Vans Skateboarding and Anthony Van Engelen Celebrate AVE 2.0 Launch
Vans Skateboarding and Anthony Van Engelen kicked off a new chapter in their nearly two-decade-long relationship yesterday with the release of the AVE 2.0, Van Engelen’s latest signature shoe. To accompany the release, Vans Skateboarding presented the inaugural installment of its “Commitment to Progression” gallery tour, a global slate of programming and events that celebrate and champion skateboarding culture as well as innovation in Vans skate footwear.
The evening began with a VIP tour of an archival AVE exhibit at the brand’s DTLA flagship, led by chief Vans Archivist and Historian Catherine Acosta. Then, a panel talk spotlighted AVE and Neal Shoemakers (Director of Design, Vans Skate) collaborative design process on the AVE 2.0 as well as AVE’s impact on skate culture. Concluding the evening was a Vans Skate team demo, including Rio Morishige, Willow Voges Fernandes, Roman Pabich, Breana Geering, Jordan Thackeray, Toa Sasaki, Rome Collyer, Omar Hassan, Dick Rizzo and an open-call, cash-for-tricks skate session.
Alongside Steve Van Doren, Vans Global Ambassador, guests for the evening’s festivities included Imran Potato, Lizzie Armanto, Julian Klincewicz, Beatrice Domond, Efron Danzig, Atiba Jefferson, Gary Rogers, Tyler Ross, Etienne Gagne, Nelly Morville, Tony Alva, Geoff Rowley, Ray Barbee, Curren Caples and Una Farrar.
The “Commitment to Progression” gallery tour will touch down in Shanghai and Seoul later this year as well — so stay tuned for more info.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel, and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 97 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors, and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music, and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
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