L'Art de l'Automobile's Vans Vault Collab Draws From the Volkswagen Golf GTI
The original family car, reworked into an Era sneaker.
Arthur Kar’s L’Art de l’Automobile is renowned for its playful partnerships and its new collaboration with Vans doesnt’ stray from the path. Combining elements of Kar’s passion for cars with Vans’ signature silhouettes, the joint effort sees the realization of two distinct Vault Era sneakers, elevated by thematic detailing and thoughtful details.
L’Art de l’Automobile reimagined the Era VLT LX in black and white colorways for its collaborative release, drawing influence from Volkswagen‘s Golf GTI MK1, the first generation of the German automaker’s classic family car, which Kar’s family owned and drove throughout his childhood.
Clever touches include a vamp and heel panels graced by Alcantara’s sturdy textiles — derived from the Italian brand’s auto interior fabrics — ideal for skates looking for properly thrashable sneakers. The front of each sneaker also features a “car vent” above crystal outsoles laden with “Gas” and “Brake” verbiage, while screen-printed KAR logos appear on the quarter panels and a French car registration plate is hidden behind Vans’ lateral side tag.
The black Vans Era will arrive today at Dover Street Market‘s global stores, Slam Jam, Notre and L’Art de l’Automobile’s web store while its white counterpart is exclusive to L’Art de l’Automobile’s site and Paris’ The Broken Arm. Below, watch the Kyle Reese-direct, Lil Yachty-narrated teaser edit.
Most recently, Vans partnered with Anderson .Paak for a set of collaboration sneakers.
