Stab Magazine | Why Fix What Isn’t Broken?

The Grand Finale of EAST starring Harry Bryant is LIVE, presented by Kona Big Wave and Vans.

324 Views

Why Fix What Isn’t Broken?

Two dependables come together with Taka Hayashi and Vans to make magic.

style // Apr 27, 2017
Words by stab
Reading Time: 2 minutes

People say it’s bad to base self-confidence on outwards perception and appearance because clothes are bought with money and if money doesn’t equal happiness then that must mean euphoria isn’t dictated by thread count. But we all know that transitive relationship is a bunch of nonsense. There are few better feelings than confidently rocking a sophisticated fit. And what’s more consistently vogue than a pair of Vans?

We’re well aware of the recognition Vans has, no need to continue beating that canvas and/or checkerboard drum. But, what you might not know, or rather, who you might know, is Taka Hayashi. What Stan Smith is for Adidas, Taka is for Vans. Minus the whole tennis thing. Taka’s been collaborating with the California footwear behemoth for some time now, offering a fresh take on their already classic look. And he’s back again with a new eight-piece collection — his 17th collaboration with the Van Doren brothers’ brainchild.

SP17 Vault Taka VN0A38H2N9Z UATHSK8 NOMADLX THCHECKERBOARD 012

The result? Smooth dominance, again. If you’re curious to check it out, it launches globally on April 29 at select retailers. Further peeks below.

 

SP17 Vault Taka Shirt Collection 008

 

SP17 Vault Taka MTELaceLo Collection 011

 

SP17 Vault Taka VN0A31CB1VL TAKATOURJACKET OLIVENIGHT Bk 001

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

A Reckoning in Surfing, and the Questions Nobody Can Yet Answer

We spoke to the AFP and French Polynesian authorities about the alleged sexual assault of…

Oct 15, 2026

Making the Fish Last: A Rip Curl Portugal Pro Preview

Seventeen years after Supertubos joined the Tour, Portugal is once again being asked to make…

Oct 15, 2026

Is Drawing First Blood In A Heat Actually Worth Anything?

We ran some numbers... and asked the experts.

Oct 13, 2026

Generational Talent Qualifies For CT

And other updates from the second-to-last Challenger of the season. 

Oct 12, 2026

How A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Is Changing Surfboard Design | StabMic Ep. 34

Live from New York with Ashton Pickle and Harry Bryant.

Oct 12, 2026

CT Surfer Suspended After Receiving “Allegations Of A Deeply Serious Nature”

The surfer has also parted ways with several sponsors and their management team.

Oct 11, 2026

California’s Ritziest, Riskiest Peninsula Is Finally Underwater

"This all could have been prevented."

Oct 11, 2026

AI Surf Forecasting Has Arrived… Is It Any Good?

And what does it mean for Surfline?

Oct 9, 2026

The Top Five Stab Films You’ve (Maybe) Never Heard Of

A look through the archives.

Oct 9, 2026

Want To Win One Of Harry Bryant’s EAST Boards?

We’re giving away 10 pink and blue boards to Stab Premium members.

Oct 9, 2026

SEOTY: Australia’s #1 QS Surfer vs. The Sydney Pipeline

Whether it's the original Banzai or a knock-off, Kobi Clements is not afraid.

Oct 7, 2026

How Ashton Pickle Won Harry Bryant’s EAST, Presented By Kona Big Wave

What actually happened last weekend in NYC?

Oct 6, 2026

How Tom Curren Accidentally Baptized Japan’s Most Fabled Big Wave Spot

And why Kelly Slater missed out on naming rights.

Oct 5, 2026

DEFECT: In Conversation | StabMic Ep. 33

Dane Reynolds, Hunter Martinez, and Jake Kelley watch DEFECT and offer up its secrets.

Oct 5, 2026

Watch: EAST Starring Harry Bryant, The Grand Finale

Five (or six) shapers, four (or five) boards, and a very unusual end to the…

Oct 2, 2026

Surfing’s 2026 Q3 Report: Dead Cat Bounce, Live Cocaine Bump

Legacy stocks and IPOs on the rise.

Oct 1, 2026

SEOTY: Ryan Huckabee’s Limbs Require Forensic Study After ‘Huck 2’

+ Albee Layer interviews Huck on the reality of Maui’s "air wind" and Jaws vs.…

Sep 28, 2026

The Day Greg Long Drowned | StabMic Ep. 32

"I look back on that as the single most important moment of my life.”

Sep 28, 2026
Advertisement