After announcing earlier this month that it would partner with Japanese anime artist Takashi Murakami on its classic slip-ons, Vans released images today of the soon-to-be sought-after product.
The action-sports brand’s collaboration — which includes footwear, graphic T-shirts and skate decks — will hit stores on June 27.
Murakami, a contemporary artist known for his use of lively colors and imagery, specializes in “blurring the line between high and low arts,” according to a statement from the VF. Corp.-owned Vans.
“For the past 10-plus years, without exaggeration, I have been wearing Vans Slip-Ons almost every single day,” Murakami said earlier this month. “For me, there are no other shoes that are so comfortably wearable that let me focus on producing my artwork. I also feel extremely strong empathy for Vans’ brand concept and creative stance.”
For the footwear, the artist turned to two of his favorite motifs: smiling flowers and skull patterns.
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The limited-edition run, called Vault by Vans x Takashi Murakami, features six adult unisex colorways and three toddler-sized styles.
In the adult line, half of the offering plays up skull patterns in darker tones, with the other half showcasing smiling flowers in bright colors. Meanwhile, the children’s line incorporates “more subdued” colors.
“Murakami’s own dog, Pom, makes a cameo on the footbed of each Slip-On as she sits atop the Vans skateboard logo,” the company said.
