VANS CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH RELEASE OF STAR-STUDDED CAMPAIGN

Story of Vans 50 Anniversary
by Stephen Garner


California-based footwear and apparel brand Vans has launched The Story of Vans, a visual campaign that highlights iconic moments from its 50-year history.

On March 16, 1966 Vans opened in Anaheim, CA as a small family-owned brand with big dreams. Fifty years later, the Van Doren spirit lives on as one of the largest youth culture brands in the world, fostering a culture of creative expression through action sports, art, music and street culture.

Directed by Reza Resoli, The Story of Vans is brought to life through whimsical black-and-white illustrations by French artists Mrzyk & Moriceau and a soundtrack produced by music house Beta Petrol. The campaign is made up of a series of five short stories, one which tells the journey of the Vans brand, and four additional spots that emphasize Vans’ core forms of creative expression and define the company’s mantra of living “Off The Wall.”

Each story in the campaign is narrated by a renowned individual and long-time Vans enthusiast. Professional skateboarder Jeff Grosso voices the leading story, while skateboarding legend Tony Alva, musician Ray Barbee, Chuck D of Public Enemy and actress Chloë Sevigny also lend their vocals for the campaign.

“It’s an exciting day for Vans as we embark on a new chapter in our history and celebrate 50 ‘Off The Wall’ years of actively supporting and enabling creative expression,” said Kevin Bailey, president of Vans and VF Action Sports. “We also look to the future as we introduce progressive platforms and product innovation that consumers around the world expect from Vans. The Story of Vans exemplifies the milestones that have made Vans the unique brand it is today and the inventive composition of the campaign allows us to bring those moments to life through an interactive experience at the House of Vans worldwide.”

Visit vans.com to watch The Story of Vans and share your own Vans story using #since66.