Vans Partners with Multi-Disciplinary Artists, Christopher Martin and Olivia Krause to Bring Their Creative Vision to Vans’ Classic Old Skool

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

Vans continues to provide a canvas and platform for artists who have made their own lane and continue to push the boundaries of creativity as their vehicle of self-expression. This season Vans welcomes multi-disciplinary artists, Christopher Martin and Olivia Krause who have each defined their own path and use various artistic mediums to explore and capture imagery inspired by their roots as well as human emotion. The custom made Old Skools designed by Christopher Martin and Olivia Krause are now available on Vans.com/oldskool.

Born in North Carolina but now based in Oakland, CA, Christopher Martin plays with assorted mediums including textiles, tattooing, along with painting and illustration to create a body of work that is inspired by the journey to his roots. Using textiles as a primary medium, Martin reclaims cotton as a material that once enslaved his ancestors and combines past and contemporary images to form cut and sewn banners. Martin approached the canvas of the Old Skool as he would a tattoo, by considering the anatomy and making sure the design fit perfectly under the Sidestripe. Martin’s Old Skool design features a lady gazing at the moon – she is nostalgic of her journey while she lounges in a field of cotton plants; Using black and white colors throughout his work to reflect the bold and bare truth that represents the tensions of White and Blacks in America.

“When I think of the Old Skool, I reflect on the past and how it has brought me to where I am today,” says Martin. “I learned that one of the main resources used to create Vans shoes is cotton. I wanted to make the connection since cotton in American has been synonymous with pain and struggle within the Black community.”

Based out of Oakland, CA, Olivia Krause is a painter, textile artist and photographer. Krause enjoys working across various mediums to express their visions and creations to create vibrant imagery to help express the human experience and emotional space in abstract ways. Krause is inspired by love and the exploration of self and others. Kause’s inspiration came from watching the sunset over a drive from Los Angeles to Oakland that they took on a road trip with friends.

“I never wanted the sunset to end so I took a bunch of photos of it, some of them had a fence in them. I have loved that image and create that moment whenever I can,” said Krause. The Old Skools were designed to serve as a pop of color to capture the gradient with a hand-drawn fence graphic across the quarter panels. The vivid pattern is juxtaposed with bold color pops on the eyelets and binding and is finished cow printed uppers and a lightning bolt sidewall graphic.

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Christopher Martin and Olivia Krause’s custom made Old Skool’s are available to shop now on Vans.com/oldskool.

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VANS ANNOUNCES TOP 5 FINALISTS IN CUSTOM CULTURE HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION

Vans is thrilled to announce the Top 5 finalists of the twelfth annual Vans Custom Culture competition. Vans High School Custom Culture was created to inspire and empower high school students to embrace their creativity through art and design and bring attention to diminishing art education budgets. 

After twelve years, Vans continues its dedication to give back to the arts through its competition giving students a chance to win $50,000 to benefit their school’s art program. Over 1,000 schools across the country entered and were asked to use Vans as their canvas and apply their creativity to Vans footwear, using the themes “Hometown Pride” and “Head in the Clouds”.

Finalists:

Cedar Hill High School – Cedar Hill, TX

Edison High School – San Antonio, TX

Fontainebleau High School – Mandeville, LA 

Secaucus High School – Secaucus, NJ

Temple City High School – Temple City, CA

After receiving both physical and digital submissions, it’s evident that this year’s winners were collaborative, innovative and dedicated to show the world their art no matter the obstacle. 

Thank you to our partners for empowering this competition, including Yoobi, Vans’ exclusive arts supplies partner who provided gift cards to all the participating schools in order for them to purchase much needed art supplies, Scholarship America for community-based scholarship programs and Journeys who awarded all participating students a gift card to their store in recognition of their accomplishments.

Since its inception in 2021, Vans Custom Culture has reached hundreds of thousands of students, donating over $1,110,000 USD back into high school art programs nationwide. 

For more information, please visit Vans Custom Culture.

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Vault By Vans x Mid City Signs x Footpatrol – Collection (5.29.21)

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Words via Footpatrol:

“Ever since 2014, Javier Matias has been keeping himself busy, cementing himself within the streetwear scene of L.A. Originally studying Fashion Design at L.A Trade-Tech, Javier was eating a grilled cheese when he spotted Jamal Gunn Becker, a local graffiti artist, walking through his campus. It was at that moment Javier stopped what he was doing, followed Jamal to find himself immersed in the world of Sign Painting. This split decision to follow Jamal Gunn Becker, later became his new path, he swapped courses and enrolled into what is one of the oldest courses run within the US.

As time has gone on, Javier has been able to become the go to guy when it comes to L.A. sign painting with his company Mid City Signs. Besides the usual store fronts such as FTP and Midnight studios, Javier has even worked on Coachella and Camp Flog Gnaw.

During a visit we made to Complexcon 2018, we stumbled across Javier and Mid City Signs instantly falling in love with what they do and how they go about doing it. A laid back approach filled with friendly smiles and welcoming hellos is what makes Mid City Signs what it is working perfectly with the city’s way of life.

To be able to showcase Javier’s work we reached out to him to work together alongside Vans to produce a three piece collaboration inspired by the L.A. shop fronts.

Starting off with the Vans Era LX. The loudest pair of the pack, we pieced together a series of Mid City Signs designed lettering and branded footbed, this pair is built to stand out against the rest. The shoe also features a vulcanised glossy cream midsole with paint splatters on the outsole.

Second in line is the fan favourite Vans Old Skool LX. Based more so on the sign painting process and the half finished job. Referencing the stencilling used to prep the lettering we added tonal branding to the toe box, whilst making the stripes featured on the sidewalls cream. As a nod to the trial & error method used by sign painters when selecting a typeface and the early days of old school Vans customs, the midsole comes with a series of differently designed Footpatrol branding.

The Final piece to our colourful puzzle with Vans brings up to the more subtly designed, Vans Sid LX. To recreate the dusty paint covered sheets used, this pair is dressed in cream toned paint flecked canvas uppers placed on top of a contrasting black midsole. Besides making the sole stand out against the upper, the trim lines that are showcased on the shoe have also been filled to contrast against the midsole and placed alongside a series of paint splatters.

To be able to create an authentic feel to the campaign we asked Javier to take us on a day in the life of Mid City Signs walking us through his journey, some of the spots he’s worked on across L.A. and share with us his view on where he sees Mid City Sign going.

This special collaborative project is launching online and in-stores, Saturday 29th May. Also, take a closer look at the gift with purchase that will be available for those who purchase this latest collaboration within our London store! (Whilst stocks last).”

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Vans x Chris Johanson – “Be Cool To Your Living World” Collection (Available Now!)

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

Portland, Oregon-based artist, musician, skater and surfer Chris Johanson has teamed up with Vans for a sustainable capsule that encourages you to “Be Cool to Your Living World.” Consisting of five sneakers plus several pieces of apparel, the offerings from Johanson and the California-based footwear behemoth practice what they preach thanks to mindful materials like eco-rubber compounds, organically grown cotton and much more.

Footwear consists of two takes on the Era, one heavily modified Slip On, one UltraRange EXO and one Destruct SF. One of the Eras and the UltraRange EXO each feature Johanson’s signature multicolor swirl pattern, while the other Era opts for a black upper printed with hand-scrawled blue details. Officially dubbed the Trek Slip On, the aforementioned heavily modified Slip-On is made entirely of purple rubber and features cut-out checkerboard toward the forefoot, making it more clog than shoe. Lastly, the Destruct supplies a cool blue canvas and suede upper with a special black graphic print. All five pairs are completed with cork insoles.

Apparel is centered around a new Swirl Boardshort, nodding to Johanson’s love for surfing and matching two of the collection’s shoes to a T. A floral woven short-sleeve button up is made almost entirely of recycled cotton, and the collection is finalized by a hoodie, multiple tees, a snapback cap and a tote bag.

The Chris Johanson x Vans “Be Cool to Your Living World” collection is available now via the Vans webstore.

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Vans Introduces New Livestream Broadcast Channel 66

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Vans is excited to announce the launch of Channel 66, a digital livestream network broadcasting weekdays from New York City, Chicago, Mexico City, and Los Angeles to audiences around the world. Vans version of community radio meets public access TV, Channel 66 is an embodiment of Vans’ commitment to support artists and creatives while also uplifting communities during such an unprecedented time. The COVID-19 pandemic has forever altered the events landscape and Vans has a deep history of reimagining event experiences and grassroots programs.

Channel 66 spotlights each city’s unique heritage in sub-culture by programming through the lens of the people who live it. Channel 66 offers a live audio and video broadcast featuring DJ sets, curated radio shows, talks, workshops, and musical performances across music, art, action sports and community. The General in Brooklyn, NY, House of Vans Chicago, Mexico City (broadcasting Spanish speaking shows), and Vans DTLA serve as Channel 66 studio locations. 

Programming highlights include curated shows like Chessboxing with GZA, New Direction New York Hardcore show with Walter Schreifels, Afropunk’s Channel Interference, Poetry and lyricism by Young Chicago Authors, The Girl Ultra Show connecting music and fashion, and All Ages Show spotlighting Los Angeles’s rich heritage in DIY and punk. 

Early show guests and DJs feature Japanese Breakfast, Channel Tres, Vic Mensa, Laura Jane Grace, Duckwrth, Rosa Pistola, Flea, Serena Isioma, Vans Pro skater Daniel Lutheran and many more. Additionally, Channel 66 turns over the airwaves to local skate shops, restaurants, music venues, and independent record labels.

Channel 66 went live on February 8th and will continue to broadcast starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00 am PST every weekday with Friday nights featuring marquee live performances and dance-oriented DJ sets. As distance and separation from others has become an unfortunate reality for everyone across the world, Vans strives to cultivate Channel 66 as a place where audiences from all walks of life can come together to find inspiration.

To stay up to date with Channel 66 broadcasts and upcoming events online follow along at vans.com/channel66.

Follow Channel 66 on Instagram at vanschannel66.

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VANS PARTNERS WITH RISING BLACK ARTISTS FOR FOOTWEAR COLLABORATION HONORING BLACK HISTORY MADE EVERY DAY

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Vans announces limited-time footwear collaboration featuring four rising Black artists in honor of Black History made every day. This initiative showcases four creatives who are pushing culture forward and paving the way for generations to follow. The artists include Rewina Beshue, whose scope of work ranges from multimedia, painting, printmaking, and graphic design; Sydney G. James, a fine artist and muralist and one of the leading creative voices in southeast Michigan; Chris Martin, a multidisciplinary artist that explores the African Diaspora and spotlights the rich history of The South; and Tony Whlgn, a visual artist who creates on unconventional mediums and has worked with Marc Ecko, Joey Badass, Big K.R.I.T. and NYC’s KITH. As Vans remains committed to continuously uplifting the voices of marginalized communities, the partnership with these four unique artists reinforces the powerful role self-expression plays in drawing awareness to the diverse representation of creativity brought to life.

Each week in February, Vans.com will feature a different artist delving into their story and work alongside the release of their Vans Custom design that embody their diverse styles and tenacious spirits. In addition, each artist will be featured in store windows of all Vans stores across the U.S. and Canada for the entire month of February, as well as across Vans social media accounts.

Vans will also be donating $40,000 to the Black Arts Future Fund, an organization that uplifts and enhances the future of Black arts and culture. This donation will fund granting efforts to small and community-based Black arts organizations across the country. Vans fans can also lend support to the Black Art Future Fund by donating their Vans Family points up to $25,000 within the US. View full terms and conditions here.

Finally, Vans has reintroduced it’s “Foot the Bill” program to support small businesses who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. In conjunction with Black History Month, Vans will spotlight three Black-owned businesses each week as part of directing consumers to Black-owned businesses throughout the US. Companies including 606 Records in Chicago and Harriet’s Bookshop in Philadelphia – list of companies to date showcased below. Through efforts like “Foot the Bill,” Vans is committed to championing inclusivity by supporting small businesses that are owned and operated by diverse communities. More info on Vans “Foot The Bill”.


“As we live our purpose to enable creative expression, we are proud to partner with each artist to uplift and amplify their voices during Black History Month and beyond.”

 – Carly Gomez, VP Marketing of Vans The Americas 

“It brings me absolute joy to use my art to uplift Black art communities. It is important to use my platform to amplify positivity in Black communities through art and creativity.”

– Rewina Beshue

“The design is special, because for me, it goes way beyond a shoe. It brings my life as an artist full circle. As a child artist (like many young artists) and into adulthood, I’ve always drawn and painted on clothes, walls and shoes. My parents granted me such liberties. And now, as I am soon to become a 42-year-old Black woman, I have created art in all three mediums professionally and MY way. There’s something poetic and encouraging in that.”

– Sydney G. James

“As creatives, the least we can do is speak our truth and hope it resonates and uplifts others.”

– Chris Martin 

“My hope is for people to unlearn what they’ve been taught, to do the work of the inner and outer self, and receive the intergenerational messages of Love, Peace, & Happiness”

– Tony Whlgn

 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Read More

Vans Custom Culture High School Competition Launches with a Grand Prize of $50,000 to the Winners High School Art Program

To kick off the new year, Vans invites all public and private high school students to take part in Vans Custom Culture 2021. Vans Custom Culture returns for its twelfth installment with a couple of new themes to match the current times. To reflect the state of the world, this year’s new topics are “Hometown Pride” and “Head in the Clouds.” Students will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistic abilities by submitting a unique digital shoe design that illustrates this year’s themes for a chance to win a grand prize of $50,000 for their high school’s art program. Runner ups will receive $15,000 and the top five schools will receive an artist mentorship lesson from one of Vans’ art ambassadors: Kelly Breez, Robin Eisenberg, Jay Howell, Todd Francis, Olivia Krause, Camilo Medina, Noah Humes, O.J. Hays, Tony Whlgn, and Sydney James.

Online registration at the Vans Custom Culture website opened on January 4th and will close on January 29th, 2021. This year’s themes of “Hometown Pride” and “Head in the Clouds” look to highlight the special qualities of where each school is located as well as student’s visions for the future and their communities. These new themes look to challenge and encourage students to come up with unique and meaningful digital shoe designs that represent their school’s culture. Vans has partnered with Yoobi, Americans for the Arts, and Journeys to supply students and schools with resources and scholarship opportunities.

After the digital submission window ends on February 19th, 250 schools will be asked to submit a physical shoe design that best embodies “Hometown Pride” and “Head in the Clouds.” As an added bonus to challenge and encourage students to think critically about the environment, Vans will be offering a $500 gift card for art supplies to the best designs that can be made out of sustainable materials. Vans will also be donating $500 per school to an environmental organization to help promote and encourage investment in sustainability.

Once the top 50 designs are selected, the online voting window will determine the top five finalists. Online voting begins on April 26th and each school has the opportunity to make it to the finals by encouraging their communities to support them through online voting. The grand-prize winning school will be announced in May via an online livestream event and they will be receiving a $50,000 check for their school’s art program.

“The variety of submissions we received in the past continues to reveal the pool of talented artists we have and the need for well-funded art education programs across the country,” said Carly Gomez, VP Marketing of Vans the Americas.

To learn more about Vans Custom Culture 2021 and register your school, head to customculture.vans.com and to watch some how-to lessons from Vans art ambassadors head to Vans’ YouTube Channel.

Vans Makes This Holiday Season Extra Special with a Digital Coloring Book that Creates One-of-a-Kind Vans Custom Footwear

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

This holiday season, Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, promotes creative expression and personalization through a digital-first coloring book for Vans fans to click, color and create to make their own custom work of art. Vans partners with Philadelphia-based artist, Andy Rementer, to design three holiday-themed pieces featuring various quirky characters, objects and typography to spread Vans holiday cheer. Visit Vans.com/makeitspecial now to choose your artwork and send to a friend, family or loved one. Users can download their personalized artwork and make it into their very own one-of-a-kind pair of Vans Customs.

There’s no better way to make this holiday season special than with a personalized gift. Through Vans’ holiday customization campaign, you can color and customize your own art, upload it to Vans Customs, and choose from various Classic footwear models including the Vans Authentic, Era, Classic Slip-On, Old Skool or Sk8-Hi styles watch your design come to life. You can size, scale and compliment your art with a range of materials, patterns and design details to make your own, one-of-a-kind pair of Vans. Those looking for their own custom carryall can even add their artwork to a Vans Backpack.

As an added bonus, Vans Family members will be able to unlock access to three exclusive fleece options including an action sports-inspired fleece pullover in addition to a music and art-inspired crewneck fleece each featuring art and illustrations by artist, Andy Rementer. Vans Family members will have to sign-in to have access to purchase the exclusive fleece designs beginning this November.

Make this holiday season special with Vans by getting creative and expressing yourself at Vans.com/makeitspecial. Create your own work of art or design your one-of-a-kind Vans Customs today!

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

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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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Vans and MoMA Collaborate to Launch Special Edition Footwear and Apparel, Celebrating the Museum’s Collection and Works by Prominent Artists

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Two-part series debuts with Salvador Dalí, Vasily Kandinsky and Claude Monet followed by a second artist release this November

Vans, the original action sports brand and advocate for creative expression, is proud to announce its upcoming collaboration with one of the world’s foremost museums devoted to modern and contemporary art, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). With a shared passion for inspiring individual expression around the world, Vans and MoMA have come together to debut a series of special edition products this fall. The artists featured reflect the diversity of MoMA’s collection with artworks by Salvador Dalí, Vasily Kandinsky, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Jackson Pollock, Lybov Popova and Faith Ringgold. 

The first release of footwear, apparel and accessories will launch worldwide Sept. 30, followed by another installment in November. Both feature art represented in the museum’s collection, chosen by Vans in collaboration with MoMA. Each product was designed with careful consideration and a deep appreciation of the art, translated on Vans Classic styles. 

“MoMA is excited to finally reveal the Vans collaboration as they, too, have a rich legacy of supporting artistic expression,” says Robin Sayetta, Associate Director of Licensing and Partnerships at MoMA. “We pursue a limited number of product collaborations and our goal is always to engage a broader audience with modern art. We are thrilled to reach art lovers around the world through Vans’ global network.” 

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