Brooks & Vans have both been doing their thing since ’66, making 2016 a big anniversary for both. It’s been 150 years of riding for Brooks (since 1866) and 50 years for Vans (since 1966) kicking out shoes, so it seemed time for the Brits to work together again with the Yanks as part of the premium Vault collection. This time Brooks and Vans worked together to collaborate with artist, designer & long-time Vans-collaborator Taka Hayashi on a limited edition collection of Brooks gear and Vans shoes tailored for riding. Brooks teased this partnering a few weeks back, but wasn’t quite ready with the details, but now we have more info and the kit is ready to buy…
The Brooks x Vault by Vans project take classic leather elements from both companies and reworks them with finely detailed artwork from Hayashi. His graphics and intricate designs transition from footwear over onto the bike by way of a Swift saddle and Barbican shoulder bag. That embossed Swift up there will set you back 200€, while the Vault edition Barbican shoulder bag below will run you a cool 320€.
Hayashi inspired by Native American art, culture & craftsmanship translates those inspirations into these contemporary designs and applications. Singling out the Swift as his favorite Brooks saddle, Hayashi incorporated a motif of the Swift throughout the project. The saddle itself gets an embossed pattern to work with the thick and structural leather. Vault by Vans has always been about bringing together contemporary artists for a unique take on the classic Vans design.
The shoes and bag get laser-etched for a contrasting look on their more flexible leather. The low-top slip-ons are selling for 180€ and the SK8-HI high-tops are 220€. The entire collection is available now direct from Brooks, or in Van’s special Vault shops around the globe.
