James VAN Doren, Co-Founder of VANS: R.I.P.

VANS is on the short list of the most recognizable skate shoe brands in the world today, and one of its co-creators, James Van Doren, passed away last month at the age of 72. Van Doren, and his brother began making and selling “bespoke” rubber-soled deck shoes starting in 1966 at their shop in Anaheim, catering to a clientele that often favored funky designs, and patterns, like their iconic checkerboard that rose to fame with the release of Fast Times at Ridgemont High starring a young Sean Penn as “Jeff Spicoli.”

continue to read for full article here.