THIS IS OFF THE WALL: Vanguards

Mar 6 19 under Girls, Heritage, Womens | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports brand and icon of creative expression, unveils the first chapter of its beloved THIS IS OFF THE WALL campaign, exploring the identities and influences that fuel modern skate style in “Vanguards”. Expanding on Vans’ THIS IS OFF THE WALL narrative, the campaign defines what “Off The Wall” means through a diverse series of digital storytelling and immersive engagements that inspire, enable and support global creative communities. The campaign kicks off with “Vanguards”, an exploration of how style, individuality and creativity shape skateboarding through the lenses of Vans team riders Lizzie Armanto, Brighton Zeuner, Yndiara Asp and Mami Tezuka

“Everyone has their own unique approach to skating: where they grew up, who they were influenced by – it all affects how they look on a board,” said Vans team rider Lizzie Armanto. “Vanguards” showcases a remarkable roster of skateboarders and examines how the unique experiences of each athlete has defined their own sense of style on and off the board. Highlighting attributes such as Lizzie Armanto’s flowy, surf-skating form inspired by her Santa Monica roots, Brighton Zeuner’s colorful personality that parallels her bold performance, Yndiara Asp’s fearless attitude that made her a standout in the Brazilian skate scene, and Mami Tezuka’s focused sense of timing that was honed over years of studying piano in her native Japan, “Vanguards” conveys a breadth of creative interpretations all founded in skateboarding.
“Our brand’s identity is continually inspired by personalities such as the women you meet in the Vanguards campaign.” shares Erwin Federizo, Vans’ Global Executive Creative Director. “By sharing their stories, we are able to continue celebrating the unique individuals who are living and breathing Vans’ ‘Off The Wall’ ethos. Creative campaigns like this are a true testament to our purpose.”

“Vanguards” represents Vans’ commitment to supporting the longevity and growth of skateboarding. In 2018, Vans embarked on a global initiative to teach women of all ages how to skateboard through a series of skate clinics in an effort to introduce a new form of expression, while empowering the skate community through new perspectives. Vans remains committed to growing and sustaining skateboarding worldwide, hosting a brand-new series of women’s skate workshops across the globe beginning March 8, 2019, International Women’s Day. Throughout the year, Vans will also host Vanguard experiences at Vans Park Series events featuring skate clinics, photo exhibits and experiential activations curated by local athletes and the Vanguards themselves. Visit vans.com/vanguards to learn more about skate clinics near you.

“Vans extends beyond traditional campaigns by funding efforts that create meaningful interactions with loyalists and newcomers alike,” said April Vitkus, Senior Director of Vans Global Brand Marketing. “Vanguards aims to not only tell a story of four women but invites everyone to experience the creative depth that surrounds what we cherish most – skateboarding.”

“Vanguards” is the latest iteration of THIS IS OFF THE WALL with more stories to come in the months ahead; see the full campaign at vans.com/offthewall. To share your own story and join the conversation with Vans use #OffTheWall on social media.

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans x Ashley Williams – Collection (March 2019) @HappyAshleyland #VansxAshleyWilliams

Feb 26 19 under Collaborations, General Release | Comments Off

Vans collaborates with acclaimed London fashion designer, Ashley Williams, as she reimagines four of Vans Classic footwear styles with playful and cheeky elements inspired by her latest collection. Inspired by living and breathing skate culture in her youth, Williams seamlessly merges her inherent sense of style with an “Off The Wall” attitude. The Vans and Ashley Williams collaboration will hit the street beginning this March.

Known for her signature graphic prints and tongue-in-cheek designs, Ashley Williams decks out Vans’ first skate model, the Era. The multi-panel sneaker showcases a custom jug print across the upper and heel and is juxtaposed by a pink and black graphic zebra print. The sidewalls of the Era have been stamped with a custom Vans and Ashley checkerboard printed tape that mimics a heritage graphic print from Vans’ past. Vans’ original deck shoe, the Authentic has been updated with piercing details at the toe and heel. The Authentic is finished with custom “A” emblem on the top eyelet and Vans x Ashley Williams laces. Vans Style 93 includes tiger printed canvas uppers with tonal black lugged outsole with an “A” metal eyelet detail and buckle. Rounding out the assortment is the Classic Slip-On which has been remastered to include a cheeky newspaper print. Each of the Classic footwear styles is finished with a custom Vans and Ashley Williams footbed graphic.

The Vans and Ashley Williams collection will be sold at select Vans retail locations and wholesale accounts this March. Visit Vans.com/ashleywilliams for more information.

#VansxAshleyWilliams

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Classics – Tie-Dye Era (Coming Soon!)

Feb 25 19 under General Release | Comments Off

For decades, tie dye has transcended the streets of San Francisco’s Haight & Ashbury and has found a place amongst fashion and streetwear emerging as the latest trend for spring. Vans first debuted tie dye printed uppers in the late ‘70s and this season the brand brings back the design application for a three-piece offering of tie dye printed Eras.

The Vans Tie Dye pack highlights a new take on the bold trend by introducing a digitally printed execution in three colorways including red, yellow and green. Each panel of Vans’ original skate shoe has been decked out in the vibrant print and is accented with a black binding stripe along the tongue, white eyelets and black laces. The Vans Tie Dye pack will be available to shop in Vans stores and online at Vans.com/Classics this March.

Stunning Editorial For Vault By Vans x Modernica Collection By Blends @blendsus

Feb 21 19 under Accessories, Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Blends’ own Jayson Palacio created this amazing editorial for this weekend’s Modernica x Vans Vault collaboration. Celebrating one of their own Blends family members, Brian Chor, (Modernica’s newest art director) who worked tirelessly to bring this collection to fruition. With a little help from some of the Blends crew @francozulueta and @nooelle, they enlisted model Sophia Alvarez to showcase the product, in a most unique avant-garde way. Browse through the photos, and you’ll get the same vibe that I think this collaboration is trying to represent. At first you’ll see it…and then you’ll feel it! Great job Jayson and crew!

Click on pics after the jump, or read it over on their website HERE.

lots and lots of pics after the jump Read More

Vans – Introducing the ComfyCush (Now Available!)

Feb 20 19 under ComfyCush, 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, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, is proud to announce the launch of ComfyCush, a brand-new innovation that transforms one of the brand’s most iconic and classic silhouettes, the Era, with Vans’ latest consumer-driven comfort technology.

“The ComfyCush Era exemplifies how Vans is adapting to the evolving needs of our consumers,” said Nathanial Iott, senior director of footwear design at Vans. “With comfort as the goal, the ComfyCush Era employs a one-piece constructed interior including tongue tie-downs for improved fit and feel, added arch support and a co-molded construction of foam and rubber to create the perfect combination of cushion and grip for lasting comfort.”

By leveraging the brand’s more than 50 years of heritage and design experience, and employing in-depth consumer feedback, the ComfyCush Era perfectly merges classic styling and modern comfort technology without sacrificing one for the other.

“Often the opportunity to design something new, leads to dramatic updates, but the best thing about the ComfyCush Era is that it is truly a classic,” adds Matthew Pino, Global Product Merchandising Manager. “From five feet away, no one is going to question that it is different from our beloved Classic silhouettes. That is not only important to our loyalists but gives us the chance to showcase our design innovations to newcomers.”

The very first iteration of the Era silhouette launched in 1976 following skate legends Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta asking Vans for more function in their shoes for skateboarding. Decades later, Vans has continued to listen to its creative communities to launch the ComfyCush Era as consumers began asking for more comfort, without sacrificing the shoe’s iconic style.

To celebrate the launch of the ComfyCush Era and introduction of Vans’ comfort technology, ComfyCush, the brand will host immersive global events titled ‘ComfyCush High School’ kicking off in Bushwick, New York before taking off to London, Shanghai and various locations around the world.

The ComfyCush Era is available worldwide now. To learn more about the ComfyCush Era and where to purchase please visit vans.com/comfycush.

more pics after the jump Read More

Vault By Vans x Modernica – A Visit To Modernica’s Factory In Los Angeles #vansxmodernica #modernica #vaultbyvans #vansvault

Feb 18 19 under Accessories, Art, Collaborations, Events, Heritage, History, Reviews, UTP, Vault | Comments Off

This past Wednesday, we were invited to a special event hosted by Modernica and Vault By Vans, where we not only got to get a first-hand look at this weekend’s upcoming highly anticipated collaboration, but we also got to learn about the company who has brought us so many great collaborations, with some of our favorite brands in the industry. Now, you may think that I want to talk about their extensive back catalog, and name drop all the big brand names who fill up their collaborations section, because you know…for the culture. But to be honest, I was looking through a different set of lenses that day, and really wanted to share my appreciation for all of the craftsmen who make up the majority of the company. I’ve always been that kid who got excited when Mr. Rogers went to visit the local factory to see things being made, and to this day, if I come across How It’s Made on tv, I’m not changing the channel! I have an understanding and appreciation for people in the skilled trades industry. Mentorship, and the idea of working under someone with more knowledge and experience to gain a skill, is something I personally relate to in my own life, and value a lot.

We got to see the actual chairs being produced, from their beginning stages of shredded fiberglass, to their very last step of assembly. I felt bad, because we were obviously impeding on their workspace, getting in their way. The place is loud, and I’m not sure if my high was because of simply being invited to the event, or just the fumes from the fiberglass resin filling the shop! From there, it was on to the woodshop. This is where the majority of the craftsmen work. The amount of wood furniture and accessories they make, is staggering. I love walking into a woodworking shop, and smelling the sawdust in the air. You can’t walk out of this place without looking like Pig-Pen. Co-owner Jay Novak, had mentioned to me while we were walking through the factory, that some of his craftsmen have been there for over 20 years, including multiple generations of family. There’s so much going on here, it’s just so much to take in, in one day. There’s a wood-forming machine that bends veneer sheets into those cool curved wooden furniture pieces you always wondered how they made. There’s an upholstery shop, where all of the cushion and fabrics get attached, and there’s also a composites section where you see some other cool curvy fiberglass furniture being produced. The archive section is also pretty neat, where you can see some of the past collabs stacked up on shelves, and also the blanks section where shells are ready to be custom ordered. It’s definitely a beehive of activity.

The product is of the highest quality, made right here in Los Angeles, CA, by carpenters and craftsmen with decades of experience. It’s not glamorous. It’s sometimes dirty. It’s tiresome, but there’s this sense of accomplishment that just feeds the soul. There’s satisfaction in working with your hands to create something from a raw material, to seeing it as a finished product in the end. The amount of time that went into making each and every piece of the chair, tells you how much attention to detail matters to them. Hell, just take a look at the custom box Vans had gifted us, made by Modernica, just to put a pair of shoes into! That box is so sick! (It’s near the end of my photo gallery). There’s no substitute for the real thing, and in this day and age, authenticity means something. This collection is special, and who knows if it will ever happen again. Two SoCal brands, representing the epitome of style, with a timeless collection that we get the opportunity to own a piece of.

Once again, I’m absolutely humbled by Vans for letting me be a part of these cool media events. Special thanks to the Vans PR girls who always show me love, Michelle, Taylor, Laura, and everyone else, and also our old Blends Costa Mesa homie Brian Chor, who as Modernica’s new Art Director, came out with a banger right out the gates! Proud of you homie! I’m sure I get invited, mainly cause I’m local, haha! I’m the guy that sticks out amongst the rest, because I’m not fashion forward, and I don’t really care how I dress, but I guess when I have a passion for the waffle sole, I get to bring an entirely different perspective, perhaps one that most Vans fans share. I highly doubt any other fashion blogger who was there, is going to go on and on about the people responsible for making the product and geeking out on the manufacturing process, but maybe our following will appreciate it.

Last but not least, I just want you to have a different perspective on what you’re actually paying for, when you decide to spend $500 on one of these chairs, as that’s not easy for most of us Vans collectors. We’re not regular furniture collectors. We’re probably trying to figure out where we’d even put this damn thing, but just know that it’s timeless. It’s going to be cool forever. I’m going to leave you with a little excerpt that I copied from the Modernica site:

“This chair is easily one of the most important and recognizable designs of the twentieth century. They were originally designed in 1948, as an entry in The Museum of Modern Art’s International Design Competition, and it should be noted that Modernica is responsible for revitalizing the almost lost art of high-pressure fiberglass molding. The factory is home to the historic fiberglass presses and specialized machinery that has been used in the production of thousands of chairs for over three generation. Since 1999, Modernica has steadfastly produced the chairs as they were originally created, preserving fiberglass chair legacy and craft. In 2000, Modernica revived this potentially lost art of high-pressure, molded fiberglass. Modernica creates each shell, by hand, one-by-one, in their Los Angeles factory—just as they had been designed, developed, and produced in Southern California in the 1950s. Modernica uses all of the original presses and specialized equipment obtained from Century Plastics. To ensure authenticity of production, the initial shell chair production was overseen by Sol Fingerhut and Irv Green, the same team employed over sixty years ago to develop the original technology. Modernica creates each chair with the charge of adhering to the original tactile qualities, texture, and characteristics that alone are unique to the fiberglass shell chair. Their historic equipment has created thousands of chairs for three generations of chair lovers — and everyday Modernica continues to produce beautiful chairs for upcoming generations.”

tons and tons of pics by myself, or Celina Kenyon from Vans, after the jump Read More

Vault By Vans x Proper – 1 of 1 ComfyCush LX Pack (Event Recap) @properlbc #properlbc

Feb 16 19 under Uncategorized | Comments Off

So, I think I said it pretty well on my Instagram post early this morning as I laid in my bed trying to go to sleep, still high off one of my most memorable and favorite sneaker releases I’ve ever experienced. I basically said “@properlbc put on one hell of a Vans release last night. This project will go down in my history books for Vans as one of the most creative and interactive shoe buying experiences I have ever had. It was as if I was walking into that Anaheim Factory showroom myself, and building my own one of one shoe, even though @jaycurry, the one who thought of this insane idea, had already created the color combinations for us. Even if I wasn’t able to get the exact color and style that I was hoping for, it was still super satisfying, knowing that the pair I picked out will not have another one like it. I felt like some of you older Vans collectors, who used to shop the Vans tent sales at the LA County Fair! We should’ve known…another game-changing Vans collab from Proper”, and that pretty much sums up how I felt afterwards. I also wanted to share Jordan’s excerpt about this project, as well as Proper’s official message, as both tell the story much better than I’ve been able to, lol!

Jordan Curry (Mgr at Proper LBC and creative genius behind this legendary pack) – “Growing up in CA Vans have always been a staple in my life as well as my family’s life. My mom spent her youth in Orange, CA where Vans were more of a lifestyle than a footwear preference. When @thescrutineer and @properlbc approached me with a concept for our latest collaboration with @vansvault I unconscionably repeated yes. yes. yes. The idea was to reciprocate the old Vans factory sales of the 70s and 80s. Custom 1of1 shoes never seen before. Odd one-off’s that potentially wouldn’t see the light of day. But this time it wasn’t a few different colors on a few different models, rather hundreds and hundreds of shoes, each different in their own way. “Our presentation consisted of a simple color palette of heavy weight canvas and suede, and some shoes. Hundreds of shoes in fact, page after page of Eras, Slip-Ons, and Sk8-Hi’s in a never ending number of color combinations. Mono-tones, duo-tones, tri-tones, quad-tones the list went on and on. Symmetrical, asymmetrical, mis-matched and everything in between.” The process was madness. Transporting thousands of pieces of fabric between the office and my living room-shifting through materials day in and day out trying to handcraft the perfect pair, knowing it wouldn’t exist. All of it was worth it – just knowing a concept this expansive would never exist again in the Vans world. Fast forward 9 months later, the process is over and the final product is near perfect. I couldn’t be more at a loss for words and couldn’t be more thankful; Handmade Customs from me to you. One of ones all hand designed by me, as individual as it gets. This was insanely hard to keep a secret but i’m hyped this idea has come to fruition. Thank you @thescrutineer for always guiding me and thank you for allowing me to bring this vision to life. Thank you @properlbc for allowing me to bring this vision to life. Thanks to the vans development team for dealing with all of the craziness”.

Proper – “Someone once said that most great ideas start off as bad ones, so it was no surprise when our initial pitch to Vans to work on the new ComfyCush platform was met with some cautious trepidation. The concept was simple, to bring the excitement and discovery of the Vans warehouse sales we enjoyed as Southern California youths to a younger generation that would never have the opportunity to experience it.

Our presentation consisted of a simple color palette of heavy weight canvas and suede, and some shoes. Hundreds of shoes in fact, page after page of Eras, Slip-Ons, and Sk8-Hi’s in a never ending number of color combinations. Mono-tones, duo-tones, tri-tones, quad-tones the list went on and on. Symmetrical, asymmetrical, mis-matched and everything in between.

Only when the raw material began to arrive did the real work begin. Unhindered by design briefs, Proper’s very own Jordan Curry set forth on a process of organic creativity in canvas and suede. Day after day, week after week he immersed himself in the process emerging only to share his latest masterpiece. Steadfast in his dedication to avoid repetition each pair was a unique creation, a true manifestation of the original concept, from mild to wild and everything in between, no two pairs the same. Perfectly imperfect.

Executing any collaboration can be a challenge, much less hundreds of them in a single shot. Has it been done before, not like this, will it be done again, probably not if the Vans production team has their say in it. Part old, part new, completely unique. We hope you enjoy finding your favorite pair as much as we did making them”.

Once again, congrats to the collab of the year, and perhaps much longer than that. This is truly a blessing, to be able to experience an event like no other, where it was all about the thrill of the hunt, hoping to find something in your size, style, and choice of color. I know it’s tough to try and purchase these online, as you’re just going in on a wing and a prayer, hoping you get something dope. Perhaps if and when Proper can get around to it, they’ll just list up all the individual pairs, by style and size of course, and that should help ease some of your worries about getting something you may not like. There’s something for everybody!

tons of pics after the jump, including pics of our 1 of 1’s that we chose! Read More

Vault By Vans x The Darkside Initiative – COMFYCUSH LX Pack (2.16.19)

Feb 14 19 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

The Darkside Initiative looks to be the final partner in the ComfyCush LX campaign, and we now know that their models of choice are the Old Skool ComfyCush LX & Sk8-Hi ComfyCush LX. We haven’t seen a collab from The Darkside Initiative since their Armored “Superfabric” collab over 4 years ago, so this is exciting! Both pairs feature a black nubuck or nubuck-type material throughout the uppers, with orange colors accenting the logos, heel tab, and ComfyCush waffle sole. Each shoe features some form of shop branding on the tongues, while the Old Skool features a message across both heel panels that says “We Don’t Like You Either”. They will be releasing these at both of their NorCal locations, as well as online. Follow @thedarksideinitiative for updates!

Vault By Vans x Modernica – Capsule Collection (2.23.19)

Feb 14 19 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

A noteworthy duo, Vans and Modernica unveil their first collaboration, presenting an exclusive capsule of footwear and furniture to honor the brands’ timeless heritage in design and craftsmanship. Inspired by their always-sunny home state, the two California natives mold together to create a neoteric assortment of bold footwear designs, complemented by a limited-run of Modernica’s iconic fiberglass shell chair, custom-printed with Vans archival patterns.

With a rich history based in Los Angeles for over 25 years, Modernica is responsible for revitalizing the nearly lost art of high-pressure fiberglass molding. The Modernica factory is home to historic fiberglass presses and specialized machinery that have been used in the production of thousands of chairs for over three generations. The distinguished furniture company continues to impress, proving that their reputation as a leader in furniture design and craftsmanship is well-deserved and celebrated.

Modernica is synonymous with timeless, classic design—a brand ethos that Vans lives by. In this premium assortment of footwear, Vans’ preserves the legacy of its beloved Hawaiian palm leaf motifs, along with classic all-over checkerboard patterns. With Modernica’s distinct precision and Vans’ innovative “Off The Wall” designs, you’re left with artfully-crafted renditions of the Style 36 LX and OG Slip-On LX.

The Style 36 LX in brown leather features three archival Vans patterns including a vibrant orange Hawaiian print, a light blue repeat palm leaf, and a classic black and white checkerboard. Each colorway is crafted with a tonal checkered genuine leather tongue, suede toe panel, leather Flying V and heel counter. Similarly, the OG Classic Slip-On LX is available in the corresponding patterns and colorways and features leather and suede on the vamps and heel counters. The heritage-inspired Vans prints are featured on the side panels and collar.

Completing the collection, Vault by Vans x Modernica reveals three executions of Modernica’s iconic fiberglass shell chair. Each of the chairs match back to the classic prints utilized in the footwear, and features a unique heel tab graphic design detail for yet another nod to elevated partnership.

The Vault by Vans x Modernica collection will be available on February 23, 2019. To learn more about the Vault by Vans x Modernica collection, please visit vans.com/vault.

…stay tuned for a story you don’t want to miss. Yesterday, the Vans family invited us to a special launch day at Modernica, where we got to learn about the upcoming collection, as well as experience the brand and heritage of Modernica. We’ll have tons of pics to share, and another one of our interesting perspectives!

more pics after the jump Read More

Vault By Vans x Union – “Kente Cloth” COMFYCUSH Pack (2.16.19) @unionlosangeles #unionlosangeles

Feb 13 19 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

It looks like Union is also part of this Vault By Vans COMFYCUSH campaign. They pulled inspiration from an African Kente cloth, on what looks like a 3-pack of shoes. If you look close at some of the pics they provided, you see an Old Skool, Slip-On, and an Era or Authentic. Here’s what Union‘s Chris Gibbs had to say about the inspiration for the release:

“Recently, Union adopted our own custom made “Union Kente Cloth” design into our brand identity; on our shopping bags, stickers, packing tape and other designs. It’s our subtle shout out to our history! Since we knew the shoe was going to release during Black History Month, we thought it would be a nice touch to make it a part of the design. Not sure what year it was but I remember back in the day Vans did a Kente cloth authentic and I always wanted those, but was never able to cop, so we made a new version for ourselves.”

Kicks will be available in-store and online (02.16.19).

more pics after the jump Read More