The creativity of collectors and artists in the latest Vans project

Our community of Vans collectors and customizers aren’t your typical sneakerheads. Unlike many sneaker aficionados, Vans fans don’t worry so much about keeping their shoes pristine, encasing their collections behind protected closet shelves – they prefer them worn down to the sole, painted on, passed along and rummaged from flea markets. Their collections showcase a true picture of individual style, fashion sense, and a love for our brand and what it represents.

With these words, Erwin Federizo, Vans Global Executive Creative Director, describes the latest project of the Californian brand, which takes us to the discovery of the close and deep bond that the Van Doren company shares with its community of enthusiasts, creatives and artists.

Vans Waffleheads pays tribute to stories that convey Vans’ rich history of creativity highlighting individuals whose collections and creative philosophies have authentically defined Vans as a literal canvas to their expression. Here are the ambassadors of the campaign:

Bill Cruz: after over a decade of collecting Vans, Bill founded Under The Palms, a community of fanatics that share the same interest in rare and limited Vans. What started out as a hobby turned into a real obsession.

Henry Davies: Henry has spent the last 15 years scouring the earth for Vans vintage rarities. His brand Pillowheat focused on identifying and collecting American factory-made Vans sneakers that were produced before 1998.

Charlene Holy Bear: through her intricate beading style, applied on Vans shoes, Charlotte wants to bridge the gap between two worlds: the Californian street universe of the brand and her Native American roots, as part of the Lakota Sioux tribe.

Penelope Gazin: well-known for her sex-fueled and darkly kitschy artwork, Penelope is more than just an artist, she's also a dancer, drummer and founder of her fashion brand, Fashion Brand Company.

Jayass: is the symbol of Seoul street culture. Jayass has become an accidental collector of sneakers, furniture, figurines, everything that represents the blending of art, culture and fashion.

Hyun Ye: Hyun is a real custom artist. Her works are mainly hand-made drawings and have been grabbing attention for collaborating with artists of different genres, especially hip-hop.

Panda Mei: skateboarding enthusiast and long-time Vans collaborator, Panda Mei is specialized in illustration, graphic design, screen printing and ceramic: his works are reflected in the integration of the two cultures of the eastern tradition and the western modern.