There’s something nostalgic about the new Vans footwear and apparel line curated by the young and talented Brighton Zeuner. She has been called “a teenage assassin in the skatepark” but whenever I watch her skate, I can’t seem to stop smiling and I’m instantly reminded that skateboarding is really really fun. The capsule collection from Vans gives me that same feeling.
Words by Maria Lima
We are so happy to see Brighton Zeuner succeed in combining her love for skateboarding and fashion. Zeuner is pushing the boundaries of skateboarding being the youngest ever X-Games Gold medalist (two-time gold medalist actually). She is, without a doubt, a role model for the younger generation of womxn skateboarders.
She reminds us all that winning a contest shouldn’t be about living up to norms and expectations, but about breaking the rules and letting creativity flow. Check out Zeuner being awesome at skateboarding, jamming out with her brother and taking singing lessons in the clip posted below.
The Vans pack includes the classic Vans Old Skool Pro in a new colorway, as well as, the Brighton baby tee, cami bodysuit, BF hoodie, skirt, and Authentic Pro Pant. Make sure to check out the bucket hat and colour block backpack as well. Ultra steez! Another rad feature is the intricate details of the pieces like the embroidery of her childhood signature or the floral patterns inspired by a drawing in her grade school notebook. Very cool stuff!
Skateism is not a fashion blog. However, we realize that clothing items aren’t just objects with no attached meanings. What we wear is a form of self-expression and obviously plays into how we are perceived by others. What we wear can be empowering, liberating and political. As Joana Fongern, the mind behind the clothing brand Nayf & Wavey explained in a recent interview, clothing has always had the power to change society, especially in terms of gender norms. 
The days of marketing products to womxn by making everything bright pink are officially over. Pink is cool, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that it can get a little “boys wear blue and girls wear pink” if that’s the only option being put out there. Even if this seems like a small change, it’s a step in the right direction. It is a gesture towards inclusiveness and collaboration in which brands foster diversity by giving the opportunity, to someone like Brighton, to create something personal and rad for all of us to enjoy.
