vans vault x brain dead aw17 collection a closer look | The Nicole McLaughlin x Vault By Vans Slip-On Is Designed For The Garden

Over the course of the last few years, Nicole McLaughlin — a multi-disciplinary artist with expertise in upcycling — has gone on to do progressively bigger things, even receiving a collaboration from the very brand she interned with early in her career. And now, for 2023, McLaughlin is stepping limitada from Reebok and joining Anaheim’s own Vault By Vans, who has helped the talent in producing her own vision for the Slip-On.

“The Vault by Vans NM Gardening Tote is a vision I’ve had for a while”, said McLaughlin. “I’ve always loved the Slip-Ons and the traditional canvas upper. The idea of canvas made me think about vintage gardening bags and it inspired me to make my own version, a functional gardening tote Slip-On.”

Much like many of her personal works, the Nicole McLaughlin x Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX is designed with utility in mind, complete with details that make it perfect for gardening. Dubbed the “Gardening Tote” — as is written along the tongue just underneath McLaughlin’s “n.m.” branding — the shoe features a series of compartments across its toe box, allowing one to store shears or even miniature shovels and rakes. What’s more, the model is easily taken on-the-go, as the heel strap can be attached to one’s bag via a carabiner.

The Nicole McLaughlin x Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX will be available in two styles, both constructed out of an organic canvas. The “White/Green” borrows inspiration from the classic gardening tote, while the accompanying “Brown/Grey” references the workwear bucket bags commonly taken to and from job sites.

Both colorways of the Nicole McLaughlin x Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX will be available on March 31st via both Vans.com as well as select Vault by Vans retailers.

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