PlayLab Builds Sterling Ruby-Inspired Skateable Structure for Frieze LA

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Info via Hypebeast:

“PlayLab has plopped a bright orange pyramid in the middle of Los Angeles Art Week. The California-based design studio has joined forces with Vans to properly commemorate the skate imprint’s new OTW line; the OTW offshoot is rooted in collaborations with trailblazing creatives and just dropped off its first drop dubbed “Clash the Wall” in collaboration with Sterling Ruby‘s S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA.

Drenched in a bright orange hue – one of Ruby’s signatures, and also one of the colorways of the “Clash the Wall” sneaker – the pyramid is a fully functioning skate ramp. The ramp stands at a whopping 12 feet tall and rests – clashes, that is – amidst an otherwise bland, void-of-color, industrial complex.

The sustainability-focused studio tapped into its archive of recycled materials to craft the statement structure, compiling a mixture of scaffolding and Skatelite paper composite to build a split-level pyramidal ramp equipped with a wall behind it.

“We wanted to take an iconic form in skate culture, the hill, and interpret it into a surreal sculpture,” PlayLab’s cofounder Archie Lee Coates IV told Dezeen of how he looked to Southern California’s skate scene to inform the design.

“At the center of the installation is a pyramid, split and shifted to create angles and edges for skaters to play off of. This pyramid is placed within a massive cyc wall, which serves both as a skate feature and an immersive visual color field.”

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OTW by Vans x S.R. Studio – Clash The Wall (March 2024)

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Info via Hypebeast:

“Vans’ new collaboration-focused offshoot OTW by Vans is starting off strong with its first drop. As a collective that looks to partner with influential individuals who actively push culture forward, OTW enlisted the likes of local Los Angeles creative trailblazer and seasoned skateboarder Sterling Ruby and his S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. to serve up a vibrant visage for the “Clash the Wall” sneaker – which pulls design features from four iconic Vans silhouettes.

Dipped in hues of neon green and orange, the “Clash the Wall” sneaker draws from Sterling’s distinct artworks – including soft sculptures, quilts, backdrops and bespoke garments. “Clash the Wall” melds features from the Old Skool 36, the Authentic, the Mid-Skool 77, and the Sk8-Hi models to devise a versatile mold for the modern-day skater.

“I loved skating, I still do. Everything about it represents freedom to me. From the simple rituals of dropping in on a vert ramp or grinding over a curb, the act of skateboarding defies gravity and is in and of itself rebellious,” Ruby explained in a statement of his personal ties to the launch.

“This collaboration is a personal collaboration, the first S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. collaboration. Vans feels right to us, it defines a certain West Coast history. The company started in 1966 and has run in tandem with so many skaters, bands, and movements that have been influential to me, my art, and how my studio runs as a whole.”

Available in 2 colorways: Green Gecko, and Orange Pop.  Retail price is set at $160.

 

  • Combines 4 of Vans’ Classic iconic shoes: The Sk8-Hi 38, Mid-Skool 37, Old Skool 36 & Authentic 44
  • Custom S.R. Studio LA. CA. Branding on sidewall, footbed and tongue label
  • 8 oz. Canvas
  • Full grain leather collar lining
  • 100% Cotton laces, woven flag label
  • Higher sidewall with gloss finish, foxing tape with original 90’s Osnaburg reinforcement and iconic Vans Waffle tread
  • Insole: Sola Foam All-Day-Comfort (ADC), anti-fatigue, 30% bio-based material
  • Custom packaging

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Vans Japan x HYSTERIC GLAMOUR – Old Skool (2.26.24)

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Info via Hypebeast:

“Vans has tapped HYSTERIC GLAMOUR to put its own spin on the footwear imprint’s signature Old Skool model. Enveloped in all-over HYSTERIC GLAMOUR logos, the Vans x HYSTERIC GLAMOUR Old Skool melds skate culture and car culture in a clean and classic silhouette.

The collaborative Old Skool’s were “inspired by American muscle cars,” as indicated on the Vans website. HYSTERIC GLAMOUR box logos cover the side panels, with heel overlays and toe boxes arriving in classic black suede. Midsoles come in all-white, with HYSTERIC GLAMOUR’s “SEE NO EVIL” stamped on the back of each sneaker’s heel.

White laces round out the upper, with dynamic outsoles featuring the same HYSTERIC GLAMOUR box logos on the right shoe and a bright blue HYSTERIC GLAMOUR motif on the left. The insoles also take the same bright blue hue, complete with Vans and HYSTERIC GLAMOUR co-branding.”

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Vans Launches New OTW By Vans Category (March 2024)

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Words via Hypebeast:

“Vans is continuing to build out its world with the launch of its new OTW category. Standing for “Off The Wall,” the new line digs into Vans’ rich skateboarding history as an honoring of legacy and the multifaceted intersections of creative culture.

With OTW by Vans, the brand is diving into contemporary apparel alongside footwear, which has always been a key focus. To bring the new category into the fold, the brand has revealed its season 1 campaign, which was shot by Jack Bridgland. The lineup of visuals offers a closer look at what’s to come from the new OTW by Vans line, which will be released throughout the year. Centering the casual silhouettes of skate culture, the wardrobe spans oversized sweatshirts, workwear livened by checkered patterns, long, wide-leg shorts, baggy denim, casual button-down shirts, tees and more.

“OTW by Vans is a frontier for progression, experiences and collaboration,” said Ian Ginoza, VP of Creative Direction for OTW by Vans. “The skateboarding mindset is core to Vans, and OTW enriches that spirit through a distinct perspective to propel culture forward.”

To bring in the new line, Vans put together a diverse pool of creatives as its ambassadors. Spanning modeling, tattoo art, music, design and skateboarding, the campaign sees Efron Danzig, Eyedress, Hooz, Nati, Rowan Zorilla and Vegyn. To debut OTW by Vans, the brand is releasing a Half Cab Reissue 33 Vibram shoe as its inaugural drop, which will come in three suede-mesh colorways. Alongside it are the Patchwork Drill Chore Coat and matching pants.”

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Vans x UNDERCOVER – Sk8-Hi & Era FW24 Preview (Coming Soon!)

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Words via Hypebeast:

“Amidst the chaos of Paris Fashion Week, Jun Takahashi offered balance with his presentation of UNDERCOVER FW24 “WONDERFUL AND STRANGE.” Theming it around Twin Peaks, various graphics were applied to staple UC silhouettes, expanding his portfolio of media-based collections. While it marks the fourth season in a row without new collaborative Nike footwear, Takahashi opted to revitalize an old partnership once again — tapping Vans for four new designs.

Kicking things off, the two have again reworked the Era — a design featured in their most recent project that took place in SS17 — covering it in Vans’ signature checkerboard pattern in off-white/black and red/black. Both feature a twist on UC’s D-Hand motif — which is best known for appearing in the brand’s FW15 collection (and again in FW23) — with the ghoulish hand in a new pose while sporting red and blue fingernails across the two colorways respectively. Adding to this, the standard UNDERCOVER JUN TAKAHASHI logo appears at the lateral midsole in black while the heel sports red co-branding.

For the other design, the Sk8-Hi, which UC previously reworked in SS02, has been prepared in two eye-catching colorways. UC’s “ANARCHY IS THE KEY” motif — one that has been utilized many times since the early ’90s, including in the UC x Supreme SS15 capsule — makes a return once again as it is spread across the upper’s midfoot and the tongue. Its first colorway sees black cover all of the upper except the tongue and the base panel that stretches from the midfoot to the heel, which both favor white as the backdrop to the aforementioned motif in red. The arrangement that accompanies it is all-black at the upper with a white jazz stripe that matches the white “ANARCHY IS THE KEY” text that stretches across blue backdrops. Matching the Era, its sole unit appears in white with Vans’ typical black line going around the shoe and a co-branded hit in red at the heel.

No release details pertaining to the latest project between UNDERCOVER and Vans have been shared by either brand just yet. However, given its inclusion in UC’s FW24 show, pairs are likely to pop up much later in the year. Stay tuned for updates as we await an official announcement from the duo.”

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Vans x Supreme – “Leopard Pack” Skate Half Cab 92 & Skate Old Skool (12.14.23)

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Supreme has worked with Vans® on new versions of the Half Cab and Old Skool. The shoes feature a premium suede and faux fur upper, leather lining and insole, vulcanized waffle outsole and custom heel label with embroidered logo on heel. Made exclusively for Supreme, the Half Cab and Old Skool will be offered in three color ways.

Half Cabs are $110.  Old Skools are $98.

Available December 14th.

Available in Japan and Seoul December 16th.

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Vault by Vans x Advisory Board Crystals – “Miracle Conditions” Sk8-Hi EXT (Available Now!)

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info via Hypebeast:

“Southern California-based fashion label Advisory Board Crystals (Abc.) is linking up with fellow SoCal staple Vans, to continue expanding the “Miracle Conditions” collection, which looks to celebrate unique, creative perspectives. Abc. puts its spin on the timeless SK8-Hi sneaker to create three colorways of the Vans x Abc. SK8-Hi EXT.

The Vans x Abc. SK8-Hi EXT follows up the duo’s first collaboration which landed last month – the Advisory Board Crystals x Vans EVDNT EXT ULTI, which leaned heavily into iridescent detailing. For the Vans x Abc. SK8-Hi EXT, the sneaker looks to combine Vans’ timeless design with Abc.’s style ethos, all the while ensuring functionality remains at the forefront. The sneakers are equipped with a padded ankle cage and double tongue, as well as double pull-tabs on the back. Tonal ripstop underlays and overlays are infused throughout, complete with a holographic authenticity patch stamped on the tongue as well as an Abc. imprint on the toe. A set of thick “crystal” laces are embellished with Abc.’s custom 3m bungee lace lock.

Most impressively, the sneaker boasts a versatile hybrid silhouette, offering an easy transition from a high to a mid-top.

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Vault by Vans x Gallery Dept. – Rowley XLT LX (Available Now!)

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Info via Hypebeast:

“Josué Thomas and his label GALLERY DEPT. continue to cook up one project after another — tapping everyone in the industry from Lanvin to the Migos. Earlier this year, GALLERY DEPT. linked up with Vans to release a distressed and overbranded version of the Old Skool.

As 2023 starts to wrap up, GALLERY DEPT. and Vans have reconnected to outfit the Rowley XLT LX in two newly-revealed colorways. While the project hasn’t been officially announced just yet, brief previews of two colorways gives an idea of what to expect from the forthcoming collab. Utilizing leather across both uppers, the first colorway sees gray overlays combine with a blue base while a maroon hue chimes in at the Jazz Stripe. As for the other pair, a pink base is joined by a chocolate brown at the overlays and an orange located at its Jazz Stripe.

GALLERY DEPT. and Vault by Vans have officially announced their five-piece Rowley XLT LX collaboration. Revisiting the skate style of the early ’00s, the two have looked to veteran skater Geoff Rowley’s signature shoe to host five unique takes on the model. Throughout the range, it utilizes a puffy tongue, shortened vamp and bulkier ankle collar. Its colorway options begin with “Blue Steel” combining gray and blue while “Neapolitan” looks to pink and brown. Its “Multi” colorway sees a wild arrangement of blue, yellow, red, green and more across the shoe. As for the “Flame” pair, an all-black presentation hosts orange flame graphics throughout. Lastly, the “Giraffe” style carries a giraffe-inspired print at its overlays.

For those looking to shop the new collection between GALLERY DEPT. and Vault by Vans, release begins on November 10 with all five Rowley XLT LX designs available via GALLERY DEPT and HBX. From there, Vans is scheduled to host a release of the “Blue Steel” and “Neapolitan” pairs with select Vault by Vans retailers stocking the shoe as well. On top of all of this, Vans China will be releasing the “Giraffe” pair for its Double Eleven celebration on November 11.

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Vault By Vans x Undefeated – “U-Man” OG Old Skool LX (Available Now!)

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Undefeated and Vans Vault team up to bring back their “U-Man” OG Old Skool LX for another round of heaters.  This time choosing to go with some more recently traditional colorways for UNDFTD.  We get an Olive/Black, Black, and White pair, each sitting on top of a white vulcanized sole, with color matching foxing stripe.  Constructed in a hairy suede / printed canvas combination, featuring Geoff McFetridge’s now iconic U-Man, which has also made an appearance, via a digital rendering, in the campaign pics seen here.  The black pair comes with alternate black laces, while the other two just come with a single pair of white.  We also get a nice customized black box for each shoe.

Man, if only Vault kept doing more stuff like this.  We’re not looking forward to the end of Vault, but all good things must come to an end, and allow for new things to take their place.  We love story.  We love great design.  We love heritage and throwback references.  We love dope colorways.  These hit all the marks.  Another well done job by Undefeated.

These dropped a few weeks back, and are still available over on Undefeated’s webstore for $100 each.  Stop fucking around and go get yourself a pair.  At least that olive one, whew!

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Vans x White Mountaineering – Chukka 49 DX & Sk8-Low (Japan Only!)

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info via Hypebeast:

“Vans and Yosuke Aizawa‘s utility-based White Mountaineering label have teamed up again, this time to release two different shoes, a Chukka 49 DX and SK8 Low.

The latest release follows the two brands’ SS23 collab, which saw them come together for two subtle takes on the Authentic and Classic Slip-On silhouettes. Like the previous collab, the two models introduced this time are based on the original models manufactured at Vans factory in Anaheim, California — notably utilizing the model name and style number that has been used since the company’s founding.

Design-wise, both shoes feature an original plant print on their nubuck uppers and complementary colored laces. Specifically, the high-cut Chukka 49 DX has a double motif of the same pattern laser-cut over the printed pattern, giving it a special three-dimensional feel”.

Both pairs are set to release via Vans and White Mountaineering’s official sites and retailers, with the Chukka 49 DX priced at ¥16,500 JPY or $110 USD and the SK8 Low for ¥15,400 JPY or $102 USD.

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