Last week, we reported on the release of Vans new game-changing footwear release, the AVE 2.0, the signature shoe of Anthony van Engelen. As part of the release, last Thursday, Juxtapoz attended the debut of the Commitment to Progression exhibit and party for the launch of the AVE 2.0 shoe at the Vans store in downtown Los Angeles.
True to Vans’ style, everything was impeccably organized and no details were overlooked. You can tell there’s a deep pride and sense of family within the brand. Everyone from Steve Van Doren to legends like Christian Hosoi, Tony Alva, Geoff Rowley, and Ray Barbee spent the evening hanging out with creatives like Julian Klincewicz and Atiba Jefferson, to younger skate team trailblazers like Curren Caples, Roman Pabich, and Llzzie Armanto. At Vans events, everyone feels like part of the family.
The night kicked off with an insightful tour of the exhibit, offering a glimpse into the design process behind the AVE 2.0 show and Anthony’s 20-year history with the brand. The overarching themes celebrated skateboarding culture and innovation in Vans skate shoes. Following the tour, a captivating panel discussion led by Vans Archivist and Historian Catherine Acosta featured Van Engelen and Neal Shoemaker, Director of Design for Vans Skateboarding.
The night concluded with a Vans Skate team demo in the lot next to the store.
The exhibition will travel to Shanghai and Paris later this year, continuing Vans efforts to highlight skate culture and innovation around the globe. Stay tuned for more details. All photos by Mike Stalter.
