinkles and sparkles, the Vans x FLOUR SHOP collaboration is a head-to-toe ensemble of bright colors and rainbow motifs that will make you feel like every day is your birthday. Kassem’s playful persona comes to life with a collection for all ages! The Vans x FLOUR SHOP by Amirah Kassem collaboration is available to shop worldwide today.

Amirah Kassem, founder of FLOUR SHOP and author of “The Power of Sprinkles” and “The Magical Land of Birthdays” grew up baking and sculpting with her mother in Mexico. She credits a childhood of playing with color and making a mess with fostering her creative self-expression and leading her to pursue her dream of opening a bakery that is all about the glittery celebration of joy and invoking the birthday lifestyle. FLOUR SHOP, which has bakery locations in New York and Los Angeles, is famous around the world for its Rainbow Explosion cakes, bursting with color and sprinkles and sure to bring a smile to all who see them.

“I have always been a Vans girl, so getting to design an entire collection of footwear, clothing and accessories with Vans is an absolute dream come true! The Vans x FLOUR SHOP collaboration combines all of the happiest things including rainbows, glitter, and unicorns, in a way that really expresses the birthday lifestyle,” says Amirah Kassem. “I am so excited for everyone to see the collection in person…it’s pure magic!”

The collection features Vans’ ComfyCush footwear, which offers a softer, cushion-y outsole with a first-class fit that feels like walking on a cloud. With an exaggerated double-platform sole that will appeal to those with bold style, the FLOUR SHOP Super ComfyCush Sk8-Hi RBW shines with colorful rainbow striping across the medial and lateral uppers, and an extra pop of color found on the rainbow eyelets and special heel scab. The style is topped off with FLOUR SHOP embroidery across each heel. Supporting the Super ComfyCush Sk8-Hi RBW are three adult footwear styles: the Old Skool with white leather uppers and rainbow stripes on the toe and heel, the Old Skool V in silver sparkles with rainbow outsoles and hook-and-loop closures, and the Classic Slip-On with FLOUR SHOP icons and emoticon art on the Checkerboard-accented uppers.

A head-to-toe apparel assortment accompanies the Vans x FLOUR SHOP footwear collection, headlined by the Vans x FLOUR SHOP Smiley LS Tee, perfect for a long day in the kitchen baking, or just for brightening up your wardrobe. The long sleeve boyfriend fit tee showcases a checkerboard collar along with smiley face graphic in front and a colorful “Off The Wall” oven mitt graphic on the back. Pair the tee with the Vans x FLOUR SHOP heart-shaped sunglasses with rainbow striping along the top rim of the frames and the Patch Backpack in Checkerboard.

To inspire all little girls and boys to dream bright just like Amirah did, the Vans x FLOUR SHOP Collection includes a full footwear and apparel range for youth and toddlers including a special Classic Slip-On featuring “Cara the Unicorn” matching back to the iconic, whimsical cake that helped put Amirah and her bakery on the map.

The Vans x FLOUR SHOP by Amirah Kassem collection is available in Vans retail stores, online at Vans.com and at select Vans retail accounts starting this October. In the meantime, don’t forget that with enough rainbows, sparkles and glitter, every day can be your birthday! For more information on the collection, please visit Vans.com/news.

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Vans x Kids of Immigrants – “Work A Day In Our Shoes” Lowland CC (10.2.20)

Sep 29 20 under Collaborations | Comments Off

“HONORING THE PAST TO INSPIRE THE FUTURE”

Vans comes together with Kids of Immigrants, the Los Angeles-based brand and collective to announce their footwear collaboration and campaign called “Work A Day In Our Shoes” available October 2 exclusively through the Greenhouse App and KOI website. Staying true to the essence of Kids of Immigrants, the launch celebrates the working class, the immigrant community and all of the people on the margins. It honors the blood, sweat and tears shed by their families and communities to persevere and the relentless work ethic and drive that they embody.

The campaign features the actual family members of each KOI member as role models, shining a light on our everyday heroes that have long been left in the shadows and have now become the world’s heroes during the pandemic. Kids of Immigrants’ family members include Evelyn Gonzales, a first-generation Mexican-American crew member; Chris Gray, a first-generation Jamaican-Belizian-American owner/operator; Nohemí Buezo, a first-generation Honduran-American BSN, RN, PCCN; and Nai-muh Dennis, a first-generation Liberian-American e-Commerce manager.

Speaking on the collaboration between Greenhouse, Vans, and KOI, Mel Peralta, Sr. Director of Greenhouse shared, “The Greenhouse team is composed of a first-generation Chinese-American, Brazilian-American and Dominican-American, so working with the brand KIDS OF IMMIGRANTS isn’t just a great partnership, it literally describes us, our families and their respective journeys to the U.S.,” adding that “We’re not only a product incubator, we’re a cultural incubator at heart and in practice. The collaboration with KIDS OF IMMIGRANTS and Vans captures the energy and ethos of what we stand for. We hope people continue to learn more about the vibrant immigrant communities in our country and their importance.”

Vans Lowland CC footwear silhouette served as a canvas which was inspired by the father of founder Daniel Buezo who has been a longtime construction worker. The body is lined with an off white canvas material doused in paint strokes. Each shoe has been personally modified and distressed by members of KOI and will be accompanied by a brush and sandpaper that allows for additional customization. This release will also include a KOI shirt, hoodie and bucket hat that will be available for purchase at Kids of Immigrants.

In celebration of the partnership, Vans will be donating $5,000 USD to A New Way of Life, a non-profit that provides support for women rebuilding their lives after prison. Kids of Immigrants will be partnering with A New Way of Life to build a community garden (fruits and vegetables) at the new home in Los Angeles that currently hosts 8 women.

Kids of Immigrants has amassed a cult following by placing social issues and community at the core of their work resulting in collections that sell out in just minutes. The brand has garnered praise and support from the likes of Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa, Kehlani, Lil Uzi Vert, Jhene Aiko, Odell Beckham Jr., and many more. The brand has also been featured on HBO’s Insecure and Netflix’s On My Block. Like the history, culture, and beliefs behind Kids Of Immigrants, the brand is unisex and for all people.

Each pair of the Vans x Kids of Immigrants collaboration will retail at $100 and be available on October 2nd exclusively on the Greenhouse App, Footlocker.com, Kids of Immigrants and at Footlocker Compton. For more information, visit vans.com.

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Vans Sidestripe Sessions: D Smoke

Sep 28 20 under Bands, Videos | Comments Off

This week’s session features music by Southern California musician, D Smoke performing “No Commas” and “Top of the Morning” accompanied by art by Tony Whlgn.

Hip Hop artist D Smoke, aka Daniel Anthony Farris, is the breakout star from the Netflix music competition show, Rhythm & Flow. As a vocalist, pianist, writer, and producer, D Smoke stood out among the pack because of his undeniable passion and meticulously crafted rhymes.

Growing up in a musical family in Inglewood, CA, it’s no surprise his music carries an authentic story alongside compelling production and beats. His words are often contemplative and aware.

In 2019, with the exposure of being named the winner of Rhythm & Flow, D Smoke released his EP Inglewood High and later in February of 2020 dropped his first studio album, Black Habits. The record is his life story and a “celebration of blackness”. He broke it down by saying, “I’m really collecting the best parts of my past and trying to build on those. Take people through somewhat of a history. A journey with me through my experiences.”

Watch Rhythm + Flow on Netflix and listen to D Smoke on the Vans Spotify Sidestripe Sessions Playlist: https://bit.ly/VansSpotifySidestripe

Art in this episode is created by Tony Whlgn, a multi-disciplined artist born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit. He has created art for various music albums, global fashion brands and countless murals found throughout his hometown, Detroit, where he currently lives and works. As a way to reinvest and provide the necessary learning tools for young creatives in his community, Tony and friends’ formed Whlgn®, a holistic think tank of collective creative entrepreneur studios.

Tony’s art is an imitation of his life and reflection of those he has encountered; people & experience teach us who we are. Through natural self-expression, his art should inspire engagement with self-knowledge and knowledge of the whole world, which, in a sense, is Self. Oneself. Whlgn®. TONEy.

Music Credits: “No Commas” “Top of the Morning”

Vans Musicians Wanted Campaign

Sep 28 20 under Bands, Contests, House of Vans, NEWS | Comments Off

Vans Launches ‘Musicians Wanted’ Global Music Competition to Spotlight Undiscovered Artists and Award the Chance to Share The Stage with Celebrated Musician Anderson .Paak

Digital Music Competition is Open to Artists of All Genres Globally;

Finalists Will Earn Vans Product, Fender Gear, Spotify Playlisting and More!

Submit Original Music Now at Vans.com/MusiciansWanted

Vans, the original action sports brand and global icon for creative self-expression is proud to launch the Vans Musicians Wanted competition globally for the first time since its inception in 2015. Vans Musicians Wanted is the brand’s global music program that aims to provide a platform for musicians who are just starting out. The contest series will celebrate fresh, new and “Off The Wall” talent from all genres. For its 2020 global debut, each region around the world will provide undiscovered artists the chance to gain international exposure and the opportunity to share the stage with Grammy award-winning artist, Anderson .Paak. Additional prizes include Vans product, Fender gear, global music distribution, Spotify and Apple Music playlisting and more!

Originally created by Vans’ Asia-Pacific region in 2015, the Vans Musicians Wanted competition began as a program to directly enable local, undiscovered musicians to submit their original music and be discovered on a national scale. With more than 7,000 artists that have entered the program since its inception, Vans is proud to launch the program globally to welcome artists from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions for a chance to share their original music with the world. Artists can submit their original music now through October 11 on Vans.com/MusiciansWanted.

Vans evolves the 2020 global platform into competition series that is truly digital and open to all musicians and genres of music. The brand continues to curate and build experiences that are optimized for digital; allowing promising talent anywhere the opportunity to participate through digital submission of music and virtual concerts on a global scale.

Featuring special guest judges as part of the selection process, Vans Musicians Wanted welcomes J.I.D and Bohan Phoenix, artists featured in the Vans latest brand campaign, ‘THIS IS OFF THE WALL’, European based singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya, and Grammy award-winning artist, Anderson .Paak to review the top-5 artists from each region. Three artists will be chosen to perform at the Vans Musicians Wanted Virtual Concert, to be held this December. One grand prize winner will be selected to receive Vans product, Fender Gear, global music distribution, Spotify and Apple Music playlisting and the opportunity to share the stage with Anderson .Paak as the opening act in 2021.

Vans’ Musicians Wanted competition is an inclusive global platform that enables creative self-expression through music and provides a direct path for undiscovered artists to step into the limelight and gain global exposure. To enter your original music now and read official contest rules, please visit Vans.com/musicianswanted.

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