Charlene Holy Bear – Native American Beadwork Slip-Ons (Customs)

Feb 10 18 under Customs | 3 Comments

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I came across this recent Vogue article about Charlene Holy Bear, a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux Tribe, who has been making some noise in the fashion world, with her intricate traditional Lakota beadwork.  The reason you’re hearing about her from us, is that she has made some of the most amazing pairs of custom Vans that we’ve ever seen!  We’ve seen plenty of customs featuring some type of beadwork on them, but none at this level of detail and accuracy.  You can tell these are done professionally, by someone who’s put in a lot of work to perfect their craft.  The design aesthetic alone is eye-catching, with the vibrant colors, and unique square within a square patterns which lend themselves nicely to a classic Vans checkerboard print, but the tightness and perfect straightness of her beadwork is something that can’t be overlooked.  It’s a thing of beauty, and I just wanted to show respect where respect is due, and share some awesome Vans with you all.  It also looks like some folks over at corporate have hooked her up with some pairs to work on, which is really cool.  Vans always supports the arts, and well, just about any cool shit, lol!

Each pair of Vans shoes that she creates can take about 2 weeks to complete, so don’t be surprised that a pair will set you back a cool $950, which you can pre-order on her webstore, where you can request specific colors and styles for your pair.

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Check out a few of her prior clients’ pairs after the jump! Read More

Kadirwarriors – “CW-IV” aka Part IV: The Checker Warriors (Vans Customs)

Feb 5 18 under Art, Collaborations, Customs, Friends | Comments Off on Kadirwarriors – “CW-IV” aka Part IV: The Checker Warriors (Vans Customs)

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It’s been a long time since I’ve featured any custom works on here, especially of the Vans Customs program types, but when our friends, the Kadirwarriors from Singapore reached out to me, to feature a design that they came up with as a collective, then I thought I’d show a little love for them, for being such Vans fanatics, in a country that is relatively new to Vans on a more widespread scale. Even if the rare and limited Vans are mostly being imported via eBay auctions and Facebook group transactions, it’s this same passion that resonates to the masses, who might just want to step outside of their normal everyday style, and buy that first pair of Slip-Ons, Authentics, Old Skools, or Sk8-Hi’s. Any sub-culture needs it’s advocates, and these guys are a perfect example of that. Thank you all for supporting Vans like we do, and living their culture, creating your own path, while holding down Singapore for all of us Vans enthusiasts, proving Vans is truly a world-wide brand.

Here’s a brief message from Faisal (@cacal) of Singapore’s most notorious group of Vans collectors, all whom are first cousins or brothers, the Kadirwarriors.

“We present to you, the Kadirwarriors x Vans Part IV, the ‘Checker Warriors’ or shorten for ‘CW-IV’. Silos of choice, were two of our favorite models: The style 44 & 98, also known as the Slip-on and Authentic. With the Vans Customs program, our entire Kadirwarriors came up with a design that we unanimously agreed upon, which we want to share with you here.

The ‘CW-IV’ defines the Kadirwarriors and our love of Vintage Japanese Americana style, especially the vintage Vans look, with the iconic checkered foxing. We chose the checkerboard motif as it commemorates every single one of us to why we are here in the first place. The olive (Army Green) theme was added as it has been instilled in most of us, having that military vibe in our style. The ‘Warriors’ repeat pattern on the Authentic was selected to commemorate one of our favorite classic designs, the FuckingAwesome x Vans. I remember we were all looking forward to the Authentic releasing. Fun fact: Under The Palms made a repost of all the official 3 colors released worn by us in the @underthepalms IG account. We were all so stoked!

We personalized both models with embroidery stencil of our initials ‘KWAR’ on the left shoe, and the shoe name ‘CW-IV’ on the right, respectively. We finished the Slip-On with our trademark skull hand-sign logo on the panel. You wouldn’t want to know how many emails we had to send to Vans to get the logo approved for us to put on this pair. Vans has very strict protocol on pictures you want to submit. Lucky it went through, (perhaps with some referrals from some US Vans employees we befriended through IG).

As some of you guys may know, Vans.com doesn’t ship to Asia, but after 3 weeks, the shoes finally arrived, safely in Singapore. Just for fun, we have decided to assist with another 20 pairs, so if any friends want to be a part of the family and have a pair, please do contact us on our official IG @kadirwarriors or email us at kwar.official@gmail.com.

Thank you.”

Faisal (@cacal)

more pics after the jump Read More

A Day At The New Vans Corporate Headquarters (8.30.17)

Sep 17 17 under Articles, Customs, Events, Friends, Heritage, History, NEWS, OTWS, Reviews, UTP | Comments Off on A Day At The New Vans Corporate Headquarters (8.30.17)

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I know it’s been a few weeks since we were invited to tour the Vans Corporate Headquarters, but life has really been in the way and I haven’t been able to really sit down and write.  I mainly wanted to share with you, some random photos that I was able to take while touring this amazing new facility.  Situated right off the 405 freeway in Costa Mesa, just West of Harbor Blvd., perfectly visible from the freeway, stands this gigantic checkerboard wrapped building, with an even more giant Vans logo on each side of the building.  It’s even more magnificent from the inside courtyard, where you’ve all seen that big red staircase that connects all 3 floors together.

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I started out my day meeting up with the Strictly Waffles fam Eddie and Joey in the parking lot.  We arrived inside to all of our Vans PR friends, and a few familiar faces I’ve met at past events.  We were provided with some breakfast items and Stumptown Coffee which is the coffee of choice throughout the main cafe, and the coffee kitchens situated on each floor.  I was all about that nitro cold brew that was on tap, served up by their very own barista Brandon.  This was too awesome.

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The day of course started with a nice introduction from Steve Van Doren, and his sister Cheryl, talking about what was important when asking employees about what they wanted the new building to have, as well as making sure it was a place that made you love being at work.  There are private think spaces throughout the entire building, an outdoor courtyard complete with a bell that can be rung and heard throughout the entire place, when you make a significant achievement, and there’s even a game room loaded with air hockey, foosball, and shuffleboards to blow off a little steam on.  Vans memorabilia is on display almost everywhere you look.  Band collab shoes, custom Fender guitars, and even the Vans Born Free 9 motorcycle that was built by Thompson Cycles. Read More

SBTG x Kadir Warriors – “Acid Frenzy” Pack (Available for Pre-Order) @mr_sabotage #sbtg #kadirwarriors

May 27 17 under Art, Collaborations, Customs | Comments Off on SBTG x Kadir Warriors – “Acid Frenzy” Pack (Available for Pre-Order) @mr_sabotage #sbtg #kadirwarriors

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SBTG and the Kadir Warriors are back again with a 3rd collab, this time called Acid Frenzy.  The shoes feature custom artwork by the SBTG team, and are a result of many years of friendship between the Kadir Warriors and Mark Ong.  The Kadir Warriors have such a strong family bond, which should be an inspiration to the world, as said by SBTG, himself.  If you’re interested in any of these pairs, you can place a pre-order from SBTG for $450 + shipping.  Links will be available on their site very soon.  Until then, check out the pics after the jump!

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SBTG x Kadir Warrios – Collection 3 (Coming Soon!)

May 9 17 under Asia, Collaborations, Customs | Comments Off on SBTG x Kadir Warrios – Collection 3 (Coming Soon!)
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Singapore’s finest, SBTG has teamed up with his local friends, the Kadir Warriors for a third collaboration, once again using Vans as the base for the entire collection.  They chose 2 models, the Slip-On and the Authentic, which are the Kadir Warrior’s favorite model to wear.  For this round they decided to emphasise on the hand sign that they always show in their IG photos which happens to symbolize the W for Warriors, and at the same time, a number 3 sign.  Through conversations they had together they decided to work on a black / teal / pink colorway with white bones. The panels are cloaked in a 1 tone Tiger stripe pattern and embellished with their Kwar motifs all over.  They decided to open up this release to the public for pre-order, so if you are a fan of the Kadir Warriors and Mark Ong aka SBTG’s fine work, then stay tuned to their site for more info!
more pics after the jump
 

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The Shoe Surgeon – Beige Suede Sk8-Hi Crepe Sole (ComplexCon Exclusive)

Nov 2 16 under Customs | Comments Off on The Shoe Surgeon – Beige Suede Sk8-Hi Crepe Sole (ComplexCon Exclusive)

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The leader amongst sneaker decon artists, The Shoe Surgeon, has come up with these dope crepe-soled Sk8-Hi’s reconstructed entirely from scratch, using beige suede.  This isn’t the type of customization you’re used to seeing, and the time and effort put into each pair of these is unrivaled.  Limited to a run of 25 pairs, each one will be sold exclusively at SneakerCon this upcoming weekend, here in Los Angeles.  Congrats to The Shoe Surgeon, on another dope Vans creation.

more pics after the jump

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SBTG for House of Vans SG – “Big Pants, Small Wheels” Sk8-Hi Custom

Sep 22 16 under Asia, Customs, House of Vans | Comments Off on SBTG for House of Vans SG – “Big Pants, Small Wheels” Sk8-Hi Custom

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Vans Singapore has teamed up with sneaker artist and customizer SBTG for an event they’re holding on Sep. 24th at the House of Vans Singapore.  Dubbed “Big Pants, Small Wheels”, SBTG has chopped down the Sk8-Hi into a mid, and added some intricate finishing details to the exposed cut ankle collar.  There’s still some signature paint designs on the shoe, but the added thread and bead work are a nice addition to his newest Vans rendition.  He also opted to add some words to the mid-soles, something we haven’t seen before.  These are looking great as usual, and I don’t know how he was able to add more detail and have a price point that is lower than his past Vans shoes, but he did it!  Each pair is only going for $333, which can be pre-ordered now on his site.

Pics via Strictly Waffles

more pics after the jump

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Vans Customs – Now Including Pro and Lite Models!

Aug 29 16 under Customs | Comments Off on Vans Customs – Now Including Pro and Lite Models!

Vans,a Division of VF Outdoor, Inc.(click on pic to create your own!)

Customizing shoes has been part of Vans’ DNA since their very first day of business.  If Vans didn’t have a color or pattern that you liked, you were able to bring in your own favorite fabric, for a one-off custom shoe that was tailor made just for you.  Those 50th Anniversary “Duke Kahanamoku” Authentics with the floral print?  Yeah, the original pairs were made for the Duke, from one of his shirts!

So with that brief back story, we’re excited to share that Vans has revamped their Customs program with a bunch of new patterns and colors, but most importantly they’ve added the Pro and Lite models to the line-up.  This is a game changer for those of us (and you) who know a little bit more than the average Vans fan.  Whether you want a pair that features a more durable upper and improved sockliner, or the most comfortable pair of Vans’ classics, there is something for everyone.

The Vans Customs site has been rebuilt from the ground up, and now features an intuitive 3D shoe builder, which has a faster response to rendering your shoe than the past website, and the colors are pretty close to what the actual pair will come out like.  The only thing that may need to be updated, is the labeling of the colors and patterns, just so we don’t let our eyes fool us, and in case we see a familiar color that we already know what it looks like in real life.

You can build your own pair of Vans using the new site right now, and have them shipped in about 2 weeks.  That’s incredible!  You can support Under The Palms by building and ordering your pair by clicking through our links above, and on the banners at the top of the page so we can continue to do what we love!  Thanks guys!

C2H4 x Pros by CH – “Re-Blue Project” Old Skool & Slip-On (Available Now! @c2h4_la) #c2h4

Aug 17 16 under Collaborations, Customs | Comments Off on C2H4 x Pros by CH – “Re-Blue Project” Old Skool & Slip-On (Available Now! @c2h4_la) #c2h4

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Words via Hypebeast:
“C2H4 Los Angeles introduces the “Re-Blue Project,” a DIY-take on two classic Vans silhouettes. Taking on the classic Old Skool and the Authentic, C2H4 has meticulously deconstructed each shoe, applied hand-painted features, and revamped the shoes with details such as tonal leather laces, stripped eyelets, and a denim pattern overlay. Each shoe is unique in its own way and the limited capsule collection is available now, with the Old Skool retailing for $315 USD and the Slip-On for $280 USD.”

more pics after the jump

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Vans Crowns John P. Stevens High School Winner of the 2016 Vans Custom Culture Design Competition #VansCustomCulture

Jun 9 16 under Art, Contests, Customs, Heritage, History | Comments Off on Vans Crowns John P. Stevens High School Winner of the 2016 Vans Custom Culture Design Competition #VansCustomCulture

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Words via Vans:

“Vans, the original action sports and youth culture brand, is proud to welcome John P. Stevens High School from Edison, N.J. to the ranks of winners of the Vans Custom Culture design competition. As the grand-prize winner, John P. Stevens High School has been awarded a donation of $50,000 for the school’s arts education programs to help foster the students’ #RightToArt and support the next generation of creative individuals.

In partnership with Americans for the Arts, Journeys, truth®, Laguna College of Art and Design and Blick Art Materials, Vans hosted the top five high school finalists at a final event held on June 8 at MAMA Gallery in downtown Los Angeles. Vans reached out to creative minds across action sports, art, music and street culture to form a panel of judges that exemplify what it means to invest in the creativity of their respective talents. This year, YouTube personality Maddi Bragg, Vans professional surfer Dylan Graves and top chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo behind Los Angeles restaurants Animal, Jon & Vinny’s and Son of a Gun, as well as special musical guest Echosmith, selected the winning custom Vans shoe designs among a talented group of young artists representing the top five high ­­schools. The remaining finalists – Eastern High School (Louisville, Ky.), Moanalua High School (Honolulu, Hawaii), Orange High School (Orange, Calif.) and Sandy High School (Sandy, Ore.) were each awarded $4,000 on behalf of Vans toward their arts programs.

“Art has always been an essential ingredient of the Vans DNA. Whether it was through creating custom footwear for the skateboarders of the Dogtown era or young kids doodling checkerboard across their sneakers, Vans have been a canvas of expression for 50 years,” said Kevin Bailey, VF and Vans Global Action Sports and Outdoor Brand President. “We created Vans Custom Culture to not only raise awareness of declining arts education budgets across the country, but because we also inherently believe that today’s youth deserve the Right to Art. As such, it is our duty to provide a platform that enables creative expression for generations to come.”

Now in its seventh year, the Vans Custom Culture competition continues to inspire and empower creativity among high school students across the country. Since the inaugural competition, more than 10 percent of high schools nationally have participated in Vans Custom Culture and more than $600,000 has been contributed to support arts programs. Nearly 3,000 high schools registered for this year’s competition, designing four pairs of blank Vans based on four themes: Action Sports, Art, Music and Local Flavor. One of the designs from the grand-prize winners, John P. Stevens High School, has the opportunity to be produced and sold in select Vans retail stores, as well as online at Vans.com.

In addition to the grand prize, Vans donated an additional $50,000 to non-profit partner, Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading organization for advancing the arts and art education. This year, Vans Custom Culture was recognized for its innovative charitable approach, taking home top honors in the education category for the 2016 Cause Marketing Halo Awards.

 Vans Custom Culture partners Journeys, truth® and Laguna College of Art and Design also provided participating schools the opportunity to raise additional funds for their art education programs. As a long time Vans partner, Journeys awarded a $15,000 ‘Local Attitude’ award to Moanalua High School for creating the most compelling ‘local flavor’ design.

truth®, one of the nation’s most successful and longest running youth smoking prevention campaign, challenged the students to customize a skate deck inspired by their reaction to a raw fact about tobacco. Station Camp High School in Gallatin, Tenn., took home the $10,000 truth® donation, for its winning design that shows what it looks like when smoking is finished for good.

Finally, Laguna College of Art and Design, a premier national art and design college and the first to offer a BFA degree in Action Sports design, partnered with Vans to provide the opportunity for every single student that participated in the 2016 competition the chance to apply for a $25,000 scholarship to be received upon admission. Almost 80 students will be eligible for the scholarship, which will enable them to continue their creative path and earn their BFA in Design + Digital Media.”

To view pictures from the final event please click here and for more information on Vans Custom Culture visit Vans.com/CustomCulture. Follow the movement on Instagram @vans.custom.culture and by using the hashtags #RightToArt and #VansCustomCulture.

see all the pics after the jump Read More

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