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Vans and BJ Betts have joined forces for the first-time to deliver a new range of “Made for the Makers” product. The legendary American tattoo artist and graphic designer combined his distinct aesthetic with three classic silhouettes from the California footwear label to create an assortment of functional, military-inspired styles.

Over the past two plus decades, BJ Betts has been at the forefront of the ever-changing tattoo world. Blending traditional tattoo elements with gothic imagery and Japanese folklore, Betts’ style is hallmarked by an emphasis on unique fonts and precise lettering. Having released a series of industry standard guides on lettering, Betts’ relevance to graphic design and tattoo art is undisputed. Today he works primarily out of his Kennett Square, Pennsylvania studio State Street Tattoo.

Tapping into the ornate designs that he’s become known for, Betts worked with Vans to update a trio of Classics—the Old Skool, Authentic and Slip-On, featuring original camouflage patterns in muted military-inspired colors. Each of the styles feature mixed suede and canvas uppers in liquid and dirt repellant Vansguard® coating with camouflage UltraCush sockliners and Vans’ “Made for the Makers” benefits including slip-resistant, vulcanized lugged outsoles, maximizing comfort without sacrificing personal style. Betts’ rendition features the addition of pull tabs at the heel, with digits representing his birth year (’71), alongside the original Vans style numbers.

‘’I wanted to make something functional. Being an artist and working long hours, more times than not I end up going out and having dinner later in the evening and going to meet up with my family and friends directly from work.

I wanted to have a collection that could be worn easily and comfortably while working, with the stain resistant qualities that allow me to head out for a nice dinner looking presentable with a simple wipe down of my shoes. The shoes are generally the first thing that is noticed, am I wrong?

The camo pattern and its colors are inspired by my military service, and my Grandfather’s service as well, who was one of the best men that ever walked this earth, and who this whole project is dedicated to. ‘’ – BJ Betts

The Vans x BJ Betts collection will be released September 10, 2020 on vans.com, at select Vans retail doors and Philadelphia retailer Lapstone and Hammer.

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Words via Vans:

“Vans and the Foot Locker Family of Brands team up once again for a second collection titled Vans “Off the ___”. Following up on the inaugural capsule released earlier in the year, this latest collaboration will offer new iterations on both the Classic Slip-On and Old Skool as well as updated graphics on Vans apparel. 

The Vans “Off the ___” collection speaks to personal expression and the importance of each person’s individual experience, sound and voice. This idea of breaking boundaries is more important than ever as we’re all being challenged to be open to different ideas and identify new ways to express ourselves. Whether it’s singing on IG live, painting or having a solo dance party, now is the time to be inspired by change and try something different. 

To celebrate the Vans “Off the ___” launch, the campaign content features LA rapper and songwriter, Duckwrth.

“I make my music so when you listen and hear the rhythm, you want to dance. It makes you want to just take all the weight off your shoulders and throw it on the ground, “stated Duckwrth on what shaped his latest record.

Look out for the Vans “Off the ___” collection to release exclusively at Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Footaction, in-store and online.”

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Words via Hypebeast:

“Vans has enlisted National Geographic for a five-piece footwear collection comprising its Slip-On, Era, Authentic, Old Skool and Sk8-Hi silhouettes.

National Geographic, which is known for its exploration and documentation of fields including adventure, science, photography, environment, history and space, has covered each Vans sneaker with its own unique work. For example, the Slip-On depicts Greenland’s Pine Island Glacier, while the Era is covered in an artistic representation of the ocean and sports a sole unit graced with coordinates.

Elsewhere we see an Authentic covered in National Geographic magazine covers complete with the publication’s signature yellow border, as well as a pair of Old Skools that showcase the Mexican grey wolf alongside the red-eyed tree frog. Rounding out the collection is the Sk8-Hi which wears a large embroidered National Geographic logo. This logo adorns all pairs but the Era, while Vans’ signature license plate on the heel now comes in an apt black and yellow colorway.

Other National Geographic-specific elements include a yellow running stripe on all pairs except the Old Skool, which instead comes equipped with a fully yellow vulcanized sole unit. Take a look at all five pairs from the National Geographic x Vans collaboration after the jump, and pick them up from select retailers on June 1.”

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