Angelo Baque’s Awake NY is further expanding its collaborative footwear catalogue with its first-ever drop with Vans. Working closely with its coastal opposite, Awake reimagines the iconic checkerboard pattern in three distinct colorways on the Vans Sk8-Hi. Utilizing Batik swatches, Awake achieves a worn-in look thanks to the wax-resistant dye, with each colorway style featuring a muddied coloring. Each of the three colorways are off-set by its own contrasting lace color, while the Awake NY logo is pressed into the forefoot of each.
In regards to the project, Baque states: “It’s exciting that Awake NY can serve as a conduit between the East and West Coasts. A partner like Vans truly complements us, and vice versa…As with all our collaborations, the community is the foundation. We’re looking forward to working with Fresh Youth Initiatives, and Children of Promise, NY. With the power of Vans, Greenhouse, and Foot Locker behind us, we’re truly able to make a difference.”
The entire set will first drop exclusively through Awake NY’s online shop on October 15th. Continuing the staggered release scheduled is an October 20th release through the Greenhouse App, and then a release on Foot Locker on October 22nd. Each pair is priced at $95; see them all below both in studio shots and on the feet of Griselda Records founder Westside Gunn shot by Shaniqua Jarvis.