The legendary brand VANS has a strong link with skateboarding, they even share a common history for half a century. After offering us a trio of Half Cab ’92 revisited by the shop PALACE on December 30, 2022, the Californian label starts the year 2023 by unveiling a collaboration with the skate legend, Tony Alva and his brand Alva skates.
Tony Alva is one of the most influential skateboarders of all time. An original member of the Z-boys (a legendary 70’s skateboarding crew from Santa Monica), he was the first world skateboarding champion thanks to his inimitable style, but also one of the first to skate in the empty pools of California. Bold and creative, Tony Alva left his sponsors in 1977 to create his own skateboarding brand ALVA SKATES, just after helping VANS develop its very first skateshoe, the Era. Over the years, Tony Alva and Vans have continued to maintain their special relationship and work together.
Proof of the originality of this skateboarding legend, a year and a half ago, this skateboarder and entrepreneur extraordinaire had already teamed up with VANS and the French brand Serge Blanco from the rugby world (which he had discovered during a stay in France) to design a special complete collection.
Now he brings his unique style to an iconic VANS shoe, the Authentic 44 DX, and to textile pieces from the cult West Coast brand.
The skateshoe comes in 3 versions, each inspired by a specific decade.
The 70’s tribute iteration features the look of Alva Skates’ first skateboards, with a brown and pink leopard print, and an oversized and visually distorted logo. A brown collar, black laces and a white vulcanized sole complete the design.
The pair taken from the 80’s refers to the halo effect of the boards of that period. White with a blue gradient, it is also adorned with black details such as the Alva logo monogrammed on the vamp, collar, seams, laces and also the sole.
The latest version has a look inspired by the inner calm and spiritual balance that Tony Alva has found in recent years. It is dressed in a navy quilted canvas with an all-over white lotus print. A green insole, white laces and a navy blue Alva logo printed all along the white side sole add the finishing touch.
This trio of Authentic 44 DX will be accompanied by an apparel collection that includes an Alva Skates fleece, OTW short sleeve tee, wide legged tapered cargo pants and a matching bob with colorful Alva Skates and Vans pins.
The two longtime brand friends enlisted the help of artist DJ Javier, VANS team skater Bella Kenworthy and musician KennyHoopla to bring the collection’s campaign to life.
The Alva Skates x Vans footwear and apparel collection will be released on January 12, 2023, in VANS stores and online at vans.com. Get ready for it !
