With a nod to the past and eyes on the future, Vans celebrates its rich history with a range of footwear and accessories featuring Vans’ iconic Checkerboard motif. Originally inspired by the creative spirit of Southern California’s youth culture and Vans grassroots design contests, Checkerboard is synonymous with Vans’ irreverent and unique style.  “Vans are a natural canvas and in the late ‘70s we started seeing Vans fans sketch all over their shoes,” recalls Vans Vice President of Events and son of the founder, Steve Van Doren. “Before we knew it, checkerboard was everywhere so we wanted to introduce our own version and make sure it was ‘Off The Wall’”

Decades later, Vans continues to release updates to the timeless pattern on a range of Vans products. From the new women’s Dazie-Hi, the Camper Hat and Checkerboard Backpack  to legendary Vans silhouettes like the Sk8-Hi, Old Skool and Classic Slip-On, retro vibes take center stage on these styles staples conveying the perfect canvas for creativity. The extensive footwear offering highlights elementary tones reminiscent of the brand’s Southern California roots with colors like Spruce Yellow, Rhubarb Burgundy, Citadel Blue and Espresso Brown—painting a vibrant image of the Checkerboard history.

Vans Checkerboard gained international attention and appeal when actor Sean Penn donned a fresh pair of black and white Checkerboard Slip-Ons as the eccentric Jeff Spicoli in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. A true “Off The Wall” moment, it comes as no surprise that Checkerboard would remain a mainstay in Vans’ seasonal collections for years to come.

more pics after the jump Read More

In a continued celebration of its 50-year anniversary, Vans releases the Gold pack to further commemorate the momentous milestone of “Off The Wall” heritage. With an aesthetic inspired by its golden year, Vans presents a collection of footwear and apparel that features gold embellishments and archived prints to honor its design legacy. This robust 22-piece assortment includes iconic Vans silhouettes such as the Authentic, Classic Slip-On, Era 59, Old Skool and Sk8-Hi Reissue alongside a deluxe range of hoodies, hats, bags and tees.

The Vans 50th Anniversary Gold pack channels the brand’s heritage by highlighting significant design emblems such as the checkerboard, the Sidestripe and Duke Kahanamoku’s vintage aloha pattern in an elevated aesthetic. In the footwear offering, the checkerboard can be seen as a unique perforated pattern atop a golden Authentic and a multi-toned execution of the Classic Slip-On, while Vans’ coveted Sidestripe marks the panels of the Old Skool and Sk8-Hi Reissue. Inspired by legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, the floral motif is brought back from the archives as a premium foil print across an additional colorway of the Authentic and a dual delivery of Sk8-Hi Reissues. The Era 59 finishes the sneaker capsule with a hit of gold on its heel mustache.

Within the apparel and accessories selection, the golden theme is applied across three pocket tees in the men’s line-up alongside the 50th Zip Front Fleece, two 50th 6-Panel Snapbacks and the Old Skool 50th Backpack. The women’s variety brings follows up with a similar set including pocket tank tops, a slim tee, the 50th Hoodie, two Beach Girl Trucker Hats and the Realm Backpack. Traces of gold accentuate the patterned pocket compartments, zip hardware, logos and woven labels within each ensemble.

tons of pics after the jump Read More