Words via Hypebeast:

“Vans and Japanese retailer BEAMS recently unveiled its latest collaborative project which sees the classic checkerboard slip-on get flipped inside out. Although the overall silhouette of the shoe remains unchanged, virtually every element of the shoe’s construction is flipped. The checkboard pattern found on the shoe’s canvas upper is hidden on the inside, the back red heel branding is flipped and the outsole is reversed so that the indents usually found on the gum outsole are raised. Retailing at ¥8,500 JPY (approximately $75 USD), the Vans x BEAMS reverse checkerboard slip-on will be available through a lottery at BEAMS Harajuku location April 1.”

This is a pretty cool and original idea, and I’m really liking it.  Hopefully we don’t see too many others trying to copy this, but if they do, we know that Vans Japan thought of it first!

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Words via Hypebeast:

“Japanese outfit UNIVERSAL PRODUCTS is the latest to team up with Vans on a pair of collaborative footwear, joining the California-based icon for a special rendition of the tried-and-true Authentic. Built on the premise of “extraordinary in everyday,” the co-branded design takes the humble silhouette and dresses it in white, allowing the materials to do the talking by combining a premium harako leather base with faux pony hair throughout.

Vans Japan has once again teamed up with Sophnet. on another Sk8-Hi with a medial side zipper.  This time, they went with a black and camo pattern for the side panels.  Not much more to describe about the pair, but this time there is a few pieces of apparel to go along with the release.  Check them out after the jump!  Available soon from  Sophnet and Billy’s Tokyo.

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The 2016 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show is just around the corner, and Vans has teamed up with Mooneyes to create two motorsports inspired shoes, by way of a Sk8-Hi and a Slip-On.  Both feature familiar branding logos throughout the shoe, but each are entirely unique of one another.  The Slip-On comes in a gray canvas mockup, with a black printed canvas ad on the toe, with a very cool brushed metallic silver heel panel, complete with labels, derived from Mooneyes gas tanks which they are most widely known for.  The Sk8-Hi is done up in a yellow suede vamp, with a canvas side panel printed with the Mooneyes logo in a yellow to red gradient.  The custom details don’t stop there, as the ollie pads, and heel panel also feature custom embroidery and the top eyelets are plugged with a metal stud.  Both pairs finish off nicely with custom printed footbeds.  These will be available in highly limited quantities at this year’s YHRC Show on Dec. 4th, 2016.  If you’ll be in Japan during this time, you may want to stop by and check this show out, as it’s become one of the premier motorcycle shows in the world.  More info can be found here.

info via Mooneyes JP

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Words via Hypebeast:

“Japanese BMX outfit 430 is still going strong two decades after its debut, so, to celebrate the 20-year milestone, the collective has teamed up with Vans for its latest co-branded endeavor. Like previous joint projects between the two, the highlight here is a special edition of the Old Skool. Aptly dubbed the “DOUBLE DECADE,” the kicks come with an all-black look and eschew more prototypical branding cues in favor of custom hits to the rubber foxing and laces, not to mention Vans’ iconic checkerboard motif across the footbed and tongue. To sweeten the deal, 430 has dropped a coinciding capsule collection of Vans apparel that includes a coaches jacket, tee and cap — all of which don special “DOUBLE DECADE” insignia.

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Words via Highsnobiety:

“As a followup to their previous collaboration on the Slip-On, Vans and Hawaii-based artist Christie Shinn have once again worked on the laceless silhouette.

You can look forward to Christie Shinn’s latest Vans Slip-On collaboration releasing on July 17 through select Vans Japan outlets.”

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Words via Hypebeast:

“The Vans Slip-On has already been subject of various collaborations this year, most recently in a series of striking “Qi Pao” releases with Opening Ceremony. Now the iconic laceless sneaker is rendered in a striking graphic-heavy tribute to Japanese girl rock band “SCANDAL” in celebration of their 10th anniversary. The group first made waves in 2008 both at home and abroad after signing to indie label Kitty Records a mere two years after they were formed, before making their major debut on Epic Records with the single “Doll” that same year. This collaborative effort sees the band’s logo adorn the toe portion of the shoe, while a nod to the year 2006 and a bar code emblazon the design as well. Finished off with a two-tone vulcanized sole, you can purchase this limited edition release for ¥6,500 JPY (approximately $61 USD) starting August 6 at ABC MART locations in Shibuya, Nagoya and Osaka.”

Mastermind Japan has finally released some official pics of their latest Vans collaboration, and it looks like the line-up will consist of a Sk8-Hi with a side zipper, an Era, and a Slip-On, all in the Co.JP construction.  Each pair features premium black leather, and a half black/half white vulcanized sole.  Mastermind’s “skull & crossbone” branding can be seen prominently throughout each shoe, so you can let others know you’re all about that Japanese high fashion.  There are also 3 t-shirts being offered up this time.  Mastermind always does a killer job with their designs, or maybe I’m just partial to black and white.  Anyways, there is a pre-order up right now for the entire collection over at California Dept., but it’s a Japan exclusive, so unless you’re in Japan, or are saavy with the proxy sites, forget about getting these!

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