Vans Collaborates with Joel and Tosh Tudor for Collection That Blends Classic Style with a Look to the Future
In a collaboration that bridges generations through its aesthetic, materials, and the riders who influenced it, Vans is proud to present the Vans x Tudor Collection, a footwear and apparel capsule that reflects the spirit of one of Vans’ most iconic surf families.
Marked by its vintage prints, retro lettering and classic style, the Vans x Tudor Collection reflects the aesthetic of Joel Tudor, a Vans team rider for almost 25 years, and his 14-year-old son Tosh. Whether they’re logging at Cardiff Reef in the summer or charging Pipeline in the winter, the two can often be found surfing together, their flowing and casual styles almost indistinguishable at times. The Vans x Tudor Collection captures their lifestyle, combining a retro San Diego color palette with classic Hawaiian vibes.
“It’s so cool to see where Tosh is in his career and work on these projects together with my son,” says Joel. “We’re both super stoked on how this collection turned out.”
The Vans x Tudor Collection features five footwear styles, led by the Chukka DX SF in java/turtledove. It was important to Joel that the collection include the Chukka, a shoe that was a huge part of his childhood. Playing off the traditional Chukka boot style, but with the functionality Vans loyalists have come to rely on, the Chukka features an all-canvas upper with contrast stitching and retro lettering on the midsole that Joel himself designed. “I’ve been obsessed with the lettering and fonts of the psychedelic rock posters of the late 1960’s for as long as I can remember,” Joel says. “Wes Wilson, Bonnie Maclean, there’s so many great artists. I developed my own style after years of studying them earlier on.”
The Chukka DX, along with the other closed-toe footwear in the collection, also features a cork-lined, removable UltraCush Lite footbed for elevated comfort and support.
Also key to the footwear collection is the UltraCush Slide-On. Taking its cues from Vans’ iconic Slip-On style, this slide sandal features contrast stitching on the synthetic nubuck strap, reminiscent of the Slip-On’s distinctive tongue. The Slide-On comes in java with turtledove contrast stitching and a printed lining.
The Sk8-Low Reissue SF, Authentic SF and Nexpa Synthetic sandal in the same versatile colorway complete the footwear collection. The Sk8-Low features a suede and canvas upper with contrast stitching and midsole lettering, while Joel’s artwork covers the all-canvas Authentic’s upper. The sandal’s UltraCush footbed ensures all-day comfort, while interior strap artwork provides a touch of intrigue.
Leading the apparel collection is the Vans x Tudors SS Woven, a breezy button-up featuring 20% organic linen and 80% cotton and the Vans x Tudors retro lettering logo on the chest pocket. Combining understated colors with funky florals, the SS Woven embodies the Tudors’ classic and laidback approach to surfing as a way of life and pays homage to the Hawaiian shirt. “The Hawaiian shirt has always been a staple piece of clothing for me,” says Joel. “You can wear them for any occasion.”
The Tudor Floral allover print is also featured on the Vans x Tudors Boardshort, a 100% polyester short with lace-up waist, Vans woven label on left side seam and a right rear pocket with button and flap. The classic aesthetic carries through in the above-the-knee 17” outseam.
Rounding out the apparel collection are the Vans x Tudor LS and SS cotton tees, made from 100% cotton and featuring Joel’s own retro lettering artwork. The LS, in antique white, and SS in saffron, carry on the subtle, faded color palette influenced by the Tudors’ Southern California roots.
As part of the Vans team since 1997, two-time World Longboard Champion Joel Tudor is synonymous with Vans surfing and his son Tosh is carrying the torch while making his own mark on surf style and culture. Joel’s passion for surf history and classic longboarding, combined with Tosh’s love for art, music and design, combine to make a collection of apparel and footwear that is for the surfer whose love for riding waves is not just a hobby but a way of life.
The Vans x Tudor LTD collection is available now at authorized retailers and Vans.eu/surf.
