This summer Vans have teamed up with esteemed Japanese artist Takahashi Murakami for an inspired range under the label’s Vans Vault imprint. Channeling Murakami’s ‘superflat’ aesthetic which ties together elements of animé, manga, pop culture and traditional art from his native Japan, the bold collection reworks the artist favourite Vans silhouette – the Classic Slip-On LX. Utilising two reoccurring motifs that define Murakami’s work, skulls and flowers, the illustrative work adorns the canvas uppers in a range of hues with complementary piping working with the characteristic fresh white midsole. Rounding off the collection is are three t-shirts and a duo of skate decks adorned in either the skull or flowers artwork, adding a tactile element to the release.
The Classic Slip On is one of Vans most revered silhouettes and a design that has left itself open to some innovative reinterpretations due to its functional skateboarding lead design. This premium version from Vans Vault is made with printed canvas uppers, atop the the original vulcanised sole and finished with the ‘Off the Wall’ originals heel tab.