This is the Sk8-Hi – Style #38 Exhibition in the Sneakermuseum Cologne

Aug 26 15 under Collaborations, Events, Heritage, History, Vintage | Comments Off

“The return to icons isn’t just a trend for Vans, it’s part of the history of the almost 50 years young and original action sports brand from California.
From August 21st, Vans presents a special exhibtion in the Sneakermuseum Cologne in cooperation with the local sneaker shop The Good Will Out and the Skateboardmuseum Berlin. The installation will be themed “This is the Sk8-Hi – Style #38” according to the Vans iconic model, which will also be the title of the event.

The exhibition opening will be celebrated in a get-together on Friday, August 21st, from 6 p.m. onwards. Cologne has always been an important center for Vans because of its skate, BMX and social culture. It’s the perfect place to pay tribute to the iconic model and to bring alive the “Van Doren spirit”. The Sk8-Hi stands for good times, festivals in the rain, parties, skate and BMX tours, plummeting and escalations, but maybe also for exam stress and presentations as well as aging and still staying young… the shoe is living culture.

In 1978 Vans designed its first high top lace-up shoe under the lead of Paul van Doren: Style#38, to be known later as the Sk8-Hi. The new silhouette took the functionality in BMX and skateboarding to a new level as the shoe covers the ankle, the most affected body part of skaters and BMX riders. Not only did the Sk8-Hi bring progress in performance, but it also introduced a new look to the era. Established for generations in the action sports culture the Sk8-Hi has become an icon of the worldwide fashion and streetwear culture. Collaborations with Metallica, KISS, The Prodigy, The Beatles and Disney as well as designs by street wear fashion designer Wtaps, Stüssy or Supreme are just a couple of highlights in Sk8-Hi’s history. Till today the Sk8-Hi is part of the Core-Classics line that expresses what Vans stands for: classic & timeless! On show at the exhibition, will be ‘never seen before’ version of the Sk8-Hi, highlighting its rich heritage.

Curator Jürgen Blümlein from Skateboardmuseum Berlin, as well as collector Henry Davies from THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PILLOW in London will pass on their knowledge of the brand and will be available for interviews on the opening day. This exhibition is free entry”.