As a seasoned New York City gamer who’s spent countless hours traversing the digital streets of Skate 3 and Tony Hawk’s Underground, I must say that Vans’ recent “Off the Wall” celebration was an unparalleled ode to skate culture in the city where it all began. The revival of Max Fish and the Bushwick block party during NYFW were more than just events; they were a testament to the enduring spirit of skateboarding in NYC.
To pay tribute to Vans’ strong connections within New York City’s skateboarding scene, Vans organized a collection of engaging events, paying homage to its storied skate heritage. This journey began at the revitalization of Max Fish, a cherished Lower East Side bar in downtown NYC on September 4, featuring a surprise live set by TV On The Radio.
On the pulsating heart of New York Fashion Week, Vans organized a vibrant block party in Bushwick, celebrating top NYC skateboarding talent. This festive event was marked by pop-ups, skate lessons led by KCDC and Sk8 Babes, food trucks, and a late-night dance extravaganza. The celebration took place at Skate Space 198 from 3 pm to 1 am on September 7. This day-long event united the influential figures that embody Vans’ spirit — labels, retailers, skaters, and artists — all embodying the brand’s ethos of “Always Pushing.
The day kicked off with open skate sessions and a skate competition called a “jam,” which included opportunities to earn cash for tricks and win gift cards from KCDC, Labor and Tenant. Additionally, the event featured an “Off the Wall” market sponsored by Vans, showcasing various brands such as LQQK Studio, Quartersnacks, PunkandYo, Homerun, Star Team, EC Melodi, FTI, Nayfandwavey and more. Notable guests included several close collaborators, skateboarders, and friends of Vans, including Beatrice Domond, Ben Kadow, Shiloh Catori, Curren Caples, Zion Wright, among others.
On the daylong festivity, King Marie, LQQK Studio, and Ben Kadow played the music; however, Vans amped up the energy at night by dimming the lights for a skateboard-themed dance party. This late-night event showcased ghettotech beats from Detroit’s HiTech and New York City’s Jubilee.
During the week’s events, the iconic Vans Old Skool shoe – a design that sparked a powerful cultural shift and bridges both skateboarding and fashion – was showcased in various ways. This included an exclusive colorway with Satoshi Nakamoto, customized Old Skools on the SC103 runway, a sneak peek at the forthcoming Punk & Yo collaborative Old Skool, and gifts to the skate community through the Skate Old Skool. Reflecting Vans’ knack for uniting diverse groups, this legendary skate shoe will continue to be a pillar of the brand.
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2024-09-10 02:56