I can’t exactly remember how I came across Henry’s account, but I do remember how excited I was to see his extensive Vans collection and even better, that he had a pair of Authentic’s with an incredible Mickey Mouse print, in my size and product of one of the early collaborations with Disney from the end of the 80s early 90s.
To my despair, that moment coincided with my Paypal account being on hold, but fortunately for others, Henry’s collection was only increasing and offering a wide variety of models that, to this day, only a few eyes have seen. If you don’t believe me, check out his instagram.
The best thing about a collector like him is not only the amount of Vans objects he has in his archive but most importantly, the value he gives to the history that each item retains, as well as his care to keep them as close to their origin as possible.
Thanks to the internet it is now easier to make long distance friends and to talk to them through different platforms. That is how we were able to ask Henry some questions about Pillow Heat, name of his store and the place where this amazing collection lives.
Have you always collected things? Meaning, did you have any sort of collection as a child?
Absolutely! for as long as I can remember I was collecting, hoarding, accumulating…. and never in a haphazard fashion. It was a compulsive thing from a young age, probably beginning with stickers, toys and figurines.
What is the oldest item in your personal collection? What is the oldest Vans item you have?
Vans was born in 1966 and I’m lucky enough to have a deadstock style #44 Authentic in white from the very first year of production.
What excites you the most about stock hunting?
It’s the thrill of the hunt. Never knowing what might surface and what experience, story or relationship can develop from the journey.
Do you have a hard time selling items you fall in love with?
If I’m deeply in love with an item it will form part of the Vans archive I am developing. If I know I’m likely to see something like it again I will move it on, once it has been documented that is. I’m happy to see the Vans given new life and perform the function they were produced for … unless it’s my size!
What are your top five favorite Vans items you own?
My special belongings include my custom Vans local motion surfboard, my handcrafted banner that sits in the shop window, the original store front neon sign from the 80s, and my collection of swatch books and catalogs.
Is there an item you don’t have that you’ve always wanted?
There are relatively few pieces left that I don’t have in one form or another. There’s a couple obscure shoes like the skydiving shoes … but thereafter it’s an attempt to find the special stuff in my size.
How did you get into Vans? What about the brand interests or inspires you?
It began with a growing frustration with the poor quality of vintage items from other brands. Everything about the brand interests me from cultural links with surf, skate, snow, cycles, music, art and the southern California dream. The family values inherent within the brand are most inspiring, having met Steve Van Doren. The Van Doren spirit is infectious!
Who do you think has a better Vans collection, you or Van Doren?
Ha!, I think Van Doren would admit that my collection is better.
What do you do with a pair of smelly Vans? Do you wash them?
Ha!, luckily my sense of smell is poor … but I always leave the shoes untouched. The shoes retain better the personal story when left as-is.
What are your maintenance tips to keep a pair of Vans looking fresh?
Use a shoe horn!
What are your top three favorite Vans collections or styles?
My favorite models are the style #95 era, style #98 slip-on and style #83 sk8-mid.
Do you have a favorite collaboration or revival?
Modern collaborations and revivals barely register for me. I’m fixated on the old stuff but an original collaboration I love was with Mooneyes.
Have you ever designed or customized and sold anything with the Pillow Heat brand?
I am starting to diversify with these ideas. I have designed some apparel and customized the odd shoe, but stay tuned for development in this area!
We recently read that Vans does not have a product archive, what interested you to do this?
I saw an opportunity. I went to HQ in California to view the archive and the understanding that there was no physical archive gave me the idea to do it myself. I had high hopes that Vans would see great value in this but now I view this as my own private design reference archive.
What is the rarest item you’ve seen in person?
I saw many special things during my recent trip to Japan. Next level in terms of global supply and collections of old Vans.
Who are your favorite Vans sponsored athletes? Do you have a favorite shoe
that is tied to their name?
My favorite skater for Vans is John Cardiel … and historically my favorite to ride for Vans in BMX was Mike Dominguez. My favorite signature shoe for Vans is Caballero’s style #39 from 1989.
How many countries have you visited looking for American made Vans and what has been your favorite discovery?
I have visited relatively few exclusively for that reason, but no matter where I am the search continues! I did plan a trip to the USA some years back exclusively to scout a lead in the middle of nowhere. Walking into a loaded basement full of deadstock clothing and 300 pairs of Vans. I will
never forget that day.
What pair of Vans are you wearing today? Is it possible to get a cell phone shot?
My reliable solid slip-on style #98 in navy blue.
Would you ever do a Pillow Heat pop-up shop in Mexico City?
Absolutely! I would love to visit Mexico. I have no doubt there is untapped old stock in the area.
If you were to design a Vans line inspired by your favorite pizza topping, what would it look like?
I love mushrooms so it would perhaps be a psychedelic magic mushroom patch, like something from Alice in Wonderland.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out on Henry’s growing collection, and if you’re ever ever in London, this is the address to his shop: 161B Lower Clapton, Roade 5, 8EQ, London, United Kingdom.
xo,
Adria