Vans OTW – Larkin “The Blackouts” edition

Vans OTW has recently let their advocates Ako and Atiba Jefferson come up with their take on the slim-profiled Larkin.  They created two versions of the shoe, an all leather pair, and an all canvas pair, both done in all black.  The leather one features perforated uppers, and black soles, for that classy, semi-formal, all blacked out look.  The canvas pair sits on top of a white sole, which for some reason just fits it perfectly.  Both have “Black Out” labels on the heel, as well as on the sock liners.  OTW is really starting to take off, and if they keep coming correct with releases like this, then they’ll have no problem with their sophomore season!  Hit up Brant at Silo if you’re interested in these!

pics and info via Silo

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This is the Collector: Thane R. aka Wolfstrice09

The second Vans collector featured, for the “This is the Collector” series from OTW, is Thane, aka Wolfstrice09, from Gladstone, Oregon.  A Vans store manager, and sneaker collector already, who found the darkside like most of us, in the world of rare, and limited Vans sneakers.  His story is unique, and you can check it out on the OTW microsite!

This is the Collector: Chris B. aka Crisone/Crisuno

As OTW continues to build their identity and core base, they are starting to see who is interested in their unfamiliar, yet dope creations.  It’s hard to push for change, but how else do you grow?  One element of change for them, is they are embracing the sneaker collecting culture, FINALLY!  OTW is going to be doing some pieces on different Vans collectors out there, inspired by OTW advocate Dimitri Coste, arguably the largest Vans curator/fanatic out there.  You may recall his feature in the “A History of Vans” book, that released last year.  He’s got enough Vans to create a museum.  New and old, and definitely rare stuff.  To kick things off, OTWS member Crisuno was chosen, and rightfully so, with his vast knowledge, and time he’s put into collecting kicks.  16 years to be exact.  He’s part of an OG era of collectors, who hasn’t been jaded by the scene, he’s just adapted to it, by thinning out his collection, to just include the best of his best.  I don’t want to spoil the read, so get on over to the OTW site for the feature.

Vans OTW Canada – A Night at the Waldorf (Video)

The OTW advocates recently dropped in, to the Waldorf in Vancouver, for the Knowshow that recently took place.  They released this short film, to coincide with the event.  I feel there’s going to be a bigger push for OTW this year, as the sub-brand gains more recognition, and acceptance into the mainstream!

In4mation x VANS OTW x New Era – Fitted Cap “Bedford”

Check out this dope New Era that just dropped exclusively at In4mation, that coincides with the In4mation x OTW Bedford that just released.  Constructed in black denim, with a brown pleather brim.  Check out the underside, all done up in red, like the inner lining of the shoe.  Vans branding is on the rear, while the In4mation x OTW tag that was used on the tongues of the shoe, are found smack dab in the center of the front.  Now available on the In4mation web shop.

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VANS OTW – Pritchard (A Closer Look)

Thanks to the homie Chris over at OTW, we have a few new pics of the Pritchard, from the OTW collection.  There a lot of oxford shoes that are coming out right now, and this one is probably the most wearable of them all.  It’s got that sophisticated style that your boss won’t mind you wearing at the office, while also being comfortable enough to wear out on the weekends.  I got to get a pair of the indigo/gum ones, which are now up on the Vans web store.

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Vans x In4mation OTW Bedford (A closer look)

Last weekend marked the release of the 3rd and latest collaboration between Vans and In4mation.  We have some new, detailed pics to show you, and hopefully get you off the fence about this release.  This time, CrisUno, aka CrisOne, did us the favor of snapping a few high-res pics, and he also threw on the red laces that came with the In4mation half-cabs that released a few years ago.  Perhaps this subtle change, will show you some of the potential for these shoes.  I also heard from somewhere that there is something underneath the denim paneling, just like the half-cabs, but nobody at the moment, is willing to confirm that, by ripping a hole in their newly acquired Bedfords!  Anyone wanna confirm this myth?  Go and cop from the In4mation web store while you still can!

pics via CrisOne

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Vans x In4mation OTW Bedford (Releasing tomorrow!)

Todd and Keith from In4mation have been super generous to our OTWS fam, and we can’t say thank you enough to the both of you for allowing us to reserve our pairs before releasing to the public!  Releasing Friday, February 11th at 6pm PST, are the highly anticipated In4mation Bedfords.  Limited to 300 pairs, and only available through all 4 of the In4mation shops: Ward Warehouse, Pearlridge, Aloha Army Waikiki, and their Online Store.  People are sleeping on these big time.  Wake up, before you regret this one later.  Also, for the first 20 orders online, there is an added special gift from Vans and In4mation.  Mahalos!

info via In4mation

In4mation x OTW x HighSnobiety (raffle winner!)

One of our OTWS members, Magas, won one of the pairs of the OTW Bedfords from the contest held between In4mation and HighSnobiety.  The coolest thing, is that this pair is a sample.  Don’t forget to compare this sample, with a production version Magas!  With prior In4mation releases, some minor detail was always changed up for the production version.  We should be anticipating these at the end of the month, hopefully!

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Vans OTW – Woessner Spring 2011

The Woessner is probably going to be one of the most successful releases from OTW this season.  They chose to stick with a familiar shape, and subdued colors, which is probably where the line should have been taken since the beginning.  If you look in all of the OTW ads, not one of the advocates are seen in their green, red, or other brighter colorway models.  They all chose to go the black, grey, or white route.  Another nice touch, that I think all OTW models should share, is the OTW heel tab.  I can’t recall how many times I’ve mistaken the Larkin for the Versa!  These are a sign of good things to come from OTW in the near future.  Are these on your hit list?  Thanks to Silo, and Premier for the pics!

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