Vans Vault x Robert Williams – Release Party Recap (7.23.16)

Jul 26 16 under 50th, Collaborations, Events, Friends, Heritage, History, UTP, Vault | Comments Off

When our friends at Vans send out the invite for a special occasion, you know we try to do our best to provide you with the same experiences that we are fortunate to have. As a true Vans fan boy, I’ll always consider myself lucky to be a part of these things, and to be able to rub elbows and chop it up with like-minded individuals about Vans…it just doesn’t get better than that. This was a night to celebrate Robert Williams though, and his collaboration with Vault by Vans for Vans’ 50th Anniversary celebration, and just like I’ve done in the past, I want to take you along for the evening’s festivities as if you were there with me, like I hope most of you wanted to be.

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Vans Vault x Engineered Garments – OG Sk8-Hi LX (July 2016)

Jul 22 16 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Engineered Garments has teamed up with Vans Vault once again, to release this 3-pack of OG Sk8-Hi LX’s, this time going in a different direction than their prior “mis-matched” styles that they’re known for. For this pack, all 3 Sk8-Hi’s are constructed in the same black premium leather and sude, but the lateral (inside) panels of each shoe are constructed in one of 3 canvas colors: olive, black, or navy. That same colored canvas can be seen on the medial eye-lace row. If you’re confused, just look at the pictures, but you’ll see what I mean! The overall aesthetic is mature, and subtle, with a little bit of mismatched fun. At least each shoe is a mirror reflection of each other this time around, which some might prefer. These are now available exclusively from UBIQ for $110 each.

more pics after the jump

Vans Japan x Christie Shinn – Slip-On (Japan Only!)

Jul 18 16 under Collaborations, Japan Only | Comments Off

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.

The sneaker showcases Shinn’s colorful artwork, as inspired by the North Shore where she calls home. Even the insoles feature custom drawings from Christie, who makes use of vivid colors and clean lines on the collaborative pair. Finally, co-branding can also be seen on the insoles, in addition to “Aloha” tagging implemented on the heel.

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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Vans Japan x SCANDAL – Slip-On (Japan Exclusive!)

Jul 18 16 under Collaborations, Japan Only | Comments Off

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.”

Vans x OnlyNY – Capsule Collection (Official Vans Info)

Jul 18 16 under Collaborations, Pro | Comments Off

Words via Vans:

“This fall, Vans partners with independent New York streetwear brand, Only NY, to create a capsule that embraces signature skate style and passion for the outdoors. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant city of New York with influence from the outdoors, fishing, skateboarding and art, Vans and Only NY combine an eclectic mix of styles to present a premium assortment of apparel, accessories and Vans Pro Skate footwear.

The Vans x Only NY collection offers an assortment of core apparel staples and all-weather jackets including the beloved Torrey coaches jacket and the all-new Loon Society parka, built with 100% Nylon water-resistant materials to keep you dry during the wet winter months. Must-have layering pieces include a yarn dye flannel and the Loon Society pullover hoodie. The Vans x Only NY capsule is completed by a selection of tees and hats boasting the Only NY “loon society” logo, which thoughtfully blends in Vans’ heritage checkerboard print.

The Vans x Only NY collection is complemented by two distinct colorways of the Old Skool Pro, a staple in Vans’ performance skate line. Available in a classic dress blues suede or premium white leather, the Vans x Only NY Old Skool Pro is built with ULTRACUSH HD sockliners for the highest impact cushioning, and is combined with DURACAP reinforced uppers for lasting durability. Both styles feature contrasting Sidestripes and present the unifying Vans x Only NY logo on the sockliner, tying the entire collection together.”

tons of pics after the jump

Vans Vault x Robert Williams – “Vans 50th Anniversary” Collection (7.23.16)

Jul 18 16 under 50th, Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

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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Vans 50th – MTV Era Pro Limited “1990” (Coming Soon to @silostore) #silostore

Jul 14 16 under 50th, Collaborations, Pro | Comments Off

This month’s 50th Anniversary Pro Limited release is this MTV Era Pro you see here. This is a retro of the same shoe that released back in 1990, featuring an all black canvas design, with black toe bumper, and custom printed vulcanized sidewalls. The main feature however, is the MTV logo checkerboard pattern on the heel panel which gives the shoe it’s instant appeal. These are set to release soon at a very few select Vans accounts, mostly those that carried Syndicate, but some shops have released their pairs early so keep an eye out, and Silo has a few good pics that they took for us all to see.

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Red Bull Presents: The Ripple Effect S1 Ep2 | Vans (Video!)

Jul 13 16 under 50th, Heritage, History, Interviews, Videos | Comments Off

Red Bull has this really cool video series called The Ripple Effect, where they feature different brands in the action sports world, and for episode 2 of their inaugural season, they featured our beloved Vans. This is hands down one of the most thoroughly entertaining and knowledgeable videos about Vans’ history, their identity, and their vision. Sit back and enjoy this 23 minute video, featuring some familiar friendly faces!

Vans Vault x Opening Ceremony – “Qi Pao Pack” OG Classic Slip-On LX (Available Now!)

Jul 8 16 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Opening Ceremony:

“As a part of our 2016: The Year in China series, Opening Ceremony teams up with Vans to present the Qi Pao Pack. Iconic OG Classic Slip-On LX sneakers are wrapped in a silky Chinese brocade fabric, available in three striking colors, black, pink, and red.”

The pack is now available from Opening Ceremony’s webstore for $85.

more colors after the jump

Vans Vault x Barneys – Runner LX (Available Now!)

Jul 8 16 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Barneys New York has finally revealed their collaboration with Vans Vault of the new Runner model. They did a pretty good job of keeping things under wraps, but we now get to see their punk inspired shoe. All four shops who collaborated on the Runner went in an entirely different direction, and these are no exception. Right off the bat, you notice the polished silvertone studded spikes mounted along the jazz stripe. I guess you can say that these are the edgier pair of the bunch. They feature a mixture of black nubuck and perforated suede leather, sitting on top of a speckled midsole with gum sawtooth sole, and finishing up nicely with a silver specchio leather ankle panel. The shoe also features a black and white checkerboard Ultracush Lite insole with custom Barneys branding. These are available now on the Barneys webstore for $150.

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