Following the recent celebration of its 50th anniversary, Vans is commemorating its past by revisiting one of its most iconic patterns. For spring, the coveted sneaker brand is featuring its Checkerboard motif on a new range of footwear and accessories. Staying true to its origins, the latest collection takes inspiration from California's youth culture and the company's early design contests, which first brought about the checker pattern.
“Vans are a natural canvas and in the late ‘70s we started seeing Vans fans sketch all over their shoes,” said Vans Vice President of Events and son of the founder, Steve Van Doren in a press release. “Before we knew it, checkerboard was everywhere so we wanted to introduce our own version and make sure it was ‘Off The Wall.’”
The Van's checkerboard pattern first gained international attention over 30 years ago, when Sean Penn wore a pair of black and white Checkerboard Slip-Ons in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. As a tribute to its legacy, Vans is releasing an extensive offering that includes everything from the Camper Hat and Checkerboard Backpack to staples like the Sk8-Hi, Old Skool and Classic Slip-On. The colorful collection takes cues from the Southern California landscape by incorporating colors like yellow, burgundy, and blue.
The Vans Checkerboard collection is available now at Vans retail locations and online.
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