Vans OTW Collection | Action Sports, Art, Music, Design, and Authentic Street Fashion

Via SNAV: Nothing but Shade

I got an invite to come up to Shade 45 radio station to the Statik Selektah show. Behind this curtain is where the fun takes place.

Via SNAV: Back to the Bowl

Word on the street that night was there was a special surprise DJ at the bowl so I had made my way back to the spot to see who it was. I waked in and of course Soul Train was up on the screen and the dance floor was packed.

Vans OTW Collection Spring 2012: Native American Pack

Spring 2012 of the Vans OTW Collection presents a trio of updated silhouettes with the Native American Pack. The Bedford and Ludlow come crafted in a combination of premium pull-up leather and heavy washed canvas, while the Alomar makes its mark with an all-leather aesthetic. Each shoe is finished off with antiqued eyelets, laser etched logo details and Native American print canvas linings. This three pack hits OTW retailers this February! Get a closer look at the Native American pack after the jump!
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Labels: alomar, Bedford, Ludlow, native american pack, spring 2012, vans otw collection

The Advocate Artwork of Eric Elms

Designer Eric Elms has a knack for word play and mixed media messaging in his art. Our Brooklyn-based Advocate showcased this talent in his Advocate exhibition at the House of Vans Berlin during our OTW Launch party last week. Elms integrated pop phrases, some OTW elements and even his favorite caricature, Kilroy, into his pennant art installation. Catch more of Eric's works over at Adorn and take a closer look at his latest set of work after the jump!
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Labels: advocate artwork 2012 berlin, Berlin Launch Party, eric elms, vans otw advocates

A Closer Look at the Advocate Artwork of Dimitri Coste

Dimitri Coste definitely gives the Dos Equis spokesman competition for the "Most Interesting Man in the World" moniker. Our Parisian OTW Advocate has so many interests - fashion, photography, film making, biking and the list goes on - and he's so passionate about each form. Being such an expert eclectic, Dimitri showcased his diverse talents to the world at the Vans OTW Berlin Launch party. His exhibit was a marriage of art and cycling as he showcased his photographs, his tricked out 1973 BSA Factory B50 Short Tracker and merged the two interests as he framed some of his work in tire frames. Definitely a unique display of artwork, take a closer look at Dimitri's exhibit after the jump!

Dimitri Coste for Fricote's "Soul Kitchen"

Fricote Magazine celebrated their one year anniversary in their fifth issue which hit newsstands last month. In their latest quarterly, Fricote profiled leading German beer company Warsteiner and also spotlighted Vans OTW Advocate Dimitri Coste for his love of the waffle (sole) in their "Soul Kitchen" column.

DC's spread made for quite the interesting read, as he showed off some of his most valued memorabilia including his waffle sole mural and Evel Knievel lunchbox. Keep an eye out for OTW cameos as the Dimitri Larkin Decon, Alomar and artwork from his fellow Advocates show up in this editorial. Check out "Soul Kitchen: Dimitri Coste" after the jump!
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Labels: dimitri coste, fricote, interview, soul kitchen, Vans Otw, vans otw advocates, waffle sole

Lupe Fiasco: Off the Wall in Berlin via Hypebeast

The Hypebeast crew caught up with Lupe Fiasco before his performance in Berlin last week. The Vans OTW Advocate opened up about his history with Vans, his Advocacy plans and his upcoming musical pursuits as a solo artist and as part of SNDCLSH with Sky Gellatly. Although Fiasco was still tight lipped about Food & Liquor II, he hinted at his shoe design process. Definitely a stylish guy, Lupe will not disappoint his fans in terms of music and footwear. Check out his Off the Wall in Berlin interview on Hypebeast.

Labels: Berlin Launch Party, hypebeast, lupe fiasco, Vans Otw, vans otw advocates

Cop This Book: "Behind Photographs: Archiving Photographic Legends" by Tim Mantoani

We've all seen these images whether on the cover of a magazine or on your favorite tumblr or a book but not many people have seen the photographers who've shot them. Tim Mantoani hopes to change that by taking portraits of famous photographers holding their most iconic or favorite photos. His book new book "Behind Photographs: Archiving Photographic Legends" which contains over 150 images of these portraits available now.

A Closer Look at Chris Kong's Made by Monsters

Aside from enjoying the sounds of Mos Def and Vans OTW Advocate Lupe Fiasco at our Berlin launch event, party goers also viewed the artwork of Chris Kong, Eric Elms and Dimitri Coste. Today we take a closer look at Kong's exhibit featuring a selection of vinyl figurines from his Made by Monsters label. Kong showcased some of his older works with "popagandist" artist Ron English along with newer projects including his musician collaborations with former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and R&B star Chris Brown. Passerbys were quite fascinated with Kong's Marilyn Monroe sculpture. Why you ask? Take a look at the photos after the jump and you'll see for yourself.

Photo Recap: Daniel Arsham's "The Fall, the Ball, and the Wall"

Daniel Arsham’s solo exhibition at ohwow gallery titled "The Fall, the Ball, and the Wall" opened last week and we were there to check out the two-dimensional works, sculptures, and installations. "The Fall, the Ball, and the Wall" illustrates the artist’s continued interest in manipulating architecture and in challenging expectations of accepted realities. The exhibition will be on view until February 20th.

"Animae Dementia" Giant Paste Ups

Street artists Ro and l’Homme Pendu have been busy installing these giant paste-ups of mythical creatures entitled "Animae Dementia". These impressive works could be found in Paris as well as in Berlin, so if you were in town for our Vans OTW Launch party and didn't check these out as well, you missed out!
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Labels: art, Berlin, graffiti, street art, via Y.S., wheatpaste

LCD Sound System: SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HITS Trailer

LCD Sounds System are set to debut their documentary SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HIT S during Sundance 2012. The film retells the evens of: On April 2nd 2011, LCD Soundsystem played its final show at Madison Square Garden. LCD frontman James Murphy had made the conscious decision to disband one of the most celebrated and influential bands of its generation at the peak of its popularity, ensuring that the band would go out on top with the biggest and most ambitious concert of its career. The instantly sold out, near four-hour extravaganza did just that, moving the thousands in attendance to tears of joy and grief. SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HITS is both a narrative film documenting this once in a life time performance and an intimate portrait of James Murphy as he navigates the lead-up to the show, the day after, and the personal and professional ramifications of his decision. Also you get a chance to see James Murphy wear pajama pants with uggs, which is always a plus...

Labels: james murphy, lcd soundsystem, trailer, via Y.S., video

Photo Recap: Damien Hirst's “The Complete Spot Paintings 1986-2011”

Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills was one of the Gagosain's 11 international locations to hold an opening for Damien Hirst's retrospective of “The Complete Spot Paintings 1986-2011” featuring a collection of almost 300 paintings with most of them being lent by private individuals and public institutions, more than 150 different lenders from twenty countries. Beverly Hills location hosted the largest of spot paintings: "Pivalic Acid" measuring 21 ft x 21 ft. The exhibition is open until February 10 and shouldn't be missed. Check out our recap from the opening night.

Photo Recap: Vans OTW 2012 Berlin Launch Party

The Vans OTW Collection Berlin Launch Party went down last night! Nearly a thousand people packed Department in Berlin Germany for the event that featured live performances from Yasiin Bey (the artist formerly known as Mos Def) and Vans OTW Advocate Lupe Fiasco!

Fellow Advocates Chris Kong, Dimitri Coste and Eric Elms exhibited their art throughout the venue for party goers to enjoy and Spring 2012 product was on full display for the public as well!

Yasiin Bey and Fiasco dished out a few classic tracks along with some new material while Kong showcased his vinyl sculptures, Coste displayed his photography and customized racing bike, and Elms presented a new art installation for the show. Relive the night and get a recap of the night after the jump!
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Labels: 2012, Berlin, Berlin Launch Party, chris kong, dimitri coste, eric elms, lupe fiasco, vans otw advocates, vans otw collection, yasiin bey

Gearing Up for the Vans OTW 2012 Kick Off!!

The stage is set! We're launching the 2012 season of the Vans OTW Collection tonight with performances by Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), Patta Sound System and Vans OTW Advocate Lupe Fiasco! Didn't get a wristband or not in the Berlin area? Catch it all TONIGHT as we stream live from Department at 11:45PM CET/2:45PM PST/5:45PM EST at Stickam.com/Vans1966.

Labels: 2012, Berlin, lupe fiasco, mos def, OTW Launch Party, patta sound system, stickam, Vans Otw, vans otw advocates, vans otw collection, web stream, yasiin bey

Vans OTW Berlin Launch Party

Join us for a night of music and art in Berlin on January 18 and experience what the Vans OTW Collection is all about! This celebration creates a special opportunity to welcome new OTW Advocates Lupe Fiasco and Chris Kong to the Vans family as they join current OTW Advocates Eric Elms and Dimitri Coste.

Vans will transform the East Berlin's Department (located at Auguststrasse 5a, Berlin 10117) into a three day House of Vans experience featuring Advocate installations throughout the building. Attendees will be able to enjoy the photography of Dimitri Coste, large vinyl pieces by Eric Elms, the unique vinyl sculptures by Chris Kong and a collection of books and concert photographs from Lupe Fiasco.

The experience kicks off January 18 at 10pm with live performances by Lupe Fiasco, Yasiin Bey (the artist formerly known as Mos Def) and The Patta Sound System. A limited number of tickets will be available to the public today at select OTW retailers in Berlin. Are you down to party? Check out the stockist list after the jump and head on over ASAP for your chance to party with us at Department! Can't make it? Catch our LIVE stream at Stickam.com/Vans1966 on Wednesday January 18 11:45PM CET/2:45PM PST/5:45 PM EST!!!
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Labels: Berlin, chris kong, dimitri coste, eric elms, Germany, lupe fiasco, mos def, patta sound system, vans, vans europe, Vans Otw, vans otw advocates, vans otw collection, yasiin bey

Vans Welcomes Lupe Fiasco & Chris Kong to the OTW Family

In Fall 2010, Vans handpicked five unique individuals to launch OTW as our Advocates – street art legend Mister Cartoon, designer Eric Elms, Parisian photographer/filmmaker Dimitri Coste and The Blackouts, the twin DJ duo consisting of skate pioneers Ako and Atiba Jefferson. The Vans OTW Collection embodies the independent creative lifestyle and the Vans OTW Advocates epitomize this way of life. Spring 2012 marks the next generation of OTW as Grammy-award winning recording artist Lupe Fiasco and Garage Works Industries founder/vinyl toy manufacturer Chris Kong join Elms and Coste as our new Advocates.

Vans OTW Collection Spring 2012: The Ludlow

Although we've updated the Ludlow with the Ludlow Decon, we did not forget about the original model. The Vans OTW Ludlow modernizes the classic wino style through upgraded materials and a refined silhouette. Focused on sophisticated simplicity and premium detailing, this design tops off with a new, slim, stitch-down cupsole. Be on the lookout for the stylish low top this month as it hits retailers in two new colorways - canvas/leather grey and premium wax canvas black. Get a closer look after the jump!
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Labels: Ludlow, sneakers, spring 2012, Vans Otw, vans otw collection

Vans OTW Collection Spring 2012: The Stovepipe

Aside from the Ludlow Decon, the Stovepipe makes its first appearance in the Vans OTW Collection this spring. Debuting in three different colorways - white canvas, grey hazybuck and black savannah leather - the Stovepipe is our deconstructed, slimmed-down, progressive and new mid-top design. The upper utilizes a hidden gillie lacing system that simplifies the side profile view. The progressive upper is grounded a slimmer vulcanized outsole and tread. Get a closer look at our new silhouette after the jump! Be on the lookout for these new kicks as they hit OTW retailer shelves this month!
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Labels: sneakers, spring 2012, stovepipe, Vans Otw, vans otw collection

Vans OTW Collection Spring 2012: The Ludlow Decon

Spring 2012 marks the debut of the Ludlow Decon in the Vans OTW Collection. Available later this month at OTW retailers, our new silhouette is a slimmed down update of the original Ludlow model minus the lining materials and binding for a lighter and more comfortable fit for sneaker enthusiasts. The molded polyurethane insole and sittched-down cupsole work together to maintain a relaxed wear all day long. The Vans OTW Ludlow Decon ships in two leather colorways: sable and black. Get a closer look after the jump!
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Labels: ludlow decon, sneakers, spring 2012, Vans Otw, vans otw collection

Vans OTW Collection Spring 2012: The Woessner

The Woessner returns this spring to the Vans OTW Collection with a trio of new colorways - black distressed denim, pewter distressed denim and navy washed canvas - hitting retailers this month. The Vans OTW Woessner blends the low top look from Classics like our Authentics with the aesthetics of the modern day, slimmed-down sneaker. The slim, clean-looking vulc wrap, along with the molded waffle tread gives a distinct tie back to the Vans DNA, while the lightweight, molded EVA midsole keeps the shoe comfortable for all-day usage. Take a closer look at each color-up after the jump!
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Labels: sneakers, spring 2012, Vans Otw, vans otw collection, Woessner

Photo Recap: HUF x Haroshi x DLX Exhibtion

HUF held the opening ceremony for their collaboration with Japanese sculptor extraordinaire Haroshi who creates very impressive works out of recycled skateboards. For the opening night HUF enlisted San-Francisco's legendary musician Tommy Guerrero as well as OG skater Ray Barbee and Money Mark to perform for a very enthusiastic crowd and to present Tommy with a guitar built especially for him by Haroshi.

Vans OTW Collection Spring 2012: The Alomar

They say good things come in threes...and they were right! The Spring 2012 season of the Vans OTW Collection welcomes a trio of new colorways of the Alomar. Our modernized and slimmed down extension of the Vans Classic Chukka Boot hits OTW retailers this month with black stealth leather, white villa leather and wax canvas STV navy variations. Get a closer look after the jump!

Via SNAV: Black Star at Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

I had a chance to go to the Jimmy Fallon show. I think it’s so crazy going to a live taping in the middle of the day for a show that airs at midnight…

I went with one of the legendary groups of hip-hop. It’s like having Batman and Superman on the same side. You know there’s serious MC-ing going on when two lyricists have their own mics in different colors.
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Labels: black star, late night with jimmy fallon, mos def, talib kweli, Vans Otw, yasiin bey

Photo Recap: Vans Presents "Under the Radar" Photo Exhibition

We stopped by the opening of Vans Presents Heel Bruise x Stussy "Under The Radar" photo exhibition in Long Beach at the Phantom Gallery late last week. The exhibit features works of Jon Warren, Curtis Buchanan, Jeff Potocar, Robbie Jeffers, Ray Barbee, Keith Hufnagel, Devin Briggs, Natalia Mantini, Nic Fensom and Kenny Anderson. Check out our recap and be sure to stop by the gallery to see the works in person.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Via SNAV: Nothing but Shade

Via SNAV: Back to the Bowl

Vans OTW Collection Spring 2012: Native American Pack

The Advocate Artwork of Eric Elms

Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Closer Look at the Advocate Artwork of Dimitri Coste

Dimitri Coste for Fricote's "Soul Kitchen"

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Lupe Fiasco: Off the Wall in Berlin via Hypebeast

Cop This Book: "Behind Photographs: Archiving Photographic Legends" by Tim Mantoani

A Closer Look at Chris Kong's Made by Monsters

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Photo Recap: Daniel Arsham's "The Fall, the Ball, and the Wall"

"Animae Dementia" Giant Paste Ups

Monday, January 23, 2012

LCD Sound System: SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HITS Trailer

Photo Recap: Damien Hirst's “The Complete Spot Paintings 1986-2011”

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Photo Recap: Vans OTW 2012 Berlin Launch Party

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Gearing Up for the Vans OTW 2012 Kick Off!!

Friday, January 13, 2012