Hired to write copy for Vans on a summer capsule that focused on Nathan Fletcher and Captain Fin Co.
I got my first pair of Vans in 1983. They’ve become such a heritage brand in action sports and culture, with so much influence on not only surf, skate, and snow but also punk rock. What other brand encompasses Minor Threat sitting in front of the Discord House and the Triple Crown of Surfing? From Omar Hassan to Joel Tudor, not to mention insane snowboard videos, support for Black Lives Matter and hosting so many great shows at House of Vans.
This was a nice capsule they did with Captain Fin.
“Mitch Abshere is the creative force behind Captain Fin Co. He could either be seen as a surf world visionary or a guy who lives in a van down by the river. But there’s no doubt that he has bought fun to the fin with killer graphics and attitude. And the Captain channels that to Vans again with the most recent collab in bold earth tones.
Abshere goes deep into Vans heritage unveiling a Black and Buckhorn Brown Old Skool, with the tried and true Sidestrip, aka Style 36, developed by Paul Van Doren (the same year that Abshere was born.) He also got his mitts on an Easy-Fit Fairhaven, a Chukka-style of leather, suede, canvas, and premium textiles in Black/Dark Gum with a removable and washable UltraCush Eco footbed. Rounding out the footwear is the Thresher, a highlight of the Surf Sider sandals in two styles – striped or checkerboard, both with ergonomic brushed Eva strap, Vans heritage graphics, and non-slip blown rubber outsole.”