To celebrate the launch of the Vans AVE 2.0 Knit Sneaker, MATTE partnered with Vans to create a dynamic event honoring legendary pro skater Anthony Van Engelen (AVE). The AVE 2.0, Vans’ most technically advanced skate shoe, embodies Van Engelen’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design and performance. The event featured an in-store exhibition and an adjacent skate jam, capturing the spirit of innovation and grit that defines skate culture.
The Commitment to Progression exhibition explored AVE’s 19-year partnership with Vans, showcasing the evolution of his skate shoe designs and his influence on the visual culture of skateboarding. With industrial and lab-inspired design elements, the exhibit juxtaposed raw street textures with refined technical details. Meanwhile, the skate jam brought fans and pro skaters together in a shared celebration, with custom-designed obstacles and a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. Building on the success of the LA event, the exhibition will tour globally throughout 2024, celebrating skateboarding’s legacy and future.
