Vans

Today, we’re unveiling our “Always Pushing” Brand Anthem, a new approach to our brand’s global storytelling.   An ode to the free-spirited mindset of progression and youthful optimism that drives skateboarding culture, Always Pushing is a tapestry of content that spans cities worldwide from Paris to LA to Tokyo. Developed in partnership with creative director ALEX/@TONE and featuring music by Paris Texas, the anthem embraces the ethos of the next generation of creatives and their fearless commitment to pushing culture forward.   Check out the hero story below and read more about the making of Always Pushing in this Hypebeast interview with ALEX/2TONE: https://lnkd.in/gWmBRCjA

We’re celebrating the launch of Vans World 2.0 on Roblox, the latest iteration of our immersive experience bridging the real and virtual worlds of skateboarding which was recently nominated for Roblox’s Innovation Awards 2024. In partnership with developer studio The Gang, the game blends skateboarding across global iconic landmarks, unlocking virtual access on the platform to cities from Paris to LA to Tokyo.    Highlighting our dedication to always pushing the sport and culture forward, Vans World 2.0 marks a major milestone with the first-ever virtual launch of our all-new silhouette, the Mixxa. The shoe will launch globally at physical locations and online later this month. Additionally, the game introduces Vans Global Skateboarder Lizzie Armanto, showcasing her unique style to inspire the next generation.    To learn more, visit Vans World 2.0 on Roblox here: https://lnkd.in/dQ9gK8hj

Congratulations to all our athletes who took top honors at Summer X Games in Ventura, California.   The weekend saw standout performances from Vans global skateboarders Arisa Trew, who took 1st place in Women’s Vert and Park for the second year in a row, and Pedro Barros, who secured 3rd place in Men’s Park.   Marking the inaugural year for Women’s BMX at X Games, Vans team rider Perris Benegas earned 2nd place in the first-ever Women’s BMX Park contest. Global team rider Kevin Peraza took home three medals, placing 1st and earning Best Trick in Men’s BMX Street, and taking 2nd in Men’s BMX Park.    We’re beyond proud of our athletes who are constantly pushing progression for themselves and their sports, and who truly embody Vans’ “Off The Wall” mindset.

Ad Age reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli recently sat down with our Global Chief Marketing Officer Drieke Leenknegt to catch up on our upcoming brand anthem, “Always Pushing,” which is set to launch in July.   As Vans brings skateboarding to the forefront of global culture, “Always Pushing” is anchored in our free-spirited mindset of progression and youthful optimism to inspire future generations through unique storytelling and irreverent experiences.   Read the full Ad Age story at the link below.

Last Friday, our Vans global teams closed out Men's Paris Fashion Week with an experience that merged skateboarding, design, art, and music bringing skateboarding to the forefront of global culture. Following activations honoring Anthony Van Engelen’s footwear progression with the AVE 2.0 and legendary skate photographer Atiba Jefferson’s significant contribution to skate culture through photography, we hosted a joint celebration for Go Skateboarding Day and Fête de la Musique that featured a live skate exhibition with team riders including Efron Danzig, Curren Caples, and Mami Tezuka, and musical performances from Justice, Kaytranada, Venus X, Busy P, and Tatyana Jane. Read more about the unique experience on Vogue: https://lnkd.in/gpQ8W2kq , and check out photos from the evening below. 

WWD caught up with our Global Chief Marketing Officer Drieke Leenknegt about Vans’ “Always Pushing” journey, taking over Paris for a week of activations and bringing Skateboarding to the forefront of global culture.    Read the full story below and stay tuned to @Vans, @OTWbyVans, and @VansSkate channels to follow the journey and see what’s to come.

The final chapter of our AVE 2. 0 “Commitment to Progression” global gallery tour has come to a close this week at Paris’ iconic Place De La Bastille.   With the backdrop of Paris Fashion Week, the event embodied Vans’ and team rider Anthony Van Engelen’s ethos of “Always Pushing,” bringing together the global skate community and next generation of Parisian skateboarders for a cash-for-tricks skate session, while celebrating Anthony’s legacy and evolution of Vans Skate shoe designs over the years, including the most recent iteration – Vans’ AVE 2.0.   See photos from the event below and learn more about the AVE 2.0 at vans.com/skateboarding

As a brand forever rooted in skateboarding, it was an honor to host the 2023/2024 Skateboarding Hall of Fame induction ceremony at our Costa Mesa, California headquarters.    This year’s inductees included Vans team riders and skate legends Geoff Rowley and the late Jeff Grosso. Oliver Grosso accepted the award on behalf of his father. The evening, which kicked off with a special welcome message from our very own Steve Van Doren, paid tribute to the many legends who have paved the way for skateboarding’s future.    For more on the Skateboard Hall of Fame and to watch a replay of the ceremony, visit https://lnkd.in/eb8_fFta.

Breaking barriers in skateboarding once again, 14-year-old Vans Global Skateboarder Arisa Trew has made history by becoming the first woman skateboarder to land a 900 — a feat first accomplished 25 years ago by Tony Hawk.    Congratulations Arisa for this amazing accomplishment. Your relentless pursuit of progression is pushing skateboarding forward and inspiring future generations. 

We’re excited to unveil our latest collaboration with New York-based womenswear and accessories label Proenza Schouler, an interpretation of the Vans Classic Slip-On that experiments with exaggerated proportions and fine leather materials.   Get the full story from Harper's Bazaar below, which includes an interview with Proenza Creative Directors and Co-founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez on how the collaboration came together.