ASB MAGAZINE: Equally driven by individual expression, creativity, and style, skate and surf culture have long since held a stronghold on influencing global youth culture and fashion alike. The Vans x Former is the first collaboration between the two—and the first footwear collaboration with any brand for Los Angeles-based Former.
The Vans x Former collection was created hand-in-hand with the Former design crew and features three limited-edition footwear styles, an EverRide Stretch boardshort, and a zippered short-sleeve woven shirt.
Founded in 2016 by Vans global team rider Dane Reynolds, along with fellow surfer Craig Anderson and skaters Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder (RIP), Former is an emerging Los Angeles-based lifestyle apparel brand working to establish a more distinct aesthetic beyond what is expected in action sports. Its exclusive drops introduce limited runs of monochromatic designs with artistic imagery heavily informed by its founders, four of the most stylish and influential riders of our generation.
With the Sk8-Hi 138 FT, all-black Style 36 FT Zip, and La Costa Lite X Slide, Former makes its monochromatic mark, elevating a series of key Vans styles with premium materials and upgraded elements like bone suede and rich black leather, UltraCush sockliners for resilient cushioning and advanced comfort, and a textured rubber toe cap for increased protection and durability. The Style 36 FT Zip also features a custom zippered closure—a Former signature—while the La Costa Lite X Slide features overlapping leather straps, a leather footbed embossed with Vans and Former logos, and a lightweight, flexible, and durable UltraCush waffle outsole.
The collection’s apparel component is an homage to Former’s reputation for creating limited runs of highly creative and unique product, highlighted by sharp attention to detail and premium textiles and fabrications, such as the EverRide Stretch boardshort with Former’s signature zip detail on the side cargo pocket, and on the short-sleeve zip woven shirt made of luxe compact brushed twill. Custom logo labels with Former’s iconic artwork and Vans motifs unite the apparel and footwear for a cohesive look and feel.
The Vans x Former collection will be available at select Vans Surf retailers worldwide on June 22.
- Sanbah Surf, NSW
- Onboard Store, NSW
- Lucky Surf, NSW
- Stay Luck, WA
- Thomas Surfboards, QLD
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 84 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 theVans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
Vans, “Off The Wall” Since ’66
www.vans.com.au
youtube.com/vans
instagram.com/vansaustralia
facebook.com/vansaustralia
# # #
