Mami Wata Playfully Revamps the Iconic Vans Checkerboard for African Surf-Inspired Collection
Featuring sustainably-made garments and footwear.
Connecting the surfing worlds in southern California and coastal Africa, Vans announces a new collaboration with lifestyle brand and surf advocate Mami Wata. The debut collection sees the brands tap into the sights, sounds and cultural history of the continent, providing the vivid inspiration for its stand-out designs.
With a knack for bringing vibrant hues and abstract prints to its surf-focused diffusion label, Vans transforms its classic sneakers once again with an assortment of pastel colors and graphic symbols. The Vans Authentic VR3 SF lands as the hero model in the collection, adopting a micro-checkerboard print in “Mami Wata Cream” and muted tones of green and blue, designed to resemble hand-woven fabrics.
This swatched upper is stacked on top of a crisp white midsole, stamped with symbols that pay homage to the continent’s vintage music posters. These icons can also be seen embroidered on the lateral of the Sk8-Hi 138 Decon VR3 SF and heel tab of the Style 36 Decon VR3 SF.
The synergy of style is followed through in the collection’s garments and accessories. On socks and boardshorts, the checkerboard print is enlarged to house small hearts. Whilst the staple tees, boxy shirts and oversized hoodies feature the dedicated symbols with depictions of lions and surfers printed in bold crest formations.
Harnessing Vans’ new material guidelines, the collection is constructed consciously with various regenerative, recycled and renewable fabrics. On footwear uppers and plain tees, the brand uses an organic cotton, while rubber soles are modeled with the VR3Waffle™, blended from a compound of regeneratively grown natural rubber. It also introduces a new VR3Cush™ drop-in footbed made from 25% biobased EVA foam, showcasing its commitment to the environment.
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In an effort to extend its message of surfing for good, Mami Wata joined Vans to host a launch party at One Park in Cape Town for creatives, media, Vans athletes and other friends of the brands. Against the backdrop of music from BCUC – who came dressed head-to-toe in the range – attendees were able to explore the graphic-led collection and accompanying art displays while indulging in a South African inspired menu. Find out what went down in the images above.
Shop the Mami Wata x Vans collection now online and in select stores worldwide.
