Rian Pozzebon talks Ten Years of Vans Syndicate

Mention Vans Syndicate to any skateboarder who takes pride in their shoe collection and it would be surprising if you are met with anything but a list of regretful missed releases.  While focusing on a specific theme is nothing new for shoe capsules, it is the relationship of the collaborating individuals with the design team at Syndicate which has set Syndicate above other ‘premium’ lines over the last ten years. Aiming to developing more than just one off colourways and with each release telling a story has allowed silhouettes to often distinctly vary from their classic counterpart.

A decade into the program came the surprise announcement that Vans Syndicate would end here. Even more startling was the revelation that this was not an early curtain call but actually the intended lifespan for Vans’ offshoot. With the final ten year anniversary release arriving at skate shops last Friday; I got in touch with Rian Pozzebon, Vans Syndicate’s footwear design manager, to gain some insight into the experience the brand has been for himself and those involved since 2005.

Can you explain how you became involved with Vans?

I grew up at a time in skateboarding when lines were blurred. Everyone around me seemed to create things outside of skateboarding; photography, zines, music, paintings, films… It all had a DIY feel with no one being qualified.  Being surrounded by this made me believe that if I wanted to do something, I should just go and do it.  My background ranges from starting a backpack company in the mid 1990s to being the sales manager for Stussy, then taking a career turn accepting the footwear design position, with my friend Jon Warren, at Vans to help rebuild the skate program in 2002.  We were sort of a package deal, one wouldn’t come without the other.

From there, how did Vans Syndicate come to be?

Jon and I found that the industry was saturated with puffy skate shoes built for the mass market and wanted to reintroduce the 90s’ creative spirit back into the skate shops.  Reminiscent of the days when a shop owner or employee talked the young mind into buying the independently spirited brands like Consolidated or one of the Dwindle Distribution graphics of Marc McKee and Sean Cliver over a Tony Hawk board.

Why did you feel it was important to have a more premium equivalent to the Pro Skate line?

There is a consumer out there that wants more and our challenge was to rise to the occasion and build product around it.  The handcuffs were off with Syndicate, we didn’t have to compromise due to selling five more pairs if we made the outsole white or the upper material cheaper.

Could you sum up what you believe each Vans range provides or represents?

Classics – authenticity.

Vault – happy fashion.

Syndicate – creative angst.

Pro Skate – enhanced performance. ‘The best, only better.’

Vans Syndicate projects: 025.154 AV Classic High / 028.169 Jason Dill X Fucking Awesome Authentic Pro.

What are your personal favourites from the capsules you have worked on over the years?

I am sorry but this can’t be answered as I have been fortunate enough to dive so deep into the project with the people involved that they all carry such a heavy weight of connection.  The shoe I wear the most can be answered with Luke Meier’s Zero Lo “S” which is also known as the Seylynn “S”.

For me the most important part of the process is building a relationship and diving deep into their environment.  Seeing the studio of Shawn Stussy or going on set with Ice-T, absorbing their world to build a story is what it was all about for me. These experiences changed my perspectives on design and on living.

Were there any rejected ideas for Syndicate projects?

Tons of rejects. Fortunately, Syndicate was built on a foundation that didn’t need to make anyone happy for it to survive and continue.  I will forever be thankful that Vans gave us the ability to do this.  It allowed pure honesty between the company, us and the people we worked with.

Why was Syndicate only intended to run for ten years and where will it go from here?

I had considered ending it after five years and thankfully, it lived on. I then experienced some of my favourite moments working on Syndicate. The value of something honest is priceless.  Look at the list of our friends: Mister Cartoon, Taka Hayashi, Jason Jessee, WTAPS, Wes Humpston, Chaz Bojorquez, Steve Olson, Grime, Max Schaaf, Gabe Morford, John Cardiel, Mike Muir, Eric Dressen, JP Plunier, (Christian) Hosoi, Luke Meier, Tommy Guerrero, Rodney Smith, Greg Hunt, Anthony Van Engelen, Jason Dill, (Tony) Alva, (Geoff) Rowley, Julien Stranger, Mike Hill, Ice-T, Tyler the Creator, Wade Speyer, Weirdo Dave/FTL, Defcon, Neil Blender, Sean Cliver, Alexis Ross, Harmony Korine and Andy Kessler.   This list is built on friendship, one that started with myself, Jon Warren, Tom Cooke, Jay Potocar, Berto LIechty and his friend Mister Cartoon, who designed all the branding. A younger generation will replace Syndicate with something that speaks to their peers.  I am excited to see what this is…

What affect do you feel the Syndicate program has had on Vans as a brand and skate footwear as a whole?

I have never thought about this question… It was personal: friendships were used on all parts to challenge each other. Project after project, exhibition after exhibition and year after year. Finding myself eight years into this and comfortably explaining to Ice-T on the set of Law and Order that he should work on a project with Vans, a billion dollar company, for Syndicate and get such an insignificant amount of money has me reflecting on how important friendships are.  When you present something honest, even under an umbrella as large as Vans, people found something genuine and signed on.  Thank you to the OG, Jon, Jay, Tom, Berto, Pete, and the later crew with me; Dazz, Justin, Kathy, Nate and the guys. I am excited to see what is next from the minds of Trevor Hill and Neal Shoemaker.  Stay tuned.

All imagery courtesy of Vans and Vans Syndicate unless credited otherwise.