Month: January 2023

Today, Vans and Tony Alva’s skating imprint, Alva Skates, have joined forces to craft a line that champions both brands’ histories, with contributions from artist DJ Javier, Vans team rider Bella Kenworthy and musician KennyHoopla.Vans and Alva go way back. In 1974, the American skateboarder signed a deal with the footwear brand, just under a decade into its existence. In 1977, Alva founded his namesake skating brand, after playing a pivotal role in creating Vans’ first-ever skateboarding shoe, the Era. And ever since, the two entities have existed symbiotically in their influence over the skating domain.In an interview with Hypebeast in 2017, Alva reflected on how he has witnessed Vans evolve over the years. “I’ve watched Vans come from a little small mom-and-pop business to where it’s $3 Billion a year super successful, and it’s because we stayed true to the game. We’re open to promoting ourselves through things that kids are passionate about: music, art, fashion — but like real fashion done by the kids for the kids — surfing and skateboarding.”Inside their collaborative collection, Vans and Alva introduce the Authentic 44 DX Alva Skates in Brown/Pink, with leopard-printed suede that recalls the blueprint Alva Skates boards from the ’70s. The silhouette features enlarged logo work that references the skate brand’s original iconography. Elsewhere, the range features the Authentic 44 DX Alva Skates in Halo Multi, which call on the halo effect of ’80s boards with a gradient print, and the Authentic 44 DX Alva Skates in Navy, which pair a quilted canvas upper with a subtle, white lotus pattern.Rounding out the range, the collaboration offers up an Alva Skates crew fleece with fiery graphics, the OTW T-shirt doused in black-and-white illustrations, loose tapered cargo pants and a bucket hat decorated with Vans and Alva Skates pins.The Alva Skates collection will be available beginning January 12 at Vans stores and on the brand’s website. Take a look at the range in the gallery above.In more footwear news, Packer offered a first look at its snakeskin Clarks Wallabee collaboration.

Taking a break from its normal collaborators for a brief moment, Nike is exploring other partnership avenues to make a pit stop in Houston, Texas, more specifically in Rice Village. This month, the Beaverton imprint is linking up with Premium Goods to bring an Air Force 1 Low collection to life.Inspiration for this initiative is derived from the boutique’s owner Jennifer Ford and her affinity and past work in the jewelry space. She reimagines the classic hoops-turned-lifestyle silhouette with a myriad of different texture blends, artisanal techniques and luxe palettes. While understated in appearance, the kicks have been beautified with beads that are glued to the Swooshes and heel overlays, along with quilted quarter panels that are feature tiny star-shaped cut-outs. Tongues swap out their traditional Nike branding for Premium Goods logos and the laces have been switched to rope form. Additionally, roses show up inside the metallic gold lace deubres for an extra dash of playfulness.Detailed imagery of “The Bella” and “The Sophia” colorways can be viewed in the gallery above. They will officially launch on January 20 in-store and via the Premium Goods website for $150 USD a piece. View this post on InstagramA post shared by @premiumgoodshtxLooking for other footwear news? Official Images of the Pawnshop Skate Co. x Nike SB Dunk High have surfaced.

Following the release of the highly-anticipated “Protection Pack,” New Balance is gearing up to introduce its retro-inspired 1906R model in a neutral “mindful grey” colorway ideal for the fall and winter seasons. The tonal offering is encapsulated by an all-over tan upper featuring mesh underlays beneath suede trimmings that hit the mudguards, toe boxes, medials, and rears linearly. Standard N-LOCK New Balance logos at the sides receive a textured finish and boast contrasting metallic perimeters. Plastic guards enhance the heel counters, while model-specific branding is seen above. Further New Balance markings are previewed on the tongues, rears, and insoles, stacked atop white N-ERGY midsoles and black rubber bottoms injected with advanced cushioning technology for increased daily comfort. Take a closer look at the New Balance 1906R “Mindful Grey” in the gallery above. The pair is expected to drop later this year via New Balance and select retailers for $150 USD. Elsewhere in footwear, Packer offers first look at snakeskin Clarks Wallabee collaboration.