Vans has teamed up with British design house Eley Kishimoto, a brand known for its bold, vibrant prints, to launch a collection of wearable art with Vans footwear, apparel and accessories as the canvas to these imaginative designs.
Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto, husband and wife design duo, founded Eley Kishimoto together in 1992 living by the maxim Print the World. Working alongside Vans’ design team, Eley Kishimoto applied two of their archive designs across the collection and introduces three exclusive prints, designed specially for Vans.
The Vans x Eley Kishimoto collection comes to life in ready-to-wear silhouettes for men and women. A five-piece installment ranging from short-sleeve button downs, raglan tees, socks, backpacks and a reversible bucket hat are available exclusively for men in Eley Kishimoto’s Flash print. Women’s apparel complements the men’s line showcasing Eley Kishimoto’s Magnolia Hysteria print on simple, feminine silhouettes ranging from a dress, tees, totes, accessories and a lightweight reversible parka.
Utilizing their signature graphic print aesthetic, Eley Kishimoto reinterprets the quintessential Vans Waffle Sole and Checkerboard pattern to create footwear prints exclusively for Vans. The Waffle Sole is usually only seen as an imprint, but Eley Kishimoto translates that iconic step into a 3D interpretation dubbed the ‘Whopping Waffle’ that adorns the low-top Era in bright blue. The iconic Vans Checkerboard is transformed into the energetic ‘Drums’ print, which combines deconstructed checks with tribal motifs. The Drums print can be found on the Classic Slip-On, the Hanelei Sandal, the Sk8-Hi Slim and Aura Snowboard Boot available exclusively for women. The third original print created for Vans explores an abstract urban playground, known as the ‘Bumpy Road’, which is collaged on the Authentic. Rounding out the footwear assortment for men and women are two of Eley Kishimoto’s treasured archive designs including their iconic Flash print and the feminine flourish of Magnolia Hysteria.
In celebration of the Vans x Eley Kishimoto ‘Living Art’ collection, Vans will host ‘Print the House’ events around the world. The first event kicks off Saturday, July 11 at House of Vans London as the Eley Kishimoto team takes over the Old Vic Tunnels with stunning visual displays and art installations, along with lively musical performances by an eclectic mix of UK-based DJs and groups including Jerry Bouthier, Kero Kero Bonito, The Square, JME, Logan Sama, Flowdan and more! Please visit HouseofVansLondon.com to RSVP to the event . The launch will continue in Seoul, Korea as the designers will celebrate with a special art installation and in-store meet and greet at the Vans Lab Store on July 17.
The Vans x Eley Kishimoto collection launches globally this July. Prices range from $15.00 $70.00 USD. Watch living art come to life in an animated video by Bucky Hukumoto staring Vans skate team rider, Lizzie Armanto and friends. Shop the collection online at vans.com/eleykishimoto and Vans retail stores globally.
