Vans x Kenzo – Spring/Summer (2013)

Mar 7 13 under Collaborations | Comments Off

“This month we welcome the latest chapter in the fruitful collaboration between Vans and KENZO. Marking season number four for the project, the new series features the Authentic and Slip-On sneakers in a vibrant yet clouded leopard print. The ocre, orange, blue, green and khaki hues were inspired by the colors of the Asian Jungle and most importantly the tiger.

The collection will be available for purchase March 15 at Kenzo stores, Kenzo.com and at select retail partners including Opening Ceremony, Colette, Lane Crawford and IT Hong Kong.”

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Vault x Blends – Sk8-Hi Zip LX “10 Year Anniversary” aka Bones (Early Sneaker Review!)

Mar 5 13 under Collaborations, OTWS, Reviews, Vault | Comments Off

Vans Vault has partnered up with Blends on this awesome Sk8-Hi Zip LX to commemorate their 10 Year Anniversary, and I wanted to write up a little review for y’all. The first thing that draws your attention to these, are the bones that are prominently displayed on the side of the upper. Replacing the typical jazz stripe, yet keeping the familiarity of the classic lines so you know what they are. Fuckin’ dope is what they are! When I first laid eyes on them, right away my thoughts went towards those high end Japanese labels, such as MASTERMIND, NEIGHBORHOOD, or our beloved WTAPS. These could’ve easily been something that we’ve seen from them, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a little bit of inspiration came from that lifestyle. These are wrapped in motorcycle jacket leather, and feature muted tongues, so there’s no label on it. The only branding is on the footbed, where you’ll see the Vans and Blends logos. Let’s also not forget that they went with the Sk8-Hi Zip LX, which has only been in the Vault lineup for about a year and some change now, but has been an instant success. It features the “re-issue” last, for that old skool timeless look. The shoes come equipped with black and white thin laces, and you get your standard white classic vulc sole, with black foxing stripe. The bottoms are black as well. Size down half a size, as these Sk8-Hi Zips have a non-removable insole. You’ll thank me later on that heads up! Blends only made 100 pairs of these, and they release this Friday. No set price yet, so you’ll just have to take a gamble when they drop. I honestly believe that these will be one of the top 5 drops from Vans this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up on a lot of people’s year-end lists. Great fucking job, Blends!

I also want to give a special shout-out to Nobu, for blessing me with a pair early, so I could share the real deal info with y’all. We know our Vans better than anyone else out there, and I’m glad that he recognizes us for that. I don’t ever ask for stuff, so when I get that swag sent my way, I truly am thankful for it! I’m not worthy! And while I got the mic, I wanna shout out the rest of the Blends and BTNC homies! Thanks for being down with OTWS, and hashtagging all your Vans drops with our #OTWS tag. Game reckonize game son! (Wait, what are y’all doin? What the… Gimme the mic back… hold up…lol alright guys peace! -Guamstyles)

tons more pics after the jump incl. on feet pics Read More

Vans Vault x Blends – SK8 Hi Zip LX “10 Year Anniversary” (Available this Friday 3/8!) @blendsoc @blendsla @blendssd

Mar 5 13 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

BLENDS is pleased to announce, in celebration of our 10 year anniversary, a collaboration with Vans Vault for the BLENDS SK8 Hi Zip LX. Sticking with the iconic SK8 Hi OG mold, we injected the classic shoe with Blends venom, calling into play a premium leather upper, a gun metal zipper on the heel and switching the classic jazz stripe for a bone. The shoe was designed by Blends co-founder Tak Kato.
The Blends SK8 Hi Zip LX will be releasing on Friday, March 8th at our Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana locations and online at BLENDSUS.com. They will also be available at the opening of the VANS x BLENDS shop, located at our Downtown San Diego location.

100 pairs made

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Japan x Beauty & Youth – Era “Animal Print” (Japan Only!)

Mar 4 13 under Collaborations, Japan Only | Comments Off

Check out these two Era’s from Beauty & Youth United Arrows and Vans Japan. Utilizing an all suede material, printed with a Zebra or Cheetah print. Set to release on March 6th, but sorry to break it to you, these are a Japan exclusive.

info via Highsnobiety

Vans x Supreme – Power, Corruption & Lies (Spring 2013)

Mar 4 13 under Collaborations, Supreme | Comments Off

Words via Supreme:

“This Spring, Supreme will release three styles of Vans — the SK8-Hi, the Chukka and the Era — utilizing original album artwork from New Order’s iconic 1983 release Power, Corruption & Lies. The album’s cover was designed by English art director Peter Saville and incorporates the 19th century painting “A Basket of Roses” by French artist Henri Fantin-Latour.”

The Chukka and The Era will feature canvas uppers with leather lining and in-soles. The SK8-Hi will feature premium suede/canvas uppers with leather lining and in-soles.

Available in-store in NY, LA, London and online on March 7th.

Available in Japan on March 9th.

individual pics after the jump Read More

Vans x Bodega – Authentic (Spring/Summer 2013)

Mar 3 13 under Collaborations | Comments Off

So if you happened to take a look inside the S/S ’13 Bodega Lookbook, you might’ve noticed a few photos of some Vans Authentics. What does that mean? Well, who knows for sure, but I bet there’s a new collaboration coming from them and Vans! These look like a California type shoe, but there’s no official info yet as to what division helped with the design of these. Featuring a canvas earthy-vibe all-over pattern on both Authentics, with off-white midsoles. However, you might’ve overlooked the most awesome feature of the shoe, the tortoise lace eyelets! That’s a first! Nice job BDGA, nice job. Stay tuned for more info!

info via Highsnobiety

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Syndicate 022.133 x Mike Hill – Authentic Pro “S” & Sk8-Hi Boot “S”(Available Now @silostore)

Mar 3 13 under Collaborations, Syndicate | Comments Off

The latest Vans Syndicate release is upon us, and is slowly trickling into local Vans Syndicate dealers, like our fine peeps over at Silo. The pack takes it’s inspiration directly from Mike Hill’s two favorite shoes he wears, and the collaboration turned out to be a super dope release, and some of our design wishes made it to the final version, like the wide heel strip panel, seen on the early “Made in USA” Authentics. They toyed around with a few different variations, but we’re glad that this one stuck! The Sk8-Hi Boot “S”, although not typical for the “S” label, is a great addition to the Syndicate heritage, and is definitely a first. These resemble Mike’s work boots that he wears while out on his adventures. They come wrapped in premium dark green leather, while sitting on top of the same vanilla sole as the minty Authentic. Mint/black workboot laces are featured on both shoe, for a nice finishing touch. Oh, and one last thing! The accessories were brought back for this release! Every pair comes with a DIY rubber stamp sheet, with some Vans Syndicate, and some Alien Workshop artwork. Hooray! These are both now available at your local Vans Syndicate dealer, or if you’re having trouble finding your sizes, then check out Silo’s webstore at shop.silostore.com. All inventory should be up to date!

PROJECT: 022.133 / MIKE HILL

STYLE: SK8-HI BOOT “S”
COLOR: MIKE HILL / DARK GREEN / VANILLA
MTL #: VN-0SDU80P

RETAIL: $ 90.00

STYLE: AUTHENTIC PRO “S”
COLOR: MIKE HILL / MINT / VANILLA
MTL #: VN-0OZR8ON

RETAIL: $ 75.00

Summer, Canvas Authentic (all canvas lined)
Winter, leather SK8-HI boot (all pig skin leather lined)
Images of old paper machie board graphic footbeds and lining art
Vans original waffle gum trea

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans x Blends SD – “Shop In Shop” (March through August)

Mar 1 13 under California, Collaborations, Events, General Release, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Blends:

“We are pleased to invite you to the grand opening of a “shop in shop” presented by Vans and Blends. The two have teamed up to open a one of a kind in store experience in Blends San Diego solely dedicated to the different lifestyles of Vans, from Classics, California, OTW and Vault. This special project will run from March 8^th until the end of August 2013.

Vans will host monthly events throughout its stay in San Diego along with new releases. We are proud to announce for the opening launch will be the Spring 13 release of Taka Hayashi’s collection for Vans Vault.

Please join us Friday March 8^th at Blends San Diego from 6pm-9pm. There will be an art showcase by Taka Hayashi, hosted beverages, music and much more. Please RSVP at rsvptovans@gmail.com. Subject: Blends Event.

Vans x Liberty – Era & Authentic “Paisley Print” (Fall 2013)

Feb 23 13 under Collaborations | Comments Off

Check out these awesome paisley print Era’s and Authentics from an upcoming collaboration with upscale UK brand Liberty. Wrapped in an all-over paisley canvas, which is most likely an exclusive pattern from Liberty London. There’s no official info just yet, but OTWS forum member akamedaniel put us up on game with these. These are a nice consolation to the Supreme paisleys that never dropped! Anyone else planning on copping these? Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available. Thanks Daniel for the heads up!

Vans Vault x Taka Hayashi – TH Lace to Toe LX (Spring 2013)

Feb 21 13 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Hypebeast:

“The new low-top TH Lace to Toe LX features full Horween leather uppers accompanied by antique brass eyelets and is finished with the seemingly industry standard Cristy Vibram sole. A textured leather backstay adds a touch of much-needed character to the clean aesthetics. Originally inspired by classic military paratrooper boots, expect these kicks to drop some time in March.”

more pics after the jump Read More