A new shipment of Vans has arrived at Japanese sneaker retailer ABC-Mart (not to be confused with some sketchy corner store). Aside from your regular staple of Half Cabs, Eras and the like comes some more contemporary vintage inspired models such as the TNT II, J-Lay and No Skool 2 Mid. Check in with your local Vans stockist for availability and details.
Here’s a look at a series of samples from Vans’ Mexican Blanket pack. The shoes feature materials similar to Mexican blankets often seen in various tourist destinations. These blankets are often woven with bright colorful patterns. These releases are a bit more understated with a predominately black weave with the odd bits of colorful lines. No word yet on availability.
Image: Sneaker Freaker
Although those ugly zigzag Christmas sweaters are all but put away in the closet for another year, Vans can keep the holiday cheer going year round with a pair of knit Chukkas. The black, gray and white upper includes a suede toebox. Check your local Vans dealer for availability.
Image: Complex
Artist Grime boasts an impressive array of skills and talents as a tattoo artist, painter and writer. With the chilling account of his personal life from 1999-2000 seen in his book Grime: Two Year Autopsy, his visions and creativity have found a new home with his designs seen on an upcoming collection of Vans Syndicate. The Half Cabs and Slip-On each possess highly detailed prints depicting Grime’s raw and real nature. No word yet on availability.
Info/Image: Crooked Tongues
Legendary guitarist Johnny Ramone has been given tribute by iconic Californian brand Vans. A pair of Slip-Ons depicts Johnny Ramone rocking out with his signature at the tip of the toebox. Johnny Ramone can also be seen on the midsole with an embroidered quote on the heel. A set of apparel will also accompany the release. No word yet on a release date.
Info/Image: Conope
Vans recently kicked off the Dragon Chasers Exhibition at Leftfoot Gallery in Taipei. The exhibition was a mixture of art and some of Vans’ most important releases in recent memory. The theme of the show is based around the Asian cultural concept of “Dragon Chasers”. The metaphor of dragon chasing signifies the Asian attitude of attempting to exceed their limits, chasing something that is impossible. The art was created by Singaporean artist Jahan. The exhibition concludes on January 1st, 2008.
Leftfoot Gallery
No. 38 Dun Hwa South Road
Sec 1, Alley 161
Taipei, Taiwan
Tel: +886-227513227
Vans released a pack of their SK8-HIs exclusively to Japanese online retailer Flauge. The be blunt, the SK8-HIs are rather un-inspired with a rehashing of Vans classic checkerboard print with a printed midsole. Four colors are available include red/white, black/green, black/yellow and black/white. Available now at Flauge.
We’d be weary of wearing an all-over print pair of sneakers which pictures banana totting monkeys, however a redeeming quality might be that cute girls take pity on you. For the time being it appears as though Slip-Ons and Authentics are in the mix for this particular pack of skating primates with three different colorways available.
Info/Image: Sneaker Freaker
An early look into COMME des GARÇONS designer Junya Watanabe’s team up with everybody’s classic favorite Vans has surfaced. The black leather SK8-HI features contrast stitching, custom insole and what appears to be woven leather laces. No word on availability.
Image: Shinsuke Takizawa.
If you need casual onlookers to give you the “hey cool shoes” compliment, Vans recently released a pack of Metallic Big Tongue Old Skools and SK8-HIs to make you feel better about yourself. Each pair features a thick tongue and shiny metallic upper in either gold or silver. Available now through ABC Mart.
Vans previously created a collection of shoe with hi fashion designer Marc Jacobs and now it looks like Vans will be working with the leading British designer, Paul Smith for a collection of sneakers. Seen here are the Sk8 Hi and the Chukka which both utilizes Paul Smith’s signature pattern. Rumor has it that there will be other models included in this series including a Slip On and the Era. These will be available sometime in Spring of 2008.
Image: Footurama
Vans teamed up with Long-Beach California sneaker boutique Proper on a series of SK8 Hi models. The upper is constructed of silky satin and a special Proper tab can be seen along the heel. Three different colorways are available, purple, grey and navy blue. Available soon exclusively at Proper with a price tag of $85 USD.
Image: Sneaker Freaker