The skate shoe has become a summer staple in the past few years and although everyone from the high-street to high-end designers offer their own version, the original belongs, unequivocally, to Vans. They’re as ubiquitous as Converse but Vans have their own distinct history that incorporates the once underground counter-cultural movements of skating and surfing. These sports had a deep impact on the world of fashion and have been influencing it ever since. It seems fitting then that the world of fashion should lend itself to reinvigorating the classic skate shoes that Vans are famous for. There have been plenty of these collaborations in recent years with everyone from Kenzo to René Magritte appearing on the legendary shoes but now it’s the turn of Eley Kishimoto; the brand created by husband and wife design duo Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto in 1992. I’ve been obsessed with their ‘flash’ print since I first set eyes on it. To me it’s as iconic as Westwood’s squiggle print, Gucci’s interlocking G’s and Vuitton’s monogram. Just way, way cooler. So it’s apt that it should now adorn Vans. The collection comprises three other prints created exclusively for Vans and it’s not just shoes but also a whole range of bags, t-shirts, and even parkas.
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