NEW YORK, NY – Vanson Leathers, the iconic brand founded on 1974 known for its high-quality leather jackets, has experienced a revival under the leadership of Davon Bean, the brand’s first creative director of streetwear. Since his appointment in 2021, Bean has breathed new life into the brand and captured the attention of a new generation of fashion lovers.
Drawing inspiration from Vanson’s rich history, Bean has reimagined and updated classic jackets, bringing them to a new audience with a fresh spin on streetwear. He has already captured his audience, releasing fresh spins of culture-classic jackets from the well kept Vanson archives, as well as creating alliances with brands like Aime Leon Dore to be released in spring 2024.
Along with his work at Vanson Leathers, Bean is the founder of Fly Geenius, a streetwear and lifestyle label that uses fashion as a tool for motivation, empowerment, and inspiration.
Bean’s interest in fashion began in his childhood in the South Bronx, where hip hop culture and fashion were emerging as an important part of his district’s identity. His experiences and passion for design led him to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology and work for high-end fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Burberry. Bean’s vision for Vanson Leathers is all about community, celebrating the brand’s legacy among the biker community and cultural influence in streetwear while also creating opportunities for collaboration and building connections. He has collaborated with artists like Usher, Teyana Taylor, and Dave East, and recently joined forces with Aleali May, a leader for women in streetwear, to expand the reach of the Fly Geenius label.
One notable example of Bean’s commitment to community is his recent collaboration with Juice Press to aid those impacted by the Bronx Fire. This joint venture involves a collection of streetwear staples and a special Fly Geenius juice aimed at promoting health awareness and giving back to underserved communities. Under Bean’s leadership, Vanson Leathers continues to inspire and captivate fashion enthusiasts around the world. His unique perspective and dedication to community make him a valuable asset to the brand and the industry as a whole. With much more to come in the years ahead, the future looks bright for Vanson Leathers and Davon Bean.
Bean has been hard at work bringing a fresh perspective to the brand with a focus on its roots in streetwear culture. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the brand finding renewed popularity among a younger demographic.
In addition to his work on revitalizing the Vanson brand, Bean has also been making waves in the sports world. On Tuesday night, Bean unveiled a collection of custom-designed jackets for the entire Boston Celtics team, including star player Jaylen Brown. The jackets, which feature bold graphics and the iconic Vanson Leathers logo, are a testament to Bean’s commitment to celebrating the intersection of streetwear and sports culture. “We’re thrilled to have Davon onboard as our Creative Director of Street Wear,” said a representative from Vanson Leathers. “He brings a fresh perspective to the brand and has already made significant contributions. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Vanson under his leadership.” Bean’s work with the Boston Celtics is just one example of how he is reinvigorating the Vanson brand and taking it in exciting new directions.
With his unique vision and passion for streetwear and sports culture, Bean is sure to continue making waves in the fashion world, as the Vanson Leathers brand has experienced a resurgence and continues to innovate with new designs and collaborations. One of the most notable collaborations was with Harley Davidson, spearheaded by the Vanson team and Sales Manager Kim Van Der Sleesen, spouse of Vanson Leathers’ founder. The partnership brought together two iconic American brands to create a collection of leather jackets that embody the spirit of the open road. As a team player, Davon lent a helping hand to ensure the success of the collaboration.
This collaboration exemplifies Vanson Leathers’ commitment to pushing boundaries and tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, an approach that Davon Bean embodies in his work as Creative Director of Street Wear. Bean’s commitment to the tradition of leather craftsmanship has also been key to reviving the biker culture and elevating it in the fashion industry, making the Vanson Leathers brand relevant for a new generation of fashion-forward consumers.
As Vanson Leathers continues to evolve and expand its presence in the streetwear arena, Davon Bean’s contributions are sure to play a significant role in shaping the brand’s identity for years to come. His passion and innovative approach to fashion are helping to establish Vanson Leathers as a force to be reckoned with in the world of streetwear.
“Davon is good…he’s a young guy relative to me, I’m 70 [years old], perspective changes over time, Davon is in the middle of everything, he’s been very helpful in resuscitating some of what’s old is new again…” said, Vanson Leathers’ Founder and President Mike Van Der Sleesen. His designs pay homage to classic Vanson jackets while also incorporating contemporary elements that appeal to a younger generation. “It’s an honor to be a part of a brand that has such a rich history,” says Bean. “I’m excited to continue to push the boundaries of streetwear while also staying true to the essence of Vanson Leathers and preserving its legacy in biker culture.” With the recent success of Vanson Leathers, it’s clear that Davon Bean‘s vision and leadership have revitalized the brand and redefined the possibilities of biker culture in fashion.