A long list of stories for our time this week. Some don’t even mention COVID-19. We can say that when everyone is locked up in their own homes they just don’t generate as much news. Duh! So here you go.
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Fashion
Vans Global Brand President Doug Palladini sent a letter to Vans employee world wide outlining the work that Vans is currently doing to support those in need. He included the Vans ‘Foot The Bill’ initiative, product donations and partnership with Hedley & Bennett to use Vans’ shoe canvas to make and donate more than 250,000 reusable facial masks.
As a brand engrained in the belief that we aren’t a shoe and apparel company but a people company that makes shoes and apparel, looking after our people has always been and will remain our top priority. This commitment rang true in March as we made the decision to shift corporate offices to remote working and temporarily closed our stores in the U.S. and Canada to prioritize the safety and health of you and all of our store associates. I am especially humbled by the fact that in partnership with VF Corp., we’ve been able to ensure that our store associates have continued to receive full pay and benefits during closures. Additionally, I want to express my personal appreciation for our distribution center associates who continue to facilitate consumer purchases from Vans.com. Their dedication to our brand is truly inspiring and together with VF Corp., we continue to implement proactive steps to uphold the well-being of our associates.
During these rough times it’s great to see good people (and brands) rising to the challenge in such positive ways. So stoked that Vans is able to do the right thing for their employees and for people around the world. For the entire letter, please follow the jump.
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Vans is doing their part to help small businesses around the world with their new Foot The Bill custom shoe designs initiative.
To support our extended Vans Family, Vans has committed to helping 80 small, independent businesses including skate and specialty shops, restaurants, music venues and community- driven spaces by offering their custom-made designs available for purchase on Vans Customs with net proceeds going directly to these vital partners. . . “My father Paul Van Doren always said that we were a people company that made shoes. Now, more than ever, it’s important to support the people that provide spaces for communities around the world to be creative and come together,” said Steve Van Doren, son of Vans’ founder and Vans’ Vice President of Events and Promotions. “We were once a small business and wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of these partners. We hope to rally together with our consumers to lend a helping hand to those that are in need.”
The program will expand to include additional independent skate shops, surf shops, restaurants, music venues and community driven spaces over the next month and will be available on Vans.com in Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Spain, the Netherlands, United States and United Kingdom. For all the details, including a list of retailers please follow the jump.
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Vans has just dropped the sweetest traveling shoes for those days when you don’t need to skate your way through traffic. They are called the UltraRange EXOs.
The shoe features an internal EXO skeleton that provides built-in support across the toes and medial sidewall, with a heel lock for a secure fit. New to the equation is the UltraCush® Lite midsole, offering rebound and support without adding weight. Increasing breathability, the UltraCush® tongue provides ports for superior airflow. Finally, a full rubber wrapped reverse waffle lug outsole brings traction and flexibility to the UltraRange EXO.
Looking for comfort and convenience? These may be just the shoes. For the official word from Vans, please follow the jump.
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Nyjah Huston’s new pad in Laguna Beach, California was an architecturally significant place even before he remodeled it up to his personal steez. Old media stalwart Architectural Digest was invited to take a tour. Always the proper host, Nyjah showed it all off quite nicely. Watch the video. It’s good.
[Link: Architectural Digest]
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Vans is excited to announce the return of our annual international snowboard competition, the Vans Hi-Standard Series. Kicking off 2020 in Canada and journeying around the world, the tour invites riders of all ages from around the globe to showcase creative expression in a fun, open-jam format.
Next year’s iteration will see the Hi-Standard series land in China, South Korea, Russia and Italy, in addition to several stops in North America. Each event features a big air session, where participants are judged solely on their individual style, with no inverts or spins over 720 allowed. This format taps into creativity, awarding only the most innovative competitor who shows pure style and originality. Regional MVPs win an all-expense paid trip to the grand finale at Brighton Resort for a chance to snowboard with the Vans snow team and battle it out for the 2020 Vans Hi-Standard Series MVP title.
For all the details, including the full schedule, please follow the jump.
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We are saddened learn that Columbia Sportswear’s guiding force of nature Gert Boyle died today (Sunday morning, November 3, 2019), according to a story in the Oregonian. She was 95.
Boyle’s dedicated work with product and more importantly her full embrace of quality advertising and willingness to be the face of her company inspired thousands.
A resilient, demanding, charismatic woman in what was long an outdoorsman’s world, Boyle ran Columbia Sportswear from 1970 to 1988, firmly establishing the company’s brand. . . Before her son, Tim, took charge as president and CEO, Gert inspired the 1984 ad campaign, “One Tough Mother,” a catch phrase that also graces her 2005 autobiography.
Seeing her at the old SIA Shows will remain one of the highlights of our time on the show floor. Our thoughts are with the entire Boyle family.
[Link: The Oregonian]
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After 17 years with their pinkie toe dipped into the surf industry wading pool, Nike has finally jettisoned Hurley out into zombie brand land by selling it to Bluestar Alliance for an undisclosed sum on October 29, 2019. Bluestar, owners of other zombie labels like bebe, Brookstone, and yak pak, seem very excited about the licensing opportunities ahead.
“We have always admired the Hurley brand as it has maintained its leadership role and premium positioning in the surf world,” stated Joey Gabbay, CEO of Bluestar Alliance. “This is a transformative acquisition for Bluestar as Hurley’s international footprint will enhance Bluestar’s reach around the world. We look forward to building upon the existing Hurley network and expanding to additional countries with the deep relationships that already exist within the Bluestar portfolio of brands. We see Hurley continuing to evolve into a 360-degree lifestyle brand, with action sports playing a key role.”
We see this as one more reason to never, ever, name your startup after yourself (not saying that fellow OCers Paul Frank, Shawn Stussy, and Mossimo aren’t great Zombie company for Bob and the boys). For the official word from Bluestar Alliance, please follow the jump.
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An outerwear collaboration from the heart of LA? Yeah. The Hundreds has joined forces with snowboarding brand 686 to bring a collection of outerwear to wish for.
The Hundreds X 686 features bright pops of neon colors, bold stripes, classic Jib branding, even down to the placement of the logos. Everything about this project was a throwback for us, pure nostalgia. The memories you have of riding up to the mountain with your friends for weekends that turned into whole seasons, the last run of the day before the first party of the night.
The rad collection goes on sale October 24, 2019 through The Hundreds App, Online Shop, and select retailers worldwide. For all the details, please follow the jump.
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