Vans and WTAPS mark a new milestone in their storied partnership to unveil a premium 10-piece footwear and apparel collection, deeply rooted in a philosophy derived from the finest Japanese craftsmanship.  As Vans celebrates its 50^th anniversary and WTAPS approaches their 20^th year, both brands honor their history by introducing an Anaconda-inspired embossed leather pack in three new colorways, alongside a collection of Vault by Vans Original Classics highlighting the coveted Bones motif.  Arguably the most sought-after design emblem in the history of Vans x WTAPS projects, the white stitched Bones motif resurfaces on black and olive executions of the OG Sk8-Hi LX, OG Chukka Boot LX and OG Authentic LX. Each style is unified by the coveted Bones pattern stitched across the quarter panels, complete with a solid toecap design.  A unique piece to round out the fall collection reveals a premium military-inspired jacket, sporting the all-over Bones motif and a final, expressive touch that reads “Vans #1 Waffle Lovers Club” stitched on the back.  Launched in 1996, WTAPS director Tetsu Nishiyama, or “TET”, has built a brand that defines modern design in a league of its own. No stranger to Vans, WTAPS celebrate more than a decade of limited edition collaborations with the brand under the Vans Syndicate and Vault by Vans labels.

The Vault by Vans x WTAPS collection retails from $65 to $360 and launches in Japan on August 20, 2016. The Anaconda styles will be available globally on August 27, 2016 and the Bones styles on September 10, 2016. The jacket will be available in limited quantities in select retailers globally alongside the Bones footwear capsule.

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In 2009, Vans Vault teamed up with “lowbrow” artist Robert Williams, to create a small collection of shoes, showcasing his artistic style, and introducing him to a new audience in those Vans collectors, like us.  Known for his works in the hot rod car custom culture, he’s a well known figure in that community, and it’s nice to see that Vans has collaborated with him again on this 50th Anniversary collection.

Read what Vans has to say below.

“Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, has collaborated with one of America’s most maligned underground artists, Robert Williams, to bring his psychedelic artwork to life in a limited edition Vault by Vans capsule, introducing a striking trio of classic footwear, deluxe shirts, and a very special Fender Stratocaster Guitar. With an approach that celebrates Vans’ 50th anniversary, the Vault by Vans x Robert Williams collection sustains the design elements of past Robert Williams partnerships by showcasing Robert’s intense creativity and imagination across Vans iconic forms.

In the late 20^th and early 21^st centuries, a new form of realism through paint presented perspectives that challenged the definition of fine art, focusing on the figurative graphics that formal art tended to reject: comic books, hot rod culture, surfer illustrations, movie posters and trading cards, to name a few. It was Robert Williams’ groundbreaking 1979 book, The Lowbrow Art of Robert Williams, that introduced the term “lowbrow” into the fine arts lexicon, fostering the evolution of “outlaw culture” in the art space. The Vault by Vans x Robert Williams offering features three prominent paintings by Robert that speak to this form of fine art including “Flaming Cobras”, “Malfeasance” and “Jalapeña.

The Sk8-Hi 38 Decon LX, a deluxe version of Vans’ iconic high-top silhouette, reveals Robert’s intricate line art from the “Flaming Cobras” painting, which has been adapted to the shoe’s upper and lining. The panels of the Authentic 44 Reissue LX are covered with Robert’s “Malfeasance” and the outsole displays its central theme exposed through clear rubber. The Slip-On 98 Reissue LA “Jalapeña” features one of Robert’s iconic works from the 1980s. The bold colors and heavy textural brushwork are featured on the toe and heel, while black leather is featured on the quarter panels and sockliner top sheet. All three styles feature an illustration printed under a unique clear rubber sole for an understated simplicity.

 Finally, Robert Williams’ personal signature is highlighted on the rear foxing tape accompanied by Vans “Off The Wall” heel scab and signature capsule logos on the footbeds. Each style will be packaged with printed cotton carry bags with Robert Williams uncrossed artwork inside of a custom pull-drawer shoebox.

 Vault by Vans x Robert Williams will also introduce a series of three classic t-shirts, bringing his artwork to a signature casual staple in vintage black, vintage yellow and white. The final piece of the collection is a stunning Fender Stratocaster Guitar, reimagining Robert Williams’ “Jalapeña” artwork in a full graphic print wrap around the body and guitar case.

 The Vault by Vans x Robert Williams collection retails from $50 to $2,500 USD and launches globally on July 23, 2016 at select accounts including BLENDS, Hot Rod, Bodega, Si Vas Descalzo and Goodhood. Learn more about this special project at Vans.com/vault.”

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