Vans Skate x DEFCON – Release Recap Thoughts (As Well As Some Apparel & Accessory Pics)

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So, unless you’ve been under a rock somewhere, this morning, DEFCON released their latest Sk8-Hi Notchback Pro, in an all-black Multicam pattern colorway, and with it, they also created some apparel and accessories to coincide with the launch.  This release was different from past ones, mainly because Vans and DEFCON decided to release the set solely on the DEFCON website.  No skate shops or tactical stores received pairs to sell.  I jokingly told my friends that the DEFCON release would indeed be a shit show, but at least we all were on a level playing field.  The site didn’t provide us any info, so nobody knew what to expect, or could register an account for faster checkout.  Turns out, this may be the best fucking idea ever!  Sure, many lost out, but looking in the IG comments on DEFCONs account, it’s clear that a lot of people successfully purchased their first pair of DEFCONs, after failing with some of the past releases.  When it comes to DEFCON, there will never be enough pairs made.  Ever.  There’s just too wide of an audience for such a limited product.  It’s dope to see what DEFCON started as, even before it was labeled as DEFCON, and to see it become a brand that deserves all the hype and affirmation that it receives.  This is what happens when your values and ideas come from an authentic place, instead of creating a story or hype to help sell something.  It just so happens that there’s this really big military and gun culture that seemed to only really pop-up over the past 6 years or so.  Add that into the growing Vans collector base, which we fully represent, as well as the sneaker reselling culture (yup it’s a full-fledged culture folks), and now you have a real cluster fuck of a situation, lol.  Now it becomes about whoever has the most money to spend, will eventually end up with the pairs.  What can you do?  We live in an age of consumerism, where we feel we need to get our hands on everything that is dangled in front of us.  My site doesn’t help that either, I know!  But it is what it is.  Highly sought after “stuff”, whether it be sneakers, priceless art, real estate, toys, etc., will always sell for what someone is willing to pay for it.  So, feel happy for that person who was able to cop their first pair of DEFCONs today, and maybe one day, Vans will revisit these shoes, with some sort of a retro, and perhaps the hype will be gone, and those who were upset today will get them then, or maybe you may have moved on from Vans, the military, gun collecting, or reselling stuff, and you won’t give a shit.  Maybe Vans will then need to create some “remember when” stories to help reinvigorate some hype again, although highly unlikely.  I feel Vans gets to sit back and watch everyone else play these hunger games, while they continue to stay in their own lane, staying authentic.  Staying true to their style.  True to their ethos.  Not giving into what mainstream pop culture says is cool.

Anyways, enough about that.  Here’s a few pics for archival purposes, of the t-shirts, lapel pin, and pillow that also released this morning.  Enjoy!

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Vans – Versa Hoodie & QZP DX (Winter 2018)

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Words via Vans:

“Building off franchise success from past seasons, this October, Vans expands the Versa Hoodie and Versa QZP DX offering, highlighting the Versa’s discreet technical benefits in brand new colorways. These men’s apparel styles highlight a purposeful innovation that embrace timeless style and skateboard functionality all-in-one.

Pro-built for skateboarders, the Versa Hoodie and Versa QZP DX employ critical performance attributes without sacrificing Vans’ timeless, classic aesthetic. The Versa Hoodie and Versa QZP DX demonstrate reliable functionality through Storm Cotton™ technology, a strong, innovative fabric coating that acts as a breathable shield from rain and sweat, with water repellant capabilities and quick drying characteristics. The Versa Hoodie also utilizes a durable fabric blend—a strong, heavyweight fleece that withstands abrasion and a hidden media pocket for quick access and secure phone storage. The Versa QZP DX features embroidered accents, including the phrase “World’s #1” on the collar.”

This holiday season, the Versa Hoodie is available in port royale and the Versa QZP DX in violet ice. The new Vans Versa franchise is available now. To learn more about the Versa and where to purchase, visit Vans.com/versa.

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Vans x Disney – Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Collection (10.5.18) #disneyxvans

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Words via Vans:

“Vans comes together with Disney to deliver a collection celebrating the true original, Mickey Mouse. To commemorate the 90th anniversary of Disney’s beloved character, Vans designers bring decades of iconic Mickey Mouse imagery to an extended offering of footwear, apparel and accessories available October 5. The collection is founded on 11 designs that capture Mickey Mouse’s spirit and evolution spanning from his introduction in the late 1920’s to present day.

To commemorate Mickey Mouse’s film debut in 1928, the Sk8-Hi has been remastered to showcase iconic scenes from the black and white silent film, Plane Crazy. Each quarter panel features a film scene that is captured under a patent material and is finished with a 3-D emblem on the heels.

The 1940’s introduction of the animated film Fantasia brought Mickey Mouse’s mischievous persona to light as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”. Taking inspiration from the Sorcerer’s hat, the Sk8-Hi is transformed to include velvet quarter panels adorned with celestial moon and star embroidery, which is complimented by blue suede panels and contrast yellow stitching. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice inspired Sk8-Hi is finished with a black sole, star printed laces and a Sorcerer’s Apprentice emblem on the heel. To compliment the collection a Fantasia themed tee and Old Skool II Backpack feature a far out, tie-dye print and Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Disney fans can channel their inner Mouseketeer in an Old Skool model that is dedicated to the Mickey Mouse Club. Utilizing suede and cotton canvas materials, the Old Skool silhouette features a red Sidestripe and club logo sewn on the tongue. The Mickey Mouse Club themed Old Skool is finished with custom chain stitched embroidery on the back of each heel.

Vans designers channel the 1980’s in a special model of the Old Skool, which combines multi-color uppers in pink, yellow and green. The design is topped off with a classically cool Mickey Mouse print and the Vans’ iconic Checkerboard pattern. Both men and women will receive nostalgic ‘80s-inspired apparel and accessories options including hoodies, jackets, backpacks and accessories.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are tougher than nails on a special flaming Checkerboard Slip-On. Channeling the 1990’s both Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse get a punk makeover. Vans and Disney fans can showcase their own “Off The Wall” attitude in the LS BF Tee, backpack, hat and hoodie that showcase flaming sleeves and a Checkerboard hood liner.

Mickey Mouse fans can channel the true original himself in the Mickey Mouse-inspired Authentic. Vans’ original deck shoe has been updated with Mickey Mouse’s trademark colors including a yellow sole complimented by black and red uppers and applique yellow buttons along the heels.

A canvas rendition of the Old Skool showcases Mickey Mouse’s iconic gloves holding the medial side of the shoe. Disney fans will have to look closely as there is a hidden Mickey located on the tongue of each shoe. This simplified take on a classic serves as inspiration for a matching women’s apparel assortment that includes a checkerboard emblazoned tee, hoodie, hat and backpack.

Mickey Mouse’s eternal sweetheart, Minnie Mouse, will receive her own two-piece footwear and apparel assortment that channels her classic polka dotted dress. Using her giant oversized bow and satin materialization, the Authentic Gore and Slide-On Sandal get dressed up with Minnie Mouse detailing and is finished with a delicate scalloped edge. Matching crewneck, backpack and sock options are also available in the selection.

The collection wraps with a last rendition that could only be created by Vans and Disney fans themselves. Vans Customs will receive two exclusive prints including a special Mickey Mouse inspired icon and a Minnie Mouse polka dot pattern that will be available beginning October 5 on Vans.com/Customs. Highlight your own favorite moment with Mickey Mouse alongside countless color and material combinations across Vans Classic silhouettes.”

 

The Vans and Disney Mickey Mouse Collection will be available to shop in Vans partner and retail stores and online at http://www.vans.com/Disney beginning on October 5.

#DisneyxVans

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Vans Skate – Versa Hoodie DX (1.20.18)

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Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, proudly debuts its landmark skate apparel innovation of 2018, the Versa Hoodie DX. Pioneering a new vision for Vans performance skate apparel, the Versa Hoodie DX’s ubiquitous look showcases an evolution of style, comfort and skateboard functionality all-in-one. No matter how hard you skate, the Versa Hoodie DX is constructed to breathe easy, repel water and handle wear and tear.

“Our pro skate team riders are the major catalyst for developing a hoodie that would perform at the highest level,” Vans director of global design for apparel and accessories, Colin O’Connor explains. “We focused on incorporating a durable fabric blend, comfort and functionality that would fit our riders needs both on and off the board.”

Pro-built for skateboarders, the Versa Hoodie DX employs critical performance features without sacrificing Vans’ timeless, classic aesthetic. Through unique fabric construction and finishing, the Versa Hoodie DX is built to endure the elements, utilizing Storm Cotton™, a hydrophobic shield that causes water to form beads that roll off the surface, while enhancing the garment with water repellency and maintaining breathability. The Versa Hoodie DX also utilizes a durable fabric blend—a strong, heavyweight fleece that withstands abrasion.

Professional skateboarder and Vans team rider Anthony Van Engelen attests, “I like to be able to trust the durability of not only my shoes, but my clothes too. The Versa Hoodie has become an everyday tool for me to achieve what I need to accomplish, just like my shoes and my board, and just as durable.”

The Versa Hoodie DX includes reflective details on the pocket, hood and lower back that allow for multi-directional reflectivity, as well as a patent-pending hidden media pocket for quick access and secure phone storage.

The Versa Hoodie DX will be available in cement heather, old gold and classic black on January 20, 2018 and retails for $94.50. Learn more about this special project and where to purchase at Vans.com/versa.

#VansVersa

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Vans – Mountain Edition Footwear and Apparel Collection (Fall 2015)

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Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand readies for the harsher seasons ahead with an updated collection of Mountain Edition footwear and apparel. Designed for the elements, the Vans Mountain Edition collection returns for fall with a selection of revamped Classics silhouettes, featuring Scotchgard®-coated uppers, warm linings and a heat retention layer between sockliner and outsole. In addition to the footwear program, Men’s Apparel presents an updated range of weather-treated outerwear just in time for the cold winter months.

 Fixed atop an innovative vulcanized lug outsole for maximum traction, the Old Skool MTE and Sk8-Hi MTE resurface this season in builds that are inspired by outdoor footwear. The men’s offering introduces three colorway options – tonal black leather, honey leather and pewter wool – across both MTE silhouettes. The women’s pack consists of two additional Sk8-Hi MTE color-ups – black and khaki – that are outfitted in suede uppers and woven chevron collar detailing.

 Product innovation moves beyond footwear and into the Men’s Apparel program with a series of treated Mountain Edition outerwear pieces. Coated with durable water repellant (DWR), these progressive jackets, shirt jackets and fleece silhouettes will keep you warm and dry through the winter. Select pieces from the apparel capsule are insulated with lightweight PrimaLoft® fibers for added warmth, breathability and water resistance.

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Vans x Stance – Legends Crew Socks (Available Now!)

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Check out these awesome Stance socks that Vans collaborated on, featuring all of the Vans Legends!  We got Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, Ray Barbee, Jeff Grosso, and John Cardiel.  These are epic, and now available at your local Vans shop, or on their website, through our links.  Please support OTWS and purchase these by clicking on the pic above, or after the jump!

photo credit to @vansfranklinpark

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In4mation Fall/Winter 2013 Lookbook (shot by Matt McGinley) @in4mants @in4mationbrand @fibes_1 @toddshimabuku @in4mryan

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I’m going to start doing this more often for friends of ours on here.  It’s not always about sneakers, and for me, it’s always about making sure I can give back to those who have gone out of their way to support OTWS, in any way I can.

That being said, check out In4mation’s lookbook, shot by skateboard and lifestyle photographer Matt McGinley, that was just released, featuring their Fall/Winter lineup for 2013.  Our longtime friend Keith over at In4mation, is responsible for the sick “In4m” handstyles script logo that you see above, and I hope it stays around in their logo lineups for awhile, perhaps to be used on a New Era fitted as well, hint hint!  Quote from Highsnobiety: “The upcoming line was inspired by the late-night benders and fifth-gear debauchery that tend to follow a hard day’s work, and includes T-shirts with graphic motifs, printed sweatshirts – some with front-pockets – and a range of snapbacks featuring a variety of embroidered motifs”.  If you follow Keith and friends on Instagram, you’ll see exactly where this inspiration came from.  You can purchase the entire collection on their webstore, as well by phone order.  Hit them up, and tell them Guamstyles from Offthewallsite sent you!

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Vans x Starter – “V Team” Snapback (Available now!)

Check out this dope snapback from Vans and Starter.  Featuring the Starter font, and incorporating the S(tar) logo into it as well.  These are up on the Vans webstore in a few colorways, so if you want one, click on the pic above to purchase it, and support OTWS!

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Vans – New Vans Releases (OTWS Top Picks!)

Here’s a few new items from Vans that caught our eye, and perhaps you feel the same as well.  Just a few random pieces, and shoes that we think you’d enjoy.  Don’t forget that each item is available for purchase by clicking on the picture.  Support OTWS and what we do, by purchasing from us!

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Vans Apparel – Island Collection (Spring 2013)

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Words via Vans:

Vans offers a cool variety of apparel and accessories featuring Aloha Camo and Ukulele prints for this season’s Island Collection. Aloha Camo embodies the spirit of a Hawaiian summer with an eccentric mix of beach imagery spreading across the Casual Friday Aloha Shirt, Snapback and Tank in addition to a pair of Spicoli 4 Shades. The Ukulele print pays tribute to its namesake’s influence on island music and culture with various makes of the small stringed instrument covering the Casual Friday Aloha Shirt, Snapback and Tank alongside the Ukulele Boardshort 22”. The Ukulele Boardshort is made of Vans’ Surf Suede, an innovative lightweight material which dries quickly to minimize rashing.”

Vans Island Collection apparel and accessories are available now by clicking on each picture above, and after the jump

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