Vans Downtown Showdown is Coming to London

Twelve of the best skate teams will be competing at the historic Old Spitalfields Market in London on 20th August 2011 for their chance to take part in a contest renowned to test skill, flare and creativity. Far removed from the usual format of any other skateboarding competition - the event will take place on special customised ramps, which are all designed by the invited Teams themselves.

With London’s rich history and culture the theme, there has been no shortage of inspiration for the designs of the obstacles of which three ideas from Death Skateboards, Cliché and Superdead were selected to be built as a feature in the contest. Between professional pride and the sizable €50 000 prize purse, it was no surprise to see the very best in European skateboarding talent sign up for their chance to write their name in history.

The Event starts at 12 noon and will run until 6.30 pm when the winners are announced and prizes awarded. This free skating event will be followed by a party hosted by Monster Energy that will run from 9pm till late at the Village Underground. Keep an eye on Vans.com for more news.

Vans x A.P.C. Sneaker Collection

I know this one’s been published few months back but just to update you, this exclusive collaboration between Vans and A.P.C. is now available. A.P.C. is known for their refined, minimal designs that stick to their heritage while Vans’s well known reputation for street apparel doesn’t need a further introduction. Coming up with a casual and smarter approach to the sneakers, offered silhouettes are the classic and chukka models in simple motif. Now available in selected A.P.C. stores and Vans.com.

Vans Off The Wall: 1966 - Movie + Special 100 Page Book

Here’s a goody news for all the Vans aficionados. The skate shoe brand presents a full length movie, DVD packaging that includes a 100 page book photos from the making of 1966 by Percy Dean, and a 21 track music compilation. This first ever skate movie from Vans entitled VANS OFF THE WALL: 1966 has been in production for the past 12 months and was shot in various countries across the globe that features sections from the most respected and talented skaters in the European arena today. To check out the trailer and further information, visit vans.eu/1966.

Check out more imagery after the click.

Vans Store at Covent Garden

Here are the inside views of the new Vans Store located at Covent Garden in London. Measuring to 160 square metres, the new store at 3 Earlham Street stocks fully comprehensive range of footwear and apparel products. Much more, the store features the Vans Waffle shoe wall, checkerboard decals, and just about every other notable visual reminder of the Vans trademark.

Store Address:

Vans, 3 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London WC2H 8

Store Opening Hours:

Monday – Saturdays: 10am – 7pm
Sunday – Noon: 6pm

More images after the click.

Vans Quilted Classic Slip-on Shoes

Vans legendary classic slip-on shoes buffs up with a surprising design. Quilted toe it is, you can choose whether clean or contrasting style with two colorways, black and white. Now available at Oki-Ni, these lovely quilted shoes comes with a price of £35.00.

Vans Black Classic Slip-on
Vans White Classic Slip-on

Vans x Parra at Colette

"DON'T FORGET TO ACTUALLY SKATE IN THESE!" and its going to remind you that even they have chukka boot design, still it's dedicated to be paired with skateboard. With a design line up of Chukka, Sk8-Hi and Era, the collaboration of Vans and Parra has custom artwork with the essence of what the Dutch artist is known for.

Vans x Parra Sk8-Hi
Vans x Parra Chukka