Vans Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Live from the

House of Vans in New York and Austin  Engaging Brand Experience Featured Performances

by Erykah Badu, Nas, Yeasayer and More    Cypress, CALIF. (March 17, 2016) – Last night Vans honored its 50-year heritage alongside thousands of guests who gathered at the House of Vans in New York and Austin to celebrate five decades of cherished “Off The Wall” memories. On the heels of the newly released campaign The Story of Vans, Brooklyn mainstay House of Vans and beloved SXSW pop-up House of Vans at the Mohawk, were transformed to showcase an imaginative representation of iconic moments from Vans’ legacy. To top off the enthralling Vans’ experience, Erykah Badu, Nas and Yeasayer galvanized the crowds for a night that will forever go down in history.    

   House of Vans Brooklyn captivated eager attendees through a striking checkerboard threshold, in an entrance where they were immediately transported into the world of Vans. A retrospective look at the brand’s history was blended with a curated selection of Vans footwear highlighting the design progression over the last 50 years. Throughout the venue, The Story of Vans came to life through towering cutouts and displays, engaging guests who were treated to custom made, embroidered Vans checkerboard Slip-Ons. A crescendo of energy peaked during the obligatory birthday cake reveal, as Vans’ own Steve Van Doren graced the stage, joined by Vans athletes and extended family, to toast the once in a lifetime moment. The pinnacle of the event yielded an unprecedented hit-after-hit performance of classics by New York hip hop legend Nas, with a melodic supporting show by local indie-rock favorite Yeasayer.    

   Meanwhile, House of Vans at the Mohawk opened its fourth straight year at SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX, kicking off the four-day musical series with a historical presentation of Vans band shoe collaborations including projects by music legends Motörhead, The Bad Brains, The Descendants, Public Enemy and more. The night closed with creative icon Erykah Badu, who delivered an electrifying serenade to celebrate 50 years of “Off The Wall.”    Vans continues its celebration with more House of Vans 50th

anniversary events scheduled in London, Sau Paulo, Toronto, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. These events are just the beginning as Vans looks to expand the House of Vans experience around the world to further cement Vans’ dedication to fostering creative expression through action sports, art, music and street culture. Throughout 2016, Vans will host a variety of activations

including skateboarding demos, music events, interactive design workshops and art installations within the House of Vans, all to continue to encourage the creative communities that have supported Vans for the past 50 years and that will continue to support Vans for years to come.    Visit www.houseofvans.com to learn more and check out www.vans.com to watch The Story of Vans.      About Vans  Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates more than 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour®, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.  

Whether you’re attending the House of Vans or watching from afar, join the conversation using #Since66 and #houseofvans on Twitter and Instagram, check out live coverage on Snapchat, and

visit the Vans Tumblr for updates on Vans’ 50th celebration.    

www.vans.com  youtube.com/vans  

instagram.com/vans  facebook.com/vans  

twitter.com/vans_66  Snapchat:Vans  

Vans.tumblr.com    

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