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Read moreApril 12, 2022
Vans Teams Up with Surfers Alex Knost and Lee-Ann Curren on a Mindfully-Made Collection for Everyone
Forward-thinking creatives curate a genderless head-to-toe offering that ventures outside the lines
As the leader in action sports footwear and an icon of creative expression, Vans is proud to push the boundaries with a new collection that’s made for everyone from the creative minds of Vans Surf family members Alex Knost and Lee-Ann Curren. For their latest collection, Vans worked with Alex and Lee-Ann to apply an outside-the-lines approach to a genderless head-to-toe offering.
The collection is designed with progression and inclusivity at the forefront. From the Colfax Low to the reversible boardshort, every single item is intended to be genderless, leaving room for individuals to make the collection their own and feel good about wearing it. Taking inspiration from a range of art, music, and design, the collection reflects a diverse offering that can be creatively tailored.
Lee-Ann and Alex both pulled inspiration from ‘90s surf ads, color palettes, old films, concert screen prints, and album covers. “We also sent the design team photos of our favorite wardrobe pieces,” Lee-Ann added. The resulting collection places emphasis on individuality: “The silhouettes are wearable sized way up or down, layered, loose, or form-fitted,” Alex says.
Standing out from the rest, the Colfax Low is the hero of this collection, made with elevated, sustainable full-grain leather, and available in a moody forest night/black colorway. The silhouette also features a semi-translucent oversized lug outsole, giving this style an all-new look. An UltraCush Lite drop-in footbed features custom art and detailing tying back to the overall collection while boasting all day comfort and support.
Hailing from Biarritz, France, Lee-Ann Curren has honed her skills by focusing on free surfing and tapping into experimental surf crafts. As the daughter of living legend Tom Curren, Lee-Ann has carved out her own space and a name for herself, as both a surfer and well-recognized musician, helping produce the soundtrack for Vans 2021 Surf film Cadavre Exquis, as well as creating the score with Alex Knost for his film, Tan Madonna.
Cadavre Exquis | Surf | VANS
Recognized for his style, both in and out of the water, Alex Knost represents creative expression in its most authentic form. While he’s always pushing the boundaries and often exists outside of them, Alex’s off-beat approach to surfing, music, art, and fashion are what truly set him apart.
Building on the range of progressive styles, an all-black Circle Vee is Vans’ newest sustainably focused silhouette that draws on a one-piece knitted natural upper designed to reduce waste in production compared to Vans’ traditional cut and sew uppers. The upper is stitched directly onto the outsole and is made of 48% organic cotton, 47% hemp, and 5% nylon. The Circle Vee ushers in Vans EcoWaffle™ outsole made from a new rubber compound that utilizes natural rubber instead of petroleum-derived synthetic rubber and is obtained from sources that follow proven sustainable practices with the intention of minimizing harm and having positive benefits within natural ecosystems. The brand new EcoCush™ drop-in footbed is made from 70% biobased FATES™ foam, which is derived from plant-based oils without sacrificing performance. This new footbed provides ultimate all-day comfort and support with a molded heel cup and arch shape.
With versatility top of mind, the reversible boardshorts in black feature a cotton-nylon fabric, a fixed waistband with drawcord, 16-inch outseam, and reverse to a bright floral pattern drawn by Lee-Ann. Other key apparel pieces include graphic tees in black and aquatic colorways, and the Authentic Chino Pant in black: a cropped, looser fitting style featuring permanent pressed creases on both the front and back of the pant leg.
The Vans x Alex Knost x Lee-Ann Curren Collection is available now at Vans retailers and at Vans.com/Surf.
